Lake Lili
Veteran Member
Thanks for clarifying... I think the Missus deserves her birthday off... but please thank her for us.
Lili
Story Market Day
- Thread starter ComCamGuy
- Start date
Thanks for clarifying... I think the Missus deserves her birthday off... but please thank her for us.
Lili
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Angelique and Allyson were slowly cruising along through the forest bypass trail to get down to Larrissa’s.
“Thanks for voluntolding me for this.” Angelique said as they cleared the wall of the house.
“Not a problem. There were too many people in the house. I had to get out of there and it looked like you could use a break as well.”
“Definitely! Besides, it will be good to check up on those guys. I worry about them.”
“Yeah, Right!” Allyson sneered. “You’re just hoping for some more fresh milk!”
“Caught!” Angelique laughed. “What do you expect, with all those Christmas cookies you guys were baking?”
“So what’s you’re take on Heidi and the rest of the crew with your dad?”
Allyson’s question had Angelique thinking for a few moments. “I like them. Emilia is a hoot and seems to be the only one able to reel Heidi in sometimes. I’m really glad Heidi and Emilia are at the cabin with my dad. I think they are good for him. Even if there is nothing romantic between those two, he seems to perk up more when Heidi comes in the room. Kinda like Bekka or Garen do when Kara is around.”
“Speaking of Kara, what ancient book was she handing you the other day? It didn’t even look like English when you opened it!”
Angelique laughed. Earlier, she convinced Allyson to read some more classical books once she was past her study overload phase. Allyson seemed to like them but continually picked on her about her reading tastes.
“Well the other day, she caught me reading Garen’s graphic novel of Wagner’s ‘The Ring” and proclaimed it ‘bastardized crap’ and told me I should read the proper Norse tales and legends. You know me, I’ve never met a book I wouldn’t try. She gave me several books of Norse poems and the one you saw her give me was a proper translation of Beowulf. It’s really quite interesting stuff and makes some of the things Kara says and does make more sense.”
“To make Kara make more sense, you need to read some of her other religious books, like her stuff on the origins of the Templars.” Allyson wasn’t sure how they got so sideways in topics, but it felt right here on Christmas Eve.
“Oh yeah, those can get a bit deep.”
Allyson looked over at Angelique. Here was a girl who was reading the Iliad and the Odyssey for fun and she is saying the other stuff is deep? “I bet” Allyson replied.
“They make more sense when Kara explains the connections, like Adam and Eve hiding in the trunk of the World ash tree during Ragnarok and emerging after the destruction of the perfect lands they once inhabited or how the Templars were destroyed for holding true to the word of God instead of lending their power to this or that earthly ruler, for which they were destroyed.” Angelique was silent for a few moments before she continued. “You‘ve heard her pray, right?”
Allyson nodded. “Yup, each evening, before she goes to bed. It’s pure, simple and to the point, not like the overblown church prayers I grew up hearing. You know where it came from, right?”
“I asked her one time. She said it was a version of the Templar’s Oath to God.” Angelique replied.
“She didn’t tell you the other part?” Allyson asked.
“What other part?” Now Angelique was intrigued.
“Her fiancée…” Allyson started.
“The one killed by the IED?”
“Yeah, that one. He was pretty much a Templar scholar. She was already a devout student of her own Norse heritage and religions, and he showed her how it dovetailed into Christianity as long as you looked at the older writings and followers, like the Templars.”
“Ok, so how does it tie together?”
“Her oath, her prayer each night?”
“Yeah?”
“They were going to say them together as their vows at their wedding. Each night she is renewing her vow to him and to God.”
Angelique sat silent and coasted to a stop. She had chills running all over now. She was re-examining past conversations and observations in a new light. All these little glimpses of her faith and devotion, all her sorrow. Another thought snapped to the forefront. Kara willingly relived the loss, the taking of her love from her all over again, just to train her!
Allyson didn’t say anything. She saw this was an epiphany moment for Angelique and she didn’t want to disrupt it. Finally Angelique turned to Allyson.
“I had no idea.”
“I know. I wouldn’t suggest bringing it up with her either. I just figured you should know so you can properly understand and respect the solemnity of the occasion when she is doing it.”
Angelique just sat and stared a moment until Allyson spoke again.
“Better get a move on, we need to be good little elves and deliver these presents.”
Angelique started moving forward again, headed towards the farm.
“Thanks for voluntolding me for this.” Angelique said as they cleared the wall of the house.
“Not a problem. There were too many people in the house. I had to get out of there and it looked like you could use a break as well.”
“Definitely! Besides, it will be good to check up on those guys. I worry about them.”
“Yeah, Right!” Allyson sneered. “You’re just hoping for some more fresh milk!”
“Caught!” Angelique laughed. “What do you expect, with all those Christmas cookies you guys were baking?”
“So what’s you’re take on Heidi and the rest of the crew with your dad?”
Allyson’s question had Angelique thinking for a few moments. “I like them. Emilia is a hoot and seems to be the only one able to reel Heidi in sometimes. I’m really glad Heidi and Emilia are at the cabin with my dad. I think they are good for him. Even if there is nothing romantic between those two, he seems to perk up more when Heidi comes in the room. Kinda like Bekka or Garen do when Kara is around.”
“Speaking of Kara, what ancient book was she handing you the other day? It didn’t even look like English when you opened it!”
Angelique laughed. Earlier, she convinced Allyson to read some more classical books once she was past her study overload phase. Allyson seemed to like them but continually picked on her about her reading tastes.
“Well the other day, she caught me reading Garen’s graphic novel of Wagner’s ‘The Ring” and proclaimed it ‘bastardized crap’ and told me I should read the proper Norse tales and legends. You know me, I’ve never met a book I wouldn’t try. She gave me several books of Norse poems and the one you saw her give me was a proper translation of Beowulf. It’s really quite interesting stuff and makes some of the things Kara says and does make more sense.”
“To make Kara make more sense, you need to read some of her other religious books, like her stuff on the origins of the Templars.” Allyson wasn’t sure how they got so sideways in topics, but it felt right here on Christmas Eve.
“Oh yeah, those can get a bit deep.”
Allyson looked over at Angelique. Here was a girl who was reading the Iliad and the Odyssey for fun and she is saying the other stuff is deep? “I bet” Allyson replied.
“They make more sense when Kara explains the connections, like Adam and Eve hiding in the trunk of the World ash tree during Ragnarok and emerging after the destruction of the perfect lands they once inhabited or how the Templars were destroyed for holding true to the word of God instead of lending their power to this or that earthly ruler, for which they were destroyed.” Angelique was silent for a few moments before she continued. “You‘ve heard her pray, right?”
Allyson nodded. “Yup, each evening, before she goes to bed. It’s pure, simple and to the point, not like the overblown church prayers I grew up hearing. You know where it came from, right?”
“I asked her one time. She said it was a version of the Templar’s Oath to God.” Angelique replied.
“She didn’t tell you the other part?” Allyson asked.
“What other part?” Now Angelique was intrigued.
“Her fiancée…” Allyson started.
“The one killed by the IED?”
“Yeah, that one. He was pretty much a Templar scholar. She was already a devout student of her own Norse heritage and religions, and he showed her how it dovetailed into Christianity as long as you looked at the older writings and followers, like the Templars.”
“Ok, so how does it tie together?”
“Her oath, her prayer each night?”
“Yeah?”
“They were going to say them together as their vows at their wedding. Each night she is renewing her vow to him and to God.”
Angelique sat silent and coasted to a stop. She had chills running all over now. She was re-examining past conversations and observations in a new light. All these little glimpses of her faith and devotion, all her sorrow. Another thought snapped to the forefront. Kara willingly relived the loss, the taking of her love from her all over again, just to train her!
Allyson didn’t say anything. She saw this was an epiphany moment for Angelique and she didn’t want to disrupt it. Finally Angelique turned to Allyson.
“I had no idea.”
“I know. I wouldn’t suggest bringing it up with her either. I just figured you should know so you can properly understand and respect the solemnity of the occasion when she is doing it.”
Angelique just sat and stared a moment until Allyson spoke again.
“Better get a move on, we need to be good little elves and deliver these presents.”
Angelique started moving forward again, headed towards the farm.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Even though the Hyena was quiet, sound still carries and farther at night. Gone was all the background noise and clutter from most places. It wasn’t surprising to see someone out on the porch to greet them when they drove up.
As they coasted closer to the house, they could see Brody outside the door staring intently in their direction through the brightly moonlit night. He appeared to relax when they got closer. That was when they saw the revolver in his hand.
Allyson was instantly alert and looking for danger. “Angelique, kill the engine and prepare to sweep the grounds, I smell trouble.” she said over their radio headsets.
“Copy”
The Hyena barely slowed to a stop before Angelique vaulted out of the driver’s seat, her subgun in her hands. She was scanning all the near places an enemy could conceal themselves. She hadn’t slid her night vision goggles in place yet. She wanted a bare-eyed look first. The goggles let you see great, but they also handicapped you in some ways. Besides, the moon was almost ful and there was plenty to see with.
Allyson stepped out of the Hyena and over to Brody. “Where’s the trouble?” Allyson’s voice was gruff and muffled by the shemagh around her lower face.
Brody seemed much more at ease now they were there. “I thought it was another person trying to come steal a cow or goat”
“Somebody here recently doing that?” Allyson continued.
“Yeah, some asshole tried to wrestle one of the smaller cows into a minivan down in the lower pasture.”
“What happened with them?”
“I stopped them.” Flat and fierce was his reply.
“Anybody hurt?”
“No one who matters.” Was Brody’s reply.
“Everything cleaned up or did you want some help?”
“Already taken care of. Momma and I took care of it and she drove the minivan up to Ms Leary’s barn.”
Allyson could see the pride radiating from him. He had solved a problem and defended the family from loss or harm. “Good. Tell your Momma we are here and we need some help unloading some stuff, please.”
Brody turned to the door. “Ashley, I know you are there. Tell Momma friends are here and ask Ruby to come help me, please.”
While Brody was talking to Ashley, Allyson keyed her mic twice to get Angelique’s attention. When Angelique turned and looked at Allyson, Allyson waved her over to join her in the unloading. Angelique was just coming up next to Allyson when she heard Ashley yell in the house, as only an eight year old could.
“Momma, the Angels are here again! Ruby! Brody wants you to help him!”
Angelique and Allyson just shook their heads and laughed as Brody cringed at all the noise and the yelling. Allyson and Angelique pushed their subguns behind them on their slings and unwound their shemaghs from their faces.
This was the first time Brody had actually met either one of them up close. He had heard the younger one yell into the barn the other day but didn’t get a chance to meet any of them. He was a bit intimidated and star struck at the same time.
These two looked like characters out of a video game or a movie. The taller one he kind of met the other day was tall, taller than him, and had hair the color of midnight. She was decked out in enough gear to make a SEAL team trooper envious, or at least the ones he saw in the video games he used to play.
If that wasn’t bad enough, the shorter of the two, the one who he was talking with, was about his own height so he was eye to eye staring into the bright green eyes of a red-headed goddess. Speech failed him for a moment. It was kind of like those old cheesy movies where it seemed like everything went into slow motion and he was just staring at her.
Ruby’s arrival broke the moment. “Ok, Brody what do you need? Oh, Hi, I’m Ruby.” She turned back to her brother who hadn’t answered her question. “Brody. Brody!” At this he turned and looked at his sister who continued talking. “Brody, put your tongue back in your head and tell me what you needed me for, other than to embarrass you as you ogle these women!”
Brody was seriously embarrassed! He turned a deep crimson color as he tried to catch up with what to say. He was saved by the raven-headed warrior speaking.
Angelique could see what was going on. She knew Garen and Bekka wanted to keep anybody outside the perimeter guessing as to their real numbers as well. She figured she could kill two birds, or even three with one stone as an idea jumped to the forefront of her mind.
“Good evening, Ruby. I am Belyana and this is my sister Tatyana. We were here the other day. We came by to deliver some Christmas cheer and your brother was telling us about the prowler the other night. If you two could help us carry the boxes inside, it would be a great help.” Angelique was in full Russian accent and mannerisms.
Allyson was a little confused when Angelique started talking, but she knew by now the kid had great instincts. She would play along.
Larrissa came down the stairs as the four brought several boxes inside from the Hyena. Allyson went over to Larrissa while Angelique directed which boxes went to the kitchen and which ones were to stay in the living room.
“Ma’am, we didn’t speak the other day, but Bekka and Garen were taking care of other matters so my partner and I brought these down here for you. The boxes going into the kitchen have a full Christmas dinner already made for you, including desserts. The boxes left here have presents for all of you for tomorrow. The heavy box with the ‘x’ on it has some gifts for later, for when you deem Brody and Ruby are ready for them. Garen said he or one of the rest of us would come back down and show them how to use them. There is also ammo for your revolver and twelve gauge in there.”
Larrissa looked at her as she was talking. She couldn’t quite place the accent, but it didn’t matter. Christmas gifts for the kids! A Christmas feast! The only dark spot was Sissy wasn’t here for it.
Angelique was standing in the hallway looking over at Allyson talking to Larrissa when Ruby walked over to Larrissa.
“I have all the food stuff separated and put away I also have the small basket with cream, eggs and some of the fresh goat cheese all bundled up for them to take back with them.”
Larrissa nodded, thinking Ruby was already ahead of her. She had been standing here trying to think what to give these people who had done so much for them. “Sounds good, Ruby.” She turned back towards Allyson. “If you guys swing back by in a day or two, I’ll have some fresh homemade egg nog ice cream made for you to take.”
At this, Angelique’s mouth started to water. She had only recently been introduced to real egg nog and it was one of her favorite things now! “We will have to take you up on that!’
This brought a smile to Larrissa’s face, a real and genuine smile. Now everyone was smiling as they all walked towards the door, Angelique in the lead. When Angelique turned and looked over her shoulder, she caught an image in the corner of her eye. It was just a fleeting second where Ruby was almost next to Allyson. Ruby’s hair was just as bright as Allyson’s, and she was almost as tall. There the similarities took a turn, however. Ruby’s eyes were deep water blue and her frame was wiry, more like Kara’s. Either way, Angelique could see Ruby was probably chock full of redhead attitude. They would have to visit more often. She could do with seeing smiling happy faces.
Brody had made it past them and was waiting next to the Hyena. Allyson could feel his eyes on her the whole time they were inside, not in a creepy way or anything, more like an infatuation. She saw Angelique looking at her from the other side of the Hyena, her wink barely noticed. This brought a smile and an idea to Allyson’s head.
She looked over and saw Larrissa and Ruby on the porch. Larrissa’s smile made Allyson’s day. Now she might make someone else’s day. She turned and looked at Brody. She thought back to that day in the workshop when Angelique introduced her Russian persona and just now, a few minutes ago when she was back with her Russian accent. Allyson knew she didn’t have a Russian accent on tap, but most wouldn’t know what an Irish brogue was and it could work. She locked Brody in her gaze.
“Brody, you have done well and are a fine young man with a lot of responsibilities to grow into. I and my sisters,” she gestured over at Angelique “will widen our patrols some more to help you keep trouble at bay. Look for us, we will be around. Stay true to your heart, stay true to your family and stay true to your faith, and you will be rewarded in the end.”
While she was talking, she had removed her gloves. Brody was nodding and transfixed on her every word. When Allyson got to the end of what she was saying, she took his head in her hands and planted a kiss on him. While he was still transfixed by it, she looked up at Larrissa, winked, and climbed into the Hyena. Moments later, they were gone from the courtyard.
Angelique held her tongue until they were some distance from the farm and into the trees. Finally she couldn’t hold back!
“I think he might have passed out when you kissed him! What was up with you?”
“He kept staring at me like a lovesick puppy! Maybe I made his week? I don’t know!” Allyson countered. She had figured it was like going to an autograph session and getting a kiss on the cheek by some movie star.
Angelique wasn’t going to let it go. “That was some of that impulsive shit like Kara would do!” She was laughing as she was driving.
The two were still giggling like schoolgirls as they drove towards the house. They had lifted everyone’s spirits, including their own.
As they coasted closer to the house, they could see Brody outside the door staring intently in their direction through the brightly moonlit night. He appeared to relax when they got closer. That was when they saw the revolver in his hand.
Allyson was instantly alert and looking for danger. “Angelique, kill the engine and prepare to sweep the grounds, I smell trouble.” she said over their radio headsets.
“Copy”
The Hyena barely slowed to a stop before Angelique vaulted out of the driver’s seat, her subgun in her hands. She was scanning all the near places an enemy could conceal themselves. She hadn’t slid her night vision goggles in place yet. She wanted a bare-eyed look first. The goggles let you see great, but they also handicapped you in some ways. Besides, the moon was almost ful and there was plenty to see with.
Allyson stepped out of the Hyena and over to Brody. “Where’s the trouble?” Allyson’s voice was gruff and muffled by the shemagh around her lower face.
Brody seemed much more at ease now they were there. “I thought it was another person trying to come steal a cow or goat”
“Somebody here recently doing that?” Allyson continued.
“Yeah, some asshole tried to wrestle one of the smaller cows into a minivan down in the lower pasture.”
“What happened with them?”
“I stopped them.” Flat and fierce was his reply.
“Anybody hurt?”
“No one who matters.” Was Brody’s reply.
“Everything cleaned up or did you want some help?”
“Already taken care of. Momma and I took care of it and she drove the minivan up to Ms Leary’s barn.”
Allyson could see the pride radiating from him. He had solved a problem and defended the family from loss or harm. “Good. Tell your Momma we are here and we need some help unloading some stuff, please.”
Brody turned to the door. “Ashley, I know you are there. Tell Momma friends are here and ask Ruby to come help me, please.”
While Brody was talking to Ashley, Allyson keyed her mic twice to get Angelique’s attention. When Angelique turned and looked at Allyson, Allyson waved her over to join her in the unloading. Angelique was just coming up next to Allyson when she heard Ashley yell in the house, as only an eight year old could.
“Momma, the Angels are here again! Ruby! Brody wants you to help him!”
Angelique and Allyson just shook their heads and laughed as Brody cringed at all the noise and the yelling. Allyson and Angelique pushed their subguns behind them on their slings and unwound their shemaghs from their faces.
This was the first time Brody had actually met either one of them up close. He had heard the younger one yell into the barn the other day but didn’t get a chance to meet any of them. He was a bit intimidated and star struck at the same time.
These two looked like characters out of a video game or a movie. The taller one he kind of met the other day was tall, taller than him, and had hair the color of midnight. She was decked out in enough gear to make a SEAL team trooper envious, or at least the ones he saw in the video games he used to play.
If that wasn’t bad enough, the shorter of the two, the one who he was talking with, was about his own height so he was eye to eye staring into the bright green eyes of a red-headed goddess. Speech failed him for a moment. It was kind of like those old cheesy movies where it seemed like everything went into slow motion and he was just staring at her.
Ruby’s arrival broke the moment. “Ok, Brody what do you need? Oh, Hi, I’m Ruby.” She turned back to her brother who hadn’t answered her question. “Brody. Brody!” At this he turned and looked at his sister who continued talking. “Brody, put your tongue back in your head and tell me what you needed me for, other than to embarrass you as you ogle these women!”
Brody was seriously embarrassed! He turned a deep crimson color as he tried to catch up with what to say. He was saved by the raven-headed warrior speaking.
Angelique could see what was going on. She knew Garen and Bekka wanted to keep anybody outside the perimeter guessing as to their real numbers as well. She figured she could kill two birds, or even three with one stone as an idea jumped to the forefront of her mind.
“Good evening, Ruby. I am Belyana and this is my sister Tatyana. We were here the other day. We came by to deliver some Christmas cheer and your brother was telling us about the prowler the other night. If you two could help us carry the boxes inside, it would be a great help.” Angelique was in full Russian accent and mannerisms.
Allyson was a little confused when Angelique started talking, but she knew by now the kid had great instincts. She would play along.
Larrissa came down the stairs as the four brought several boxes inside from the Hyena. Allyson went over to Larrissa while Angelique directed which boxes went to the kitchen and which ones were to stay in the living room.
“Ma’am, we didn’t speak the other day, but Bekka and Garen were taking care of other matters so my partner and I brought these down here for you. The boxes going into the kitchen have a full Christmas dinner already made for you, including desserts. The boxes left here have presents for all of you for tomorrow. The heavy box with the ‘x’ on it has some gifts for later, for when you deem Brody and Ruby are ready for them. Garen said he or one of the rest of us would come back down and show them how to use them. There is also ammo for your revolver and twelve gauge in there.”
Larrissa looked at her as she was talking. She couldn’t quite place the accent, but it didn’t matter. Christmas gifts for the kids! A Christmas feast! The only dark spot was Sissy wasn’t here for it.
Angelique was standing in the hallway looking over at Allyson talking to Larrissa when Ruby walked over to Larrissa.
“I have all the food stuff separated and put away I also have the small basket with cream, eggs and some of the fresh goat cheese all bundled up for them to take back with them.”
Larrissa nodded, thinking Ruby was already ahead of her. She had been standing here trying to think what to give these people who had done so much for them. “Sounds good, Ruby.” She turned back towards Allyson. “If you guys swing back by in a day or two, I’ll have some fresh homemade egg nog ice cream made for you to take.”
At this, Angelique’s mouth started to water. She had only recently been introduced to real egg nog and it was one of her favorite things now! “We will have to take you up on that!’
This brought a smile to Larrissa’s face, a real and genuine smile. Now everyone was smiling as they all walked towards the door, Angelique in the lead. When Angelique turned and looked over her shoulder, she caught an image in the corner of her eye. It was just a fleeting second where Ruby was almost next to Allyson. Ruby’s hair was just as bright as Allyson’s, and she was almost as tall. There the similarities took a turn, however. Ruby’s eyes were deep water blue and her frame was wiry, more like Kara’s. Either way, Angelique could see Ruby was probably chock full of redhead attitude. They would have to visit more often. She could do with seeing smiling happy faces.
Brody had made it past them and was waiting next to the Hyena. Allyson could feel his eyes on her the whole time they were inside, not in a creepy way or anything, more like an infatuation. She saw Angelique looking at her from the other side of the Hyena, her wink barely noticed. This brought a smile and an idea to Allyson’s head.
She looked over and saw Larrissa and Ruby on the porch. Larrissa’s smile made Allyson’s day. Now she might make someone else’s day. She turned and looked at Brody. She thought back to that day in the workshop when Angelique introduced her Russian persona and just now, a few minutes ago when she was back with her Russian accent. Allyson knew she didn’t have a Russian accent on tap, but most wouldn’t know what an Irish brogue was and it could work. She locked Brody in her gaze.
“Brody, you have done well and are a fine young man with a lot of responsibilities to grow into. I and my sisters,” she gestured over at Angelique “will widen our patrols some more to help you keep trouble at bay. Look for us, we will be around. Stay true to your heart, stay true to your family and stay true to your faith, and you will be rewarded in the end.”
While she was talking, she had removed her gloves. Brody was nodding and transfixed on her every word. When Allyson got to the end of what she was saying, she took his head in her hands and planted a kiss on him. While he was still transfixed by it, she looked up at Larrissa, winked, and climbed into the Hyena. Moments later, they were gone from the courtyard.
Angelique held her tongue until they were some distance from the farm and into the trees. Finally she couldn’t hold back!
“I think he might have passed out when you kissed him! What was up with you?”
“He kept staring at me like a lovesick puppy! Maybe I made his week? I don’t know!” Allyson countered. She had figured it was like going to an autograph session and getting a kiss on the cheek by some movie star.
Angelique wasn’t going to let it go. “That was some of that impulsive shit like Kara would do!” She was laughing as she was driving.
The two were still giggling like schoolgirls as they drove towards the house. They had lifted everyone’s spirits, including their own.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
While she was talking, she had removed her gloves. Brody was nodding and transfixed on her every word. When Allyson got to the end of what she was saying, she took his head in her hands and planted a kiss on him.
Allyson made Brody's future brighter with a kiss from a beauty that will be remembered until he meets one that will be his mate, but maybe even pass this event in his life.
Thanks ccg for the delightful chapter.
Texican....
Allyson made Brody's future brighter with a kiss from a beauty that will be remembered until he meets one that will be his mate, but maybe even pass this event in his life.
Thanks ccg for the delightful chapter.
Texican....
RememberGoliad
Veteran Member
At Christmastime he's not dead yet.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
While Angelique and Allyson played ‘Santa’, the rest kept talking.
“Doug, did I tell you my granddaughter was coming this way?”
“Paige? The one who gave you the pistol?” Doug replied.
“Yeah. She called me the other day on the radio and said she was headed this way soon with three others.” Jesse looked over at where Bekka, Garen and Kara were sitting. “My granddaughter is a Marine Armorer down in California.”
“I take it she made it through the quake fine but why is she headed this way?” was Garen’s question. Bekka answered it before Jesse probably could.
“With everything the government is pulling back on and downsizing, combined with the whole lack of stuff like food being shipped in, maybe they got cut loose. I know from our assignments, if we weren’t in, we wouldn’t stay.” At this, she got nods from Garen and Kara.
“So, is she moving in with you? I didn’t know your cabin was that big, Zed.” Kara asked.
“Well, Jesse and I were discussing it on the way over here. I can move some boxes out of Marta’s sewing room. That would give us two rooms. As long as they don’t mind doubling up, we should be ok for a while until we figure more out.”
Doug hit on an idea. “If they don’t mind being separated from you by some distance, the cabin in the clearing was built with six bedrooms. The front two were made into offices later but we could fix that.”
Jesse saw where he was headed with it. “Or it will be spring soon, we have the tower as well.”
Garen and Bekka were looking at each other while the others were talking. A whole conversation seemed to take place in the blink of an eye. Bekka squeezed Garen’s hand and nodded. Yes.
“If it’s short term space you need, we have five bunk rooms in the training building.”
Emilia jumped in with another idea she just thought of. “What about all those tent thingies you have in the shed at the cabin?”
Doug hadn’t even thought about those! They were used every year for spring, summer and fall housing for the temporary hires. You could put four people in one of the larger ones without crowding. “Yeah, we could set them up either down at my cabin or up at yours, Zed, depending on where they needed to be.”
Heidi had another idea. One she wasn’t sure if Doug would like or not. “There’s also the fourteen Park Service Staff houses down at main camp. If the others are like the one I went into, you could put twenty to thirty people there no problem. The snack bar could do duty as a group kitchen in addition to the ones in each of the houses.” Heidi watched the gears turning in Doug’s head. She was worried she might have gone too far in offering up park resources. “I mean, it’s a thought. It would be your call.”
Doug’s mind was whirling with all the possibilities. Heidi hit on a huge resource he hadn’t even considered. Granted it was quite a distance but it would make perfect sense to have some people they knew living down at the southern part, keeping an eye on things. A lot better than having some random squatters, or worse, the bad guys come back and get a foothold before they knew they were there.
“I like it. Jesse, it sounds like your granddaughter has a huge amount of options. Her plus three won’t be any sort of a problem. Hell from what we just brainstormed, we could house a hundred people before we started getting tight on options!”
“Great!” Jesse beamed, his smile spanning his expressive face.
“Hey, Jesse when she gets here, maybe she can help me sort this mountain of dissimilar and eclectic weapons, we have amassed. I’m pretty good, but if she’s an actual school trained armorer, that would be phenomenal.” Garen was looking forward to picking her brain to make sense of some of the stuff he had piled up.
“Yeah, maybe I can get her to look at my toy as well. I don’t know what the spare parts would even look like and I don’t have a manual so I haven’t even cleaned it.” Heidi jumped in.
“Manual?” Garen’s curiosity was peaked now. “I have a ton of manuals. What do you need one for?”
“MG-42” was Heidi’s curt reply. Kara, Garen and Bekka, all three almost jumped to their feet.
“You’ve got it! We were wondering where it went!” was Garen’s startled reply. His brain was spinning. “So you have it?”
“Yup, Zed got it off of the guy at the helipad. They were evidently looking to come use it on you. We got it, along with a couple cans of linked ammo.”
“Shit! It’s a good thing I never got to that other project of mine!” Garen exclaimed. “We found a shitload of cans of disintegrating link 7.62. I was going to pull it apart for some bolt actions we have. Now it makes more sense.” Garen paused a moment.
“Technically, since its 7.62 and not 8mm, it’s probably a MG-3 from one of the Latin American countries. I probably have the MG-42 breakdown in one of my old books, but just being able to pull it apart and put it back together doesn’t make someone able to use it effectively.”
At Garen’s statement, Heidi started giggling. “You get me the manual and the breakdown, and I can teach you how to run it. I spent enough time behind belt fed in turrets in Iraq!”
“Shit! Bring it up next time you guys come over, after your homework is done.” Garen had a new puzzle. He wanted to learn this piece of history she had.
Kara and Bekka were just happy the bad guys never got it in place over them in the town. It would have stopped anything they might have done and planted everyone in an early grave.
“Doug, did I tell you my granddaughter was coming this way?”
“Paige? The one who gave you the pistol?” Doug replied.
“Yeah. She called me the other day on the radio and said she was headed this way soon with three others.” Jesse looked over at where Bekka, Garen and Kara were sitting. “My granddaughter is a Marine Armorer down in California.”
“I take it she made it through the quake fine but why is she headed this way?” was Garen’s question. Bekka answered it before Jesse probably could.
“With everything the government is pulling back on and downsizing, combined with the whole lack of stuff like food being shipped in, maybe they got cut loose. I know from our assignments, if we weren’t in, we wouldn’t stay.” At this, she got nods from Garen and Kara.
“So, is she moving in with you? I didn’t know your cabin was that big, Zed.” Kara asked.
“Well, Jesse and I were discussing it on the way over here. I can move some boxes out of Marta’s sewing room. That would give us two rooms. As long as they don’t mind doubling up, we should be ok for a while until we figure more out.”
Doug hit on an idea. “If they don’t mind being separated from you by some distance, the cabin in the clearing was built with six bedrooms. The front two were made into offices later but we could fix that.”
Jesse saw where he was headed with it. “Or it will be spring soon, we have the tower as well.”
Garen and Bekka were looking at each other while the others were talking. A whole conversation seemed to take place in the blink of an eye. Bekka squeezed Garen’s hand and nodded. Yes.
“If it’s short term space you need, we have five bunk rooms in the training building.”
Emilia jumped in with another idea she just thought of. “What about all those tent thingies you have in the shed at the cabin?”
Doug hadn’t even thought about those! They were used every year for spring, summer and fall housing for the temporary hires. You could put four people in one of the larger ones without crowding. “Yeah, we could set them up either down at my cabin or up at yours, Zed, depending on where they needed to be.”
Heidi had another idea. One she wasn’t sure if Doug would like or not. “There’s also the fourteen Park Service Staff houses down at main camp. If the others are like the one I went into, you could put twenty to thirty people there no problem. The snack bar could do duty as a group kitchen in addition to the ones in each of the houses.” Heidi watched the gears turning in Doug’s head. She was worried she might have gone too far in offering up park resources. “I mean, it’s a thought. It would be your call.”
Doug’s mind was whirling with all the possibilities. Heidi hit on a huge resource he hadn’t even considered. Granted it was quite a distance but it would make perfect sense to have some people they knew living down at the southern part, keeping an eye on things. A lot better than having some random squatters, or worse, the bad guys come back and get a foothold before they knew they were there.
“I like it. Jesse, it sounds like your granddaughter has a huge amount of options. Her plus three won’t be any sort of a problem. Hell from what we just brainstormed, we could house a hundred people before we started getting tight on options!”
“Great!” Jesse beamed, his smile spanning his expressive face.
“Hey, Jesse when she gets here, maybe she can help me sort this mountain of dissimilar and eclectic weapons, we have amassed. I’m pretty good, but if she’s an actual school trained armorer, that would be phenomenal.” Garen was looking forward to picking her brain to make sense of some of the stuff he had piled up.
“Yeah, maybe I can get her to look at my toy as well. I don’t know what the spare parts would even look like and I don’t have a manual so I haven’t even cleaned it.” Heidi jumped in.
“Manual?” Garen’s curiosity was peaked now. “I have a ton of manuals. What do you need one for?”
“MG-42” was Heidi’s curt reply. Kara, Garen and Bekka, all three almost jumped to their feet.
“You’ve got it! We were wondering where it went!” was Garen’s startled reply. His brain was spinning. “So you have it?”
“Yup, Zed got it off of the guy at the helipad. They were evidently looking to come use it on you. We got it, along with a couple cans of linked ammo.”
“Shit! It’s a good thing I never got to that other project of mine!” Garen exclaimed. “We found a shitload of cans of disintegrating link 7.62. I was going to pull it apart for some bolt actions we have. Now it makes more sense.” Garen paused a moment.
“Technically, since its 7.62 and not 8mm, it’s probably a MG-3 from one of the Latin American countries. I probably have the MG-42 breakdown in one of my old books, but just being able to pull it apart and put it back together doesn’t make someone able to use it effectively.”
At Garen’s statement, Heidi started giggling. “You get me the manual and the breakdown, and I can teach you how to run it. I spent enough time behind belt fed in turrets in Iraq!”
“Shit! Bring it up next time you guys come over, after your homework is done.” Garen had a new puzzle. He wanted to learn this piece of history she had.
Kara and Bekka were just happy the bad guys never got it in place over them in the town. It would have stopped anything they might have done and planted everyone in an early grave.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Almost everyone was in bed when Angelique and Allyson came back. Since they were staying in the studio above the garage, they didn’t go into the main house before they went to sleep.
Zed and Jesse were in the trailer, all warm and cozy. Jesse was especially content now they had plenty of solutions for when Paige and her friends got here.
Doug was curled up on the day bed in the guest room fast asleep, unaware of the Siamese cat curled up next to him.
Heidi and Emilia were in the humongous bed in the guest room. Heidi was trying to sleep while Emilia was writing something on her pad.
The only ones still up and moving were Kara, Garen and Bekka. Bekka was determined everyone should have some sort of present under the tree for Christmas. The three of them were down in the workshop plotting, planning and wrapping presents. Many of their ideas were sparked from this evening’s conversations, bolstered with a few things planned from earlier. A few additions came from the digging Kara had done for the kids down the hill.
Zed and Jesse were in the trailer, all warm and cozy. Jesse was especially content now they had plenty of solutions for when Paige and her friends got here.
Doug was curled up on the day bed in the guest room fast asleep, unaware of the Siamese cat curled up next to him.
Heidi and Emilia were in the humongous bed in the guest room. Heidi was trying to sleep while Emilia was writing something on her pad.
The only ones still up and moving were Kara, Garen and Bekka. Bekka was determined everyone should have some sort of present under the tree for Christmas. The three of them were down in the workshop plotting, planning and wrapping presents. Many of their ideas were sparked from this evening’s conversations, bolstered with a few things planned from earlier. A few additions came from the digging Kara had done for the kids down the hill.
No belt, untucked skivvy shirt, weird non-US camo, too pretty to be a Soldier or Jarhead.... what movie is that from?
also: I love the MG42.
At first I thought it was 'Daddy - Daughter' range time until I looked at her hands. Probably +/- twenty six.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
I concur but with those good Norwegian genes, could be 20 or 55. Came across the pic and thought of Heidi
Old Gray Mare
TB Fanatic
You realize there are woman who actually like to shoot guns? Like for the fun of it? No movie required?No belt, untucked skivvy shirt, weird non-US camo, too pretty to be a Soldier or Jarhead.... what movie is that from?
also: I love the MG42.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Yes, and thank God for all of them!
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
The smell of coffee and warm cinnamon rolls wafted through the house with the early morning light. The crackle of the fire was competing with the crinkle of wrapping paper under the tree providing traction for the torties and Siamese making runs chasing one another. The catnip was strong with them.
Bekka and Garen were in the kitchen when everyone else started wandering in, drawn by coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls. Garen was working away at the griddle cooking a mound of bacon while Bekka was feeding an absolutely huge old urn thing on the counter.
Heidi and Emilia were lured in by the smell of the coffee.
“What is that thing?” Emilia asked, pointing to the copper and brass urn.
“It’s a samovar.” Came Doug’s reply over their shoulder.
“Very good! Then again, I would expect you to know such things” was Bekka’s reply.
“OK, smartasses, what’s a samovar?” Emilia said.
“A samovar is the Russian way to heat water for tea. Why” Angelique asked as she walked down the hall. Turning the corner, her eyes lit up in wonder. “Oh, wow! That one is even bigger and older than the one Grandpa had!”
Garen had a grin now as he got water from the spout on the side for his tea. “When the Soviet Union fell, for a while there were a bunch of countries importing all things old and European. I scooped a pair of these up. One, this one was converted to electric years ago with a kit. The other one is still set up for wood or coal powered.” He thought for a moment. “I still have the parts to convert this one back to wood as well.”
“I’ve been here for months! Why haven’t I seen this before?” Angelique asked. She was somewhat overrun with emotion with the memories of her grandfather and babushka’s sitting on the credenza of their house.
Bekka fielded this one. “Because it’s a pain and a waste to use if you don’t need water for a ton of people! That’s why. With all of us here, we figured to use it and do cone style pour over coffee or tea. It tastes a lot better doing that rather than grabbing one of the big industrial thirty cup percolators from the training building.”
Bekka looked around. Everyone was out here now, Kara being the last to arrive. “Alright everyone get your drinks and rolls and move towards the tree so we can open presents!” At her statement she saw a few looks around the room. She knew what one or two of the looks meant. Some were wondering if they would be watching a couple people open presents abut none for them. They thought this since they hadn’t brought any so didn’t expect any. Well, Bekka has a surprise for them as well.
“Kara, if you will do the honors” Bekka waved to the presents under the tree.
Kara began pulling presents from under the tree and handing them out to everyone. Some were small, some were large, but in the end, almost everyone hade something to open.
Doug was a bit surprised when the small box he opened had a set of vehicle keys in it. “So……”
Garen had the answer. “It’s the keys to a late model contractor grade Suburban. You just have to swing past the old Johnston mine to get it. You lost your truck to the fire and could use a new set of wheels. The bad guys don’t need it anymore.”
Emilia got a stack of sketch books along with a charcoal drawing set.
The box Zed got was heavy and clanked. When he opened it, he was in for a seriously unexpected surprise. “Where in the world did you get this?” Zed exclaimed holding aloft what looked like a beer bottle.
“We came across it in a little specialty shop.” Garen replied. “When I hear you used to make regular trips to Africa, I figured you could appreciate it.” It was a full case of Tusker brand beer. It was unusual and had a slight lemony taste. Garen liked it, it was one of the few beers he would drink. He thought Zed would appreciate it more though.
Jesse had a hard time at first lifting the box pushed over to him. When he went to open it, he saw Bekka watching intensely. Peeling back the paper exposed a green wooden box he thought he recognized. Flipping the latches and lifting the lid revealed the contents. It was something he knew oh so well; a AN/PRC-77 radio, the combat radio for the US military when he enlisted and many years after that. It was good, durable and this example appeared complete. He looked up at Bekka.
“It’s all there and works. The battery source has been converted so we can use it. I have another so you need to teach me how to run it, OK?”
“Sure thing, Bekka. It will help make sure you can swear properly, too” Jesse replied, a grin on his face.
Heidi’s box was heavy as well. She unwrapped it to find a small pelican case. She looked around and saw Garen, Bekka and Kara all watching her. Opening the case, she saw a pistol like no other she had before outside of magazine articles.
It looked similar to the ones Angelique, Bekka and the rest here were wearing, but different. It looked similar to the Marine Rail 1911 she was going to borrow from Jesse for the raid, but different.
The grip was fatter. There was a light rail, with a flashlight on it. It had a red dot sight on top. It had a magazine well funnel, there was a compensator as well. In the case were at least dozen magazines as well. Heidi was really confused. It took her a moment to realize Garen was talking.
“You guys are all carrying 9mm pistols and you gave yours to Emilia and have been using one of the battlefield pickups since. We have this one. Its 9mm as well. It was owned by a good friend of ours. Terry was a serious shooter who helped me design the pistols we are wearing for the Center.” Garen had to stop talking for a moment.
Bekka took up the story. “Terry was the one we were talking about last night. They gentleman who died at the roadblock defending his wife and daughter. With this gun. After we heard all about what you did with the pistol and the problems you faced with the one you had, we figured it was better put to proper use than just sitting on a shelf.”
Kara jumped in. “We have the holsters, mag pouches and everything downstairs to set you up proper.”
Heidi didn’t know what to say. She lifted the pistol from the foam. It was heavy in her hands. Not weight-wise, she was more than strong enough. It was more of….something. It was like when she first picked up her badge that very first time. She knew she would have a lot to live up to in their eyes carrying this pistol. She also knew they must think a lot of her to give her this.
“Guys, I don’t have the words.”
Heidi saw they didn’t either.
While Heidi was busy playing with her new toy, Bekka handed Zed a bag with additional magazines for his Glock and some more for Emilia’s.
Garen handed Jesse an older Colt Combat Commander in Nickle. Jesse looked at it. It was also in 9mm.
Angelique and Allyson were watching all of this go on. They too were choked up when they gave Heidi Terry’s pistol. Both could remember carrying Brook and Kelly to the truck, of emptying the SUV and trailer of their things, of burying them in the meadow.
Kara walked up to Allyson and Angelique. In her hands were two envelopes. They looked at each other, wondering what this was all about. Each opened them and read the document inside.
“Wait, what?” was Allyson’s reaction to the document, looking up at Garen and Bekka. Angelique looked over at Allyson and then at Bekka and Garen as well.
Kara spoke while Garen and Bekka just grinned. “You remember the first morning, when we walked to the training building? Do you remember what you said to me?”
Allyson thought a moment. “This place is beautiful. I wish I had a place like this?”
“And what did I tell you?”
“You said ‘if you accept their offer, you do have a place like this.’ But …..” Allyson stuttered.
Kara continued. “That’s exactly what it means, and you too.” She turned and looked at Angelique.” Kara looked back over her shoulder at Bekka and Garen.
“Help us protect it and maintain it and it will be yours and your heirs as you designate.” Garen said.
“Angelique, we already talked to your father about this, even though we didn’t have to, we wanted to make sure he didn’t know of a reason not to do this. You two don’t have ‘just a place to stay’ here. If you accept, this is now your home as well as ours.” Bekka said.
This wasn’t just a thank you moment. This called for deep-felt long embraces between Garen, Bekka, Kara, Allyson and Angelique.
Bekka and Garen were in the kitchen when everyone else started wandering in, drawn by coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls. Garen was working away at the griddle cooking a mound of bacon while Bekka was feeding an absolutely huge old urn thing on the counter.
Heidi and Emilia were lured in by the smell of the coffee.
“What is that thing?” Emilia asked, pointing to the copper and brass urn.
“It’s a samovar.” Came Doug’s reply over their shoulder.
“Very good! Then again, I would expect you to know such things” was Bekka’s reply.
“OK, smartasses, what’s a samovar?” Emilia said.
“A samovar is the Russian way to heat water for tea. Why” Angelique asked as she walked down the hall. Turning the corner, her eyes lit up in wonder. “Oh, wow! That one is even bigger and older than the one Grandpa had!”
Garen had a grin now as he got water from the spout on the side for his tea. “When the Soviet Union fell, for a while there were a bunch of countries importing all things old and European. I scooped a pair of these up. One, this one was converted to electric years ago with a kit. The other one is still set up for wood or coal powered.” He thought for a moment. “I still have the parts to convert this one back to wood as well.”
“I’ve been here for months! Why haven’t I seen this before?” Angelique asked. She was somewhat overrun with emotion with the memories of her grandfather and babushka’s sitting on the credenza of their house.
Bekka fielded this one. “Because it’s a pain and a waste to use if you don’t need water for a ton of people! That’s why. With all of us here, we figured to use it and do cone style pour over coffee or tea. It tastes a lot better doing that rather than grabbing one of the big industrial thirty cup percolators from the training building.”
Bekka looked around. Everyone was out here now, Kara being the last to arrive. “Alright everyone get your drinks and rolls and move towards the tree so we can open presents!” At her statement she saw a few looks around the room. She knew what one or two of the looks meant. Some were wondering if they would be watching a couple people open presents abut none for them. They thought this since they hadn’t brought any so didn’t expect any. Well, Bekka has a surprise for them as well.
“Kara, if you will do the honors” Bekka waved to the presents under the tree.
Kara began pulling presents from under the tree and handing them out to everyone. Some were small, some were large, but in the end, almost everyone hade something to open.
Doug was a bit surprised when the small box he opened had a set of vehicle keys in it. “So……”
Garen had the answer. “It’s the keys to a late model contractor grade Suburban. You just have to swing past the old Johnston mine to get it. You lost your truck to the fire and could use a new set of wheels. The bad guys don’t need it anymore.”
Emilia got a stack of sketch books along with a charcoal drawing set.
The box Zed got was heavy and clanked. When he opened it, he was in for a seriously unexpected surprise. “Where in the world did you get this?” Zed exclaimed holding aloft what looked like a beer bottle.
“We came across it in a little specialty shop.” Garen replied. “When I hear you used to make regular trips to Africa, I figured you could appreciate it.” It was a full case of Tusker brand beer. It was unusual and had a slight lemony taste. Garen liked it, it was one of the few beers he would drink. He thought Zed would appreciate it more though.
Jesse had a hard time at first lifting the box pushed over to him. When he went to open it, he saw Bekka watching intensely. Peeling back the paper exposed a green wooden box he thought he recognized. Flipping the latches and lifting the lid revealed the contents. It was something he knew oh so well; a AN/PRC-77 radio, the combat radio for the US military when he enlisted and many years after that. It was good, durable and this example appeared complete. He looked up at Bekka.
“It’s all there and works. The battery source has been converted so we can use it. I have another so you need to teach me how to run it, OK?”
“Sure thing, Bekka. It will help make sure you can swear properly, too” Jesse replied, a grin on his face.
Heidi’s box was heavy as well. She unwrapped it to find a small pelican case. She looked around and saw Garen, Bekka and Kara all watching her. Opening the case, she saw a pistol like no other she had before outside of magazine articles.
It looked similar to the ones Angelique, Bekka and the rest here were wearing, but different. It looked similar to the Marine Rail 1911 she was going to borrow from Jesse for the raid, but different.
The grip was fatter. There was a light rail, with a flashlight on it. It had a red dot sight on top. It had a magazine well funnel, there was a compensator as well. In the case were at least dozen magazines as well. Heidi was really confused. It took her a moment to realize Garen was talking.
“You guys are all carrying 9mm pistols and you gave yours to Emilia and have been using one of the battlefield pickups since. We have this one. Its 9mm as well. It was owned by a good friend of ours. Terry was a serious shooter who helped me design the pistols we are wearing for the Center.” Garen had to stop talking for a moment.
Bekka took up the story. “Terry was the one we were talking about last night. They gentleman who died at the roadblock defending his wife and daughter. With this gun. After we heard all about what you did with the pistol and the problems you faced with the one you had, we figured it was better put to proper use than just sitting on a shelf.”
Kara jumped in. “We have the holsters, mag pouches and everything downstairs to set you up proper.”
Heidi didn’t know what to say. She lifted the pistol from the foam. It was heavy in her hands. Not weight-wise, she was more than strong enough. It was more of….something. It was like when she first picked up her badge that very first time. She knew she would have a lot to live up to in their eyes carrying this pistol. She also knew they must think a lot of her to give her this.
“Guys, I don’t have the words.”
Heidi saw they didn’t either.
While Heidi was busy playing with her new toy, Bekka handed Zed a bag with additional magazines for his Glock and some more for Emilia’s.
Garen handed Jesse an older Colt Combat Commander in Nickle. Jesse looked at it. It was also in 9mm.
Angelique and Allyson were watching all of this go on. They too were choked up when they gave Heidi Terry’s pistol. Both could remember carrying Brook and Kelly to the truck, of emptying the SUV and trailer of their things, of burying them in the meadow.
Kara walked up to Allyson and Angelique. In her hands were two envelopes. They looked at each other, wondering what this was all about. Each opened them and read the document inside.
“Wait, what?” was Allyson’s reaction to the document, looking up at Garen and Bekka. Angelique looked over at Allyson and then at Bekka and Garen as well.
Kara spoke while Garen and Bekka just grinned. “You remember the first morning, when we walked to the training building? Do you remember what you said to me?”
Allyson thought a moment. “This place is beautiful. I wish I had a place like this?”
“And what did I tell you?”
“You said ‘if you accept their offer, you do have a place like this.’ But …..” Allyson stuttered.
Kara continued. “That’s exactly what it means, and you too.” She turned and looked at Angelique.” Kara looked back over her shoulder at Bekka and Garen.
“Help us protect it and maintain it and it will be yours and your heirs as you designate.” Garen said.
“Angelique, we already talked to your father about this, even though we didn’t have to, we wanted to make sure he didn’t know of a reason not to do this. You two don’t have ‘just a place to stay’ here. If you accept, this is now your home as well as ours.” Bekka said.
This wasn’t just a thank you moment. This called for deep-felt long embraces between Garen, Bekka, Kara, Allyson and Angelique.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
So, if you're taking orders for Christmas, 2021, ..........
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
2T2-Crash
Contributing Member
Yep, my wife is one of em.
my comments were focused on the jacked up uniform and odd camo pattern. The prior .mil picked up on it.
I was definitely not lambasting women and firearms.
anyhow, back to the story, I gotta read the last couple posts. I love it!
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
“Hey, Kara. You missed some packages.” Bekka told her when everyone was readjusted.
“I didn’t see any others.”
“They are there, but they are smaller.” Bekka reassured her. Kara crawled around under the tree, looking and looking until, finally she emerged, a triumphant smile on her face.
“I blame the cats. They hid them." She looked closer to the two boxes, reading the tags. The first one she handed to Emilia. Emilia peeled back the paper then opened the small box. Inside was what looked like an old school butt pack from the 80’s that went to a tactical shop for a makeover. Emilia could feel something was in it. Emilia looked around, puzzled.
Bekka was the first to reply to the unasked question. “Open it,”
Emilia unzipped the small pack. Inside she found a small digital camera! It looked different than the clunky one she had. This was not much bigger than a deck of playing cards but felt much more solid than hers as well. She turned it over and over in her hands. It had the letters GR on the front., the back was almost all screen. She pushed the power button and the lens cover retracted, letting the lens extend. The whole thing was tiny but it was so neat!
She quickly found the menu button and was hip deep in functions! Adjustable F Stop, speeds, macro, all controlled manually by the two little wheels, one on the front by her finger and one on the back by her thumb! It had a tiny pop up flash as well! It was like a real professional camera, but you could fit it in your pocket! SD cards, batteries, charger and even a card reader were all in the tiny pouch! She looked around for who to thank and saw Bekka watching her.
“It’s wonderful!” Emilia’s grin was huge.
Bekka was glad. “You can control it just like the big cameras but it’s small enough for you to have it with you, one of the biggest drawbacks of the big SLRs. It’s easier to control than the cell or the pad too. The macro is great. I remember Heidi saying you were out in the woods shooting pictures when you started your trip. I have a book on it for you as well but it wouldn’t fit in the box.”
Emilia jumped up and gave Bekka a big hug. “Thank you!”
“We will play photog later, you can show me some of yours and I will show you some of mine.” Bekka looked around the room. Kara was still standing there, the small box in her hands. She hadn’t opened it yet.
“Kara, your turn.”
Kara was looking at the small box. It was jewelry box sized. Once the paper was off, she saw it was a hinged jewelry box similar to the ones medals came in. Opening the lid, Kara saw something both familiar and new. Laying on a satin background was a thin gold necklace. On the necklace was a cross, composed of five rubies. The end rubies were all heart shaped, points facing to the middle. An oblong stone extended the bottom leg of the cross with the final heart shape at the end. All of this formed a hybrid of a cross and a Maltese Cross. She had seen something like this more than a few times before, but in emeralds, around Bekka’s neck. She looked now and could see the very top of it peeking out above her t-shirt.
“Bekka…….?” Kara tried to say more a time or two but couldn’t. Bekka’s eyes were wet with tears, confirming to Kara what she suspected. She wrapped Bekka up in a tight embrace. With her mouth so close to Bekka’s ear, she whispered. “It was Katherine’s?” Bekka only nodded.
Garen knew what Bekka had done. He also knew she would be a bit embarrassed at such a show of emotion. It was distraction time. “OK, now the boxes have all been opened, time for food. I have plenty of bacon cooked and the first set of high octane sourdough pancakes is on the griddle now. Everyone grab a plate and get some food. Then we can all sit and play with our toys.”
“I didn’t see any others.”
“They are there, but they are smaller.” Bekka reassured her. Kara crawled around under the tree, looking and looking until, finally she emerged, a triumphant smile on her face.
“I blame the cats. They hid them." She looked closer to the two boxes, reading the tags. The first one she handed to Emilia. Emilia peeled back the paper then opened the small box. Inside was what looked like an old school butt pack from the 80’s that went to a tactical shop for a makeover. Emilia could feel something was in it. Emilia looked around, puzzled.
Bekka was the first to reply to the unasked question. “Open it,”
Emilia unzipped the small pack. Inside she found a small digital camera! It looked different than the clunky one she had. This was not much bigger than a deck of playing cards but felt much more solid than hers as well. She turned it over and over in her hands. It had the letters GR on the front., the back was almost all screen. She pushed the power button and the lens cover retracted, letting the lens extend. The whole thing was tiny but it was so neat!
She quickly found the menu button and was hip deep in functions! Adjustable F Stop, speeds, macro, all controlled manually by the two little wheels, one on the front by her finger and one on the back by her thumb! It had a tiny pop up flash as well! It was like a real professional camera, but you could fit it in your pocket! SD cards, batteries, charger and even a card reader were all in the tiny pouch! She looked around for who to thank and saw Bekka watching her.
“It’s wonderful!” Emilia’s grin was huge.
Bekka was glad. “You can control it just like the big cameras but it’s small enough for you to have it with you, one of the biggest drawbacks of the big SLRs. It’s easier to control than the cell or the pad too. The macro is great. I remember Heidi saying you were out in the woods shooting pictures when you started your trip. I have a book on it for you as well but it wouldn’t fit in the box.”
Emilia jumped up and gave Bekka a big hug. “Thank you!”
“We will play photog later, you can show me some of yours and I will show you some of mine.” Bekka looked around the room. Kara was still standing there, the small box in her hands. She hadn’t opened it yet.
“Kara, your turn.”
Kara was looking at the small box. It was jewelry box sized. Once the paper was off, she saw it was a hinged jewelry box similar to the ones medals came in. Opening the lid, Kara saw something both familiar and new. Laying on a satin background was a thin gold necklace. On the necklace was a cross, composed of five rubies. The end rubies were all heart shaped, points facing to the middle. An oblong stone extended the bottom leg of the cross with the final heart shape at the end. All of this formed a hybrid of a cross and a Maltese Cross. She had seen something like this more than a few times before, but in emeralds, around Bekka’s neck. She looked now and could see the very top of it peeking out above her t-shirt.
“Bekka…….?” Kara tried to say more a time or two but couldn’t. Bekka’s eyes were wet with tears, confirming to Kara what she suspected. She wrapped Bekka up in a tight embrace. With her mouth so close to Bekka’s ear, she whispered. “It was Katherine’s?” Bekka only nodded.
Garen knew what Bekka had done. He also knew she would be a bit embarrassed at such a show of emotion. It was distraction time. “OK, now the boxes have all been opened, time for food. I have plenty of bacon cooked and the first set of high octane sourdough pancakes is on the griddle now. Everyone grab a plate and get some food. Then we can all sit and play with our toys.”
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Landcruiser
Contributing Member
Okay, I'll bite. Who was Katheryn? or did I miss that somewhere in the last 4276 posts?...
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
It didn't make it in time for the edit back then, but it is back in page 6/post #207 of the story.
the section starts "“I wish Talia was too. I wish she was still with us. Oh, and **** You for invoking Talia’s name at a time like this. Maybe you should tell Allyson Talia’s story. Maybe it could convince her.” Bekka snatched her bag from the SUV and walked to the motorcycle."
Kara stood there a few moments hanging her head. She knew she had gone too far. By invoking Talia, she had inadvertently opened a door supposed to remain closed forever. The problem was, her gut told her it was part of the why Bekka was going high order on Alyson.
Kara, Talia and Bekka were working and living in the same twenty-foot box for several months. All three got close, but Bekka and Talia were like sisters. Kara had made the mistake of saying so one night when the two of them had too much slivo, a regional moonshine they got from the locals so you never knew quite how it would affect you.
Bekka told her she was right, Talia reminded her of her sister. The fact Bekka even had a sister was a revelation, what followed next was a gut punch. Bekka’s twin (not identical) sister Katherine died when they were in high school. Katherine killed herself a couple months after being assaulted and evidently raped at the school. She hung herself after finding out she was pregnant. Katherine identified her attacker/rapist in her suicide letter.
Bekka was the one to find her. Before then, Katherine had been the bubbly, outgoing one and Bekka was the shy, quiet one. Bekka saw a lot of Katherine in Talia. She saw helping Talia as a way to have another chance at helping Kathrine. There was much more to what went down after Katherine’s death, but Kara wouldn’t even let herself remember more of that conversation. It was bad enough she had brought up
Kara took her bag off of the bike and walked toward the truck. Bekka tried regain control of herself as she strapped her bag on the tank of the bike and readjusted her helmet and goggles preparing to move out.
So there is a flashback for the crew here about Katherine