Story Market Day

[ComCamGuy]

While Mark was in the back, Veronica called Violet over to the bow section.

“Hey, let’s get you outfitted for a bow so you don’t have to use one of mine.”

“Don’t like sharing?” Violet replied.

“No issue with sharing, just thinking something that fit you and your draw length would be better. Besides, I’ve been thinking of going back to the basics anyway and we can get him to cut a better deal.” Veronica said as she looked through some of the bows on the back wall.

“With me hunting with you so much, I guess later we need t get me more clothes. You are horrible to my bank account! You know that, right?” Violet scolded Veronica.

“If what Dad and Poppa say is true, money in a bank account might not be worth anything anyway and will probably vaporize. Better to spend it on things you can hold and use.” Veronica said in a somber tone.

“So, clothes, food, durable goods and tangible tradable items?” Violet asked, a worried tone present now.

“Yeah. I saw places kind of like it on some of my deployments. No banks, and if there were, no one wanted paper money unless it was for some other country that still held value. We can hope things stabilize soon. We have our military jobs and pay and as long as the government needs us, we should be able to get by. But you might end up with the early retirement if they do a huge reduction in force. If so, you are more than welcome here with me for as long as it takes.”

Violet saw the deep emotion and worry in Veronica’s eyes. She desperately needed Violet to stay. Without her, it might be the last straw, cut adrift from her moorings. She wasn’t sure if Veronica even knew it.

Violet was always the type to land on her feet. Veronica was as well but in a different way. Violet had studied philosophy for so many years, it developed a ‘whatever’ float along the rocky trails attitude about most things. Veronica was more the ‘take charge and don’t let them ever see the chinks in the armor’ type. Violet was one of the few who could see behind the walls Veronica put up.

“Sure thing, Veronica. Hell, at this rate, we should probably look at a full wardrobe for me. No knowing when or where I will be able to again. Hell, I have a credit card and a spotty internet connection, I’m game.” Violet said, trying to be positive for Veronica.

“Great! I know a few other places. We can go by the house to drop some of this off first.” Veronica said with a smile.

 

[Griz3752]

“Yeah. I saw places kind of like it on some of my deployments. No banks, and if there were, no one wanted paper money unless it was for some other country that still held value."

Time was that was US$ but given how fragile this country is, courtesy the last few years of missteps and upheaval, it wouldn't take much to get us to the point as laid out here. A plausible natural disaster, on top of some errors in judgement & long term planning at the senior levels and there we'd be.

Sadly, beyond being great fiction, this is a helluva wake up call. Even worse, only the aware are reading it; those who could affect change are so politically committed to the 'right' path, theirs and theirs only, we could see this play out in the near term.

 

[Sportsman]

Now we're delving into more typical "prepper fiction" areas.... spending lots of money on fun toys!
Thank you.

 

[ted]

Thank you.

 

[ComCamGuy]

Later that day


Violet tried to think of all the missing pieces of wardrobe she needed as they shopped. Shirts, Pants, underwear, shoes, hit the bargain racks for some out of season short sleeve shirts and shorts, and on and on she went. Veronica took her to a couple different stores to get everything they both though she needed.

It was fun at first, then daunting, and later, tiring. Finally they were on their way back t the house when Violet remembered some things she needed to get for the upcoming classes she would be teaching.

Of the original class of high schoolers, they ended up with about half interested in restarting when they were contacted. One of the two instructors, his name was Owen, was willing to return as well. Since the original Dojo location was understandably not usable, Veronica secured the use of one of the racquetball courts on base.

Owen was going to teach the first classes, trying to find out what they remembered and getting their focus and techniques back up to where they were before the unexpected break in training. Violet will start in with them after the Thanksgiving trip. She had a plan, but needed supplies.

They stopped at one of the big chain hardware stores. Violet had Veronica push one of the lumber rail carts for her as she loaded them up with stuff in the plumbing section.

“Do I really want to know?” Veronica asked as Violet loaded half a dozen ten foot long sections of half inch PVC pipe, glue and a bucket full of connectors and end caps.

“Training tools so they don’t hurt themselves as bad before we move to the heavier stuff.” Violet explained, dumping several boxes of foam pipe insulation and a pair of PVC pipe cutters on the cart. The next aisle over, it was two foot long sections of black iron water pipe and connectors.

One last stop on the way home was another sporting goods store, where it was all the tennis racket grips and tape they had.

 

[ted]

Outfitting a dojo does not have to be expensive.

Thank you.

 

[ComCamGuy]

Back at the House


Violet had all the hardware purchases spread out in the bay in the garage where the boat used to be. She now had a project to keep her busy while Veronica worked on getting the Ent ready for their trip. She remembered the story Veronica told her about how she got it.

The ‘Ent’ as Veronica named it, was an Entdecker G Wagon a pseudo-factory Mercedes Expedition SUV she brought back from her assignment in Germany. It was loaded up from the factory with all the bells and whistles you could want for backcountry expeditions and trips to the far reaches of the globe.

Two fuel tanks gave it great range. The three locking differentials, sand recovery and skid plates, winch and such gave it offroad capability beyond any other factory SUV around. It came with an on board air compressor, hi-lift jack and extensive tool kit to keep it running or fix things out on the trail.

There was plenty of water for the external shower and wash station and a lightweight roof top tent as well. It was a go almost anywhere and do almost anything baby camper for two. This was what Veronica drove when she was going to be overnight places or on long trips. It was also Veronica’s favorite and most prized possession.

Veronica was in Germany on assignment and was hunting and exploring Europe. To do that, she bought a used German military surplus G-Wagon. It was a complete contrast of the heavily blinged-out boulevard crawlers seen in the United States. Vinyl upholstery, rubber floor, and vinyl top, it looked like any other retired military vehicle- rough. That was fine with Veronica. It was cheap to buy, reliable to drive and would go about anywhere she ever tried to take it.

Veronica was working with a foreign exchange officer who loved hunting and frequently the two would be found out in the forests in her rattletrap G-wagon. The officer was seriously impressed with everywhere they could go, but he also loved his creature comforts.

Finally, he told Veronica one day that if they were going to keep doing these trips, they should get a more comfortable ride. Veronica told him about the Entdecker model. Luxurious, capable, exclusive, expensive; he was sold and had to have one.

Veronica helped him plan and order it. While they waited, she taught him the intricacies of driving her G wagon in preparation of his own. When it was ready, She drove him down to pick it up.

After that, they used his most of the time. More often than not, except for some real fun stretches in the back woods, Veronica still drove. She just drove the Entdecker.

When the officer’s exchange tour was through, he decided the Entdecker wouldn’t be as much fun without Veronica to travel in it with him. He left it behind with her. A few months later, she got a birthday card in the mail from him. Inside was the pink slip for the vehicle.

She had teased Veronica mercilessly when she was told about it, frequently referring to it as her dowry to join his harem. Finally she had pushed her too far and she exploded, telling her the guy was gay and it wasn’t like that, especially since she was married at the time.

Violet looked over at Veronica, her body half under the hood checking fluids or something. She knew it would be perfect for the Thanksgiving drive. She turned back to her work cutting PVC.

 

[FNFAL1958]

Entdecker G Wagon, nice but pricey even used ones demand top dollar but it puts all other 4x4s to shame

 

[ComCamGuy]

At the Base


“So what’s the deal with the tinker toy sets?” Veronica asked as she carried two duffle bags full of pipes.

“We are going to teach them some Escrima. We use a twenty-four inch chunk of PVC, glue the caps on the end, then we cover them with the foam pipe insulation. They will be light enough we can work long sessions, and with the padding, it should cut down on broken bones.” Violet replied as they walked into the racquetball court.

Owen was already there, along with Derek, Gretchen and another boy.

Hi, I’m Owen. You already know Derek and Gretchen, and this is my brother Daniel.”

Violet liked what she saw. Owen was a classic ’medium’. Medium height, medium build, medium looks. The type who would blend in anywhere. Most importantly, even though he was still pretty young, he had a settled calm air about him.

His little brother made up for it though. He seemed more like what you would picture as a typical teenager, at least from when she grew up. Daniel seemed to have that can’t sit still lack of focus but full of energy thing about him. With Owen as an example, he will probably grow out of it.

“Owen, you know your students. Work through things and get a feel for what they still know and what they can still do. One of the things I want us to concentrate on is practical self-defense elements. If they see the value, they will try harder and apply themselves more. One of the first things I want to transition to when I get back is some Escrima. If we start there, it gives them something they can work on and be successful and get results from the start.”

“I like the way you think. Instead of straight forms and moves, we tie things right into results. “Owen was nodding as he spoke.

“I’ve seen a few different forms and programs over the years. My thoughts on what to teach these guys is going to be a bit of the Jeet Kun Do philosophy. We are going to find the best parts of what we know, then teach them. Escrima is one of the best I know for using something a s simple as a stick as a fighting tool.” Violet was fully n her element now. Suddenly she was distracted by Owen.

“Daniel! Put that down! We aren’t to that point yet!” He was looking over her shoulder. Violet turned.

Daniel had one of the foam covered pipes and was swinging it around.
“Come on, Owen. I’m not hurting anything!” He said, sounding like almost any junior sibling anywhere.

Owen glared at him before turning to Violet.

“I’m sorry. He’s just a bit enthusiastic. We have been cooped up at the house for a while.” He turned back to Daniel, a glare on his face. “Set it down and be patient. We will get to that.”

Violet was walking towards Daniel now, who still held the pipe.

“We aren’t going to do much with them until after Thanksgiving. You brother is going to tell everyone some exercises and such to get ready to learn them. That’s why they are here. Please put it back with the others. You will get one of your own by the end of the evening.” Violet said, knowing it was just a case of shiny toy syndrome.

“Get ready to learn them? It’s a stick. What would we have to ‘get ready’ for?”

“You will be surprised at what a simple stick can do. That’s why we are teaching it to you.” Violet said, again in her quiet instructor voice as she walked closer to Daniel.

Veronica thought she knew what was next and was ready.

Violet held out her hand towards Veronica, catching the PVC pipe thrown to her by Veronica.

“Please follow instructions and put the pipe back.” Violet said as she was almost within arm’s reach.

Daniel looked confused and maybe even panicked now. This woman was nothing like their old instructor. He dropped his arm, the pipe alongside his leg now.

“Yes Ma’am.” Daniel said as he took it back over to the stack.

Violet walked back over to Owen who was trying to figure out how to apologize for his brother.

“It’s ok, Owen. We are all good. I brought an Escrima book if you wanted to tune up. There is also a practice set for you. They are the same as the ones I want to get the students ready to work with. Right now, the iron pipes would be too much.”

Owen still felt the need to apologize. He would talk to Daniel later about embarrassing him in front of the new teacher.

 

[Griz3752]

Entdecker G Wagon, nice but pricey even used ones demand top dollar but it puts all other 4x4s to shame

Pricey? Hell yeah!
Likely to fall apart or need to be replaced? Not unless one runs it in an active war zone; had me salivating at 3 locking diffs.

 

[steamroller]

Got any pictures ?

 

[Sportsman]

Thank you.

 

[ComCamGuy]

Got any pictures ?

The Mercedes Geländewagen Entdecker - Expedition Portal

Overland Journal tests one of the finest Geländewagen ever produced—the Entdecker

expeditionportal.com

 

[ComCamGuy]

On the Road West


“Not that the Bemmer wasn’t nice, but this is a lot more comfortable for the drive.” Violet said as she sipped some of her coffee.

“That’s my Ent! On road, off road, doesn’t matter. He will get us there and we will be comfortable doing it.” Veronica said from the driver’s wheel.

They had just pulled out of one of the few remaining gas stations they had seen still open and having fuel. Since the Ent drank diesel, it was a bit easier to find places with it still available compared to standard gasoline. One major change was the few stations still operating had armed guards. This made Veronica and Violet a bit nervous. Not for themselves but for the overall situation.

“I wonder if we will see the dumbasses from the last time.” Violet mused.

“I tell you right now, unless it’s at a gas station and we just wave, it will be the last time they are seen by anybody.” Veronica growled back.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Violet checked the pistol in her waistband. She was a bit twitchy carrying a concealed pistol without a permit, but after the last time, Veronica insisted. The Glock was different from the Berretta and the 1911 she had qualified on but in many ways it was a lot simpler. Draw, point, and pull the trigger. No safety to worry about getting set accidentally. The single stack 45 had seven rounds on board and she had four more magazines for it. She hoped to not need it.

 

[ComCamGuy]

Later

“You know, it’s a shame the IR Floods are so short range, otherwise, we could fly along and not even be noticed.” Violet observed.

“Yeah, I know but I put them on to creep through the woods with night vision for hunting, not out in the real world. I only have a monocular anyway so the depth perception issue would be horrible at even medium speed.” Veronica lamented.

“Oh? I thought since you are Air Force Super Cop, you would have some of those four tube Delta level sets of NVGs just laying around.”

“Yeah, NO. It doesn’t work like that. I have the monocular I bought for hunting. That’s it. We get things issued when we deploy, but we have t give them back when we come back.”

Violet’s comment started Veronica’s mind running down some different paths. Where could she come up with some better NVGs? Maybe Adam might have some leads or suggestions. She will have to ask him when they got back.

 

[Griz3752]

She hoped to not need it.

I think that qualifies as a mini-cliff; you just know something in the near term will require a controlled violence response ....

Unless I'm in the wrong thread .....

 

[Sportsman]

We’ll Grizz, this kind of cliff doesn’t have me checking back a couple times every hour.
thank you.

 

[Griz3752]

We’ll Grizz, this kind of cliff doesn’t have me checking back a couple times every hour.
thank you.

I turned on 'alerts' so I'm not tied to the PC

 

[ComCamGuy]

The Next Day on the Way to Paige’s

“You know, with the way Poppa was talking, I don’t know what is going to happen. You might need to take me up on my offer. And I really meant it. I would love to have you out here with me. I have far too much house and no issues with you living there with me.”

“It’s beginning to look like it. Shoot, it’s starting to feel more and more like a deployment. At least with you, I know I got my ass covered.”

Veronica was surprised at the serious tone Violet had to her voice. Violet was normally the unflappable one.

 

[ComCamGuy]

At Paige’s

Veronica swung into the long driveway to Paige’s house. The house wasn’t visible from the road and she was sure the gravel driveway would get real sporty with a deep snow. Pulling up to the barn, they could see Henrik and Paige at the barn, looking their way, concern on their faces until they recognized Veronica and Violet stepping out of the Ent.

All four started walking towards one another. Paige looked distracted, looking at Veronica and Violet and at the Ent. She didn’t look like she could make up her mind which one to look at, alternatingly squinting and staring, a look of wonder growing on her face. Henrik was more focused, He was obviously happy to see the V’s, as they referred to Veronica and Violet.

“I take it this was what you were talking about not needing his clunky old SUV?” Paige said as she walked up to Veronica.

Veronica grinned but before she could say anything, Violet cut her off.

“Yeah, that’s her baby. It took her three years to get it and she can’t stop bragging about it and showing it off.” Violet paused to give Henrik a big hug then continued. “I think she gave the Mercedes dealer a heart attack when she brought it in for the custom paint job.”

Paige looked closer at it, noticing the strange paint scheme.. It was kinda tan, kinda grey, and just a hint of pink or mauve. It softened the lines some and made the corners a bit muted.

“So, how hard was it to get everything to set it up like an Entdecker?” Paige asked Veronica, who was more than happy to show off her pride and joy.

“Not that hard when you order it from the factory that way.” was Veronica’s smirking reply.

“It’s a real Entdecker? Those aren’t even legal to register in the states. How did you get it here?” Paige was shocked and amazed now!

Veronica pointed to the foreign plate design Paige didn’t recognize as she explained.

“It costs me several hundred dollars extra a year to keep a Post Office box in South Africa, and it’s registered there. It’s just visiting this country, officially.”

“You have to give me the nickel tour!” Paige exclaimed.

Violet watched Veronica start showing off every inch of her toy off to Paige. It was like taking a five year old to a petting zoo and turning them loose. Both of them were grinning from ear to ear. Henrik was standing next to Violet, watching the other two go on and on. Finally, Violet spoke to Henrik.

“What do you think, Henrik? Give me a hand carrying stuff in while we let the kids play?”

“Sounds like the smart move. We should come back out in an hour or two and remind them to come inside.” Henrik and Violet carried some boxes into the house, behind them they heard Veronica spitting specs and answering questions.


Veronica and Paige at the Ent


Veronica loved showing off the Ent to her friends, She knew the details and specifications so well, she sounded like she was in a commercial or reading a brochure.

“230 Liter fuel capacity, three locking differentials, 1500 Km range, 86 Liters of water, external shower and wash station, spare windscreen, spare shocks, carbon fiber shell rooftop tent, sand recovery plates, titanium shovel, hi-lift jack, snorkel, refrigerator, freezer, air compressors, all in a package that fits more places than people can imagine.” Veronica loved showing him off, especially to someone who really understands how special he is since most people were clueless.

These guys…Paige, Andrea, Sabine and Henrik, They were special. She was already getting quite connected with her new friends. These were the type of people you wanted to be with when shit goes bad. They were the type you could count on to do whatever they can, possible or not, to win the day. Violet and their families were the only other people she had felt that way around.

Veronica was seriously considering talking to Violet about the two of them moving down here to be with their parents if things kept coming apart. With the six of them, and the four new friends, they might make it through to the other side of these troubles.

 

[ComCamGuy]

In the House


Veronica and Paige were still talking about her SUV when they walked into the house. Violet jumped into the middle of their conversation.

“Don’t let her bullshit you. She didn’t order it from the factory, her Kuwaiti exchange officer she was working with in Germany had her help him spec it out for him. He used it for a year until he went back home. He didn’t take it with him. He told her to hang on to it until he sent for it and feel free to use it in the meantime. After a while back home, he decided he wanted a newer one in a different color because this one was already three years old. He sent her the pink slip in the mail.”

Violet saw Paige looked like she had just slipped a gear in her head trying to grasp what Violet said.

Paige excused herself and went down to the master bedroom to shower and change. This left Veronica and Violet in the kitchen area with Sabine and Andrea. Andrea was working hard, with Sabine working as her sous chef by peeling crayfish.

“So, the guy just gave it to you?” Andrea was surprised.

Veronica wasn’t expecting this turn of conversation. Leave it to Violet to spoil her mysteriousness! She didn’t mind showing it off, but she didn’t necessarily like telling exactly how she got it. She was even a bit annoyed Violet had opened her mouth about this. Ok, she was pissed. She was always worried if this got out it could throw a crimp in her career. She had told her this in confidence. No one else was ever supposed to know how she really got the vehicle. Now Violet had either accidentally or on purpose just opened her big mouth.

Veronica thought she could trust these people, wanted them as friends of this level but Damnit! It should have been her choice to talk about that. She was surely overreacting, but she didn’t want to break the long-standing habit. If she could kick Violet’s ass, she would do it but she knew she would lose. She would just have to settle for some choice words later. Now was not the time.

Veronica took several deep breaths. She had to blow this off. If she made too big of a deal about it, too many questions would be asked that she did not want to answer. Besides, who are these people going to tell? She had to remember Violet always had a great gauge of people. She needed to stop being reactionary and let it go.

“Yeah, he was the kind of guy who would wear his clothes two or three times, then donate them because he was bored. He had more money than he knew what to do with. I still had to pay a shit ton to register it and then set everything up to bring it into the states.” Veronica figured to giver the thumbnail version.

“But he just gave the thing to you? It still sounds incredible!” Andrea countered.

“Well, he also found out it was a bit more work to drive off-road in the forest than in the desert like he was used to. I think he was just bored with it. He was more enthralled with its exclusivity than actually using any of the features. I don’t know if he ever bought his newer one. I’m not going to bitch, though. I got the one I wanted that I could never afford to order.” Veronica figured by bringing it back around to her just being lucky, it might finish this line of inquiry.

Violet had heard the story before and knew someone needed to keep Veronica honest. Sometimes Violet felt Veronica was a little too comfortable with deception and always was, even as a little girl. She was the one with secrets, shadiness and general squirrelyness. It worked great for the job Veronica was in, but Violet was going to keep her honest whenever she could around these friends.


Later

Homemade jambalaya, beautiful red snapper fillets and a huge batch of the secret recipe cheese bread were all laid out for everyone to eat as much as they wanted. People went back again and again. It wasn’t until after everyone had their first serving that any talking took place, a definite sign the food was phenomenal.

“I can see why the cheese bread recipe is a secret. And the Snapper was ….” Sofia ran out of words.

“And the secret recipe will stay a secret. I promised.” Andrea told Sofia.

With as great as all this is, I’m kinda scared about dessert. I’ll ahve to spend an extra couple of hours on the treadmill as it is.” Silas said.

“Who are you kidding, Dad? You? Treadmill? The next mile you run on a treadmill will be the first!” Violet said.

Now the comments and conversations flew. It was the happiest get together any of them had been to in a long time.


After the Food was Gone


The group had eaten far too much to even consider dessert yet. Everyone sat staring at nature’s TV enjoying the sounds of nature and the fire, something most of them didn’t get the chance to do where they lived.

Paige evidently couldn’t be silent any longer. She blurted out her question without regard to what the others wanted.

“So, Silas, not that we mind and aren’t appreciative at the honor of being selected as your ‘four musketeers’ but, why us?”

All other conversation and musing stopped and everyone looked at Paige and then Silas. Even the owls seems to suck in their normal whoos to say ooops. Silas gave a well thought out response.

“Well, there are a lot of factors. I had read a bunch on your and Sabine’s backgrounds as part of the selection process for you guys to get the jobs here. In my research, because I don’t just go with what’s on the official record, I found out you two were loyal to a fault,”

His statement seemed to get different reactions from everyone even as he pressed on with his explanation.

“And once I had the character references to build on, I watched you both once you arrived. Paige, once I met you and saw the resemblance to my own little slice of evil incarnate,” he gestured towards Violet, who stuck out her tongue like a five year old at him.

“I watched you closer, almost out of habit. Once the incident happened with you, I was able to observe all four of you under pressure. The events were similar to working with you in combat. The stress brought out your natures. You and Sabine trusted Henrik and Andrea, so your trust bought my trust of them. Most of the other people on base I haven’t deployed with nor observed in such situations. I went with my gut after expert consultation.” He smiled.

Sabine seemed to have an issue with this and something she wanted to know.

“What expert consultation?”

Silas pointed a thumb at his wife, Amber.

“Her. I trust her judgement above all others when it comes to reading people.”

“Spousal trust is great, but…” Sabine started, then tapered off as Silas continued.

“I understand your reservations, Sabine, but it is also a professional opinion. It’s her fault. She did an unofficial psych eval for me. Otherwise, what’s the advantage of having a professional shrink for a wife? Something has to offset the fact I can never win an argument.”

Paige, Sabine, Henrik and Andrea looked over at Amber. She was smiling and looked a bit sheepish before she spoke.

“It’s not like I threw you guys down on a couch. He asked me my opinion about if we could trust you and would you be able to go along with these two’s” she pointed at Silas and Ivar. “hare-brained plan to pillage and protecting the troops vs filling official blocks.” Amber continued.

“So, it’s just I have a lot of time hearing other people’s stories and get a decent feel of what they are like . I’ve always been a decent judge of character.” Amber turned while she was talking and caught the pointed look in Sabine’s stare. She wasn’t sure what that was about.

Andrea looked over at Sofia.

“So, a secret shrink, and you are what? A neurosurgeon or a CEO?” Andrea, unlike Sabine, said it with a smile and a grin.

“The only surgery I ever did was on cloth. A four year stint as a parachute rigger, then odd jobs on base since I was married to him.” She pointed at Ivar.

The conversation turned back to friendly banter for the most part. Some were commiserating with Violet and the fact she couldn’t get away with anything growing up, everyone was having fun, for the most part.

Almost everyone was standing around oohing and ahhing at the desserts when a shriek came from across the meadow.

 

[ComCamGuy]

A Scream in the Night

At the sound of the shriek, time seemed to fracture, speeding up for some and moving in slow motion for others.

Veronica spun and drew her pistol. She saw Sabine was instantly in motion, a pistol out as she turned. Sabine’s voice was flat and commanding when she spoke as she took off.

“Aid Bag! Now”

Andrea knew exactly where an Aid Bag was in Sabine’s SUV, her VW and Paige’s Cherokee. One from any of these would be the fastest. She took off running.

Veronica was close on Sabine’s heels, her long legs the only ones with a hope of keeping up with Sabine’s stride. Two pistols were better than one and she could protect Sabine as she worked whatever casualty they found’

Violet wasn’t far behind Veronica, but the only weapon she had was the chef’s knife from the table. She was seriously kicking herself. She had a pistol and a great fighting knife, both locked up securely in the Ent, all because they were at a friend’s house and they shouldn’t need them. Stupid! Veronica would chew her out royally for this later she was sure.

Silas and Ivar were moving Amber and Sofia towards the house to keep them out of harm’s way if things turned sour. All four of them were almost knocked over by Andrea running flat out, a large pack on her back.

Veronica saw Sabine slow. She moved to Sabine’s offhand side to help cover the target area as she looked for the danger.

Violet caught up to them as they slowed. She veered to the other side of Sabine, trying to see ahead of them in the gloom. She could shield and alert the others of anything she saw. If trouble was dumb enough to get close enough for her to get a hold on it, she would be ready.

The three of them could see what looked like Henrik and Paige, kneeling on the ground, holding one another, rocking back and forth.

Sabine was the first to speak.

“Henrik? Paige? What’s wrong? What’s going on?” Sabine’s voice was low and insistent as she scanned them and the area. Neither of them answered her. Sabine moved a little closer, kneeling down.

“What’s going on?” Sabine repeated, her worry thick in her voice.

About this time, Andrea arrived, sliding in beside Sabine like she was stealing home.

“What’s going on? What do you need?” She said as she whipped the pack off her back, opening it for Sabine.

Veronica moved past the two (now three and four) on the ground to stand beyond them, scanning the surrounding trees for trouble.

Violet moved up beside Sabine, ready to lend a hand as needed.

Paige looked up from Henrik’s shoulder, tears streaming down her face, her breathing in sobs. When she saw her friends around her, her sobs took a different tone. She started to speak, the words barely making it out.

“I’m sorry! I just…….” And she held up her hand. A red stone sparkled on one of her fingers in the firelight.


In the Field


Once the situation was apparent, Andrea rushed forward to embrace the pair of them while Sabine zipped up the aid bag and stood up. She looked over at Violet and spoke.

“Violet, why don’t you go back to the command staff” she gestured over her shoulder towards the house “and call off the air strike. We will get these two to walk back that way in a moment when they get their wits about them.”

Violet knew the others would be going high order over at the house.

“Sounds like a good idea. Well that little run made some room for dessert.” Violet turned back towards the house.

Sabine moved in and gave Paige a big hug.

“I’m so happy for you two.” She had a big smile and a big warm embrace. She then went over to Henrik and wrapped him up in the same type embrace, her head next to his. While she held him, she whispered something in his ear. Moments later she broke the embrace and walked off deeper in the field.

Veronica watched the happy group walk one way and Sabine the other. She felt waves of energy rolling off of Sabine. It was a stark contrast to Paige and the happy crew walking back to the house. She knew she had felt it many times before, usually from the victims she was interviewing. Shit. She thought she understood as well. She quietly walked out into the field, staying near Sabine but not too intrusive.

She knew Sabine needed some overwatch. She was here to do it.

Sabine came back to the here and now when she heard someone else in the grass next to her. It was Veronica.

When Veronica saw Sabine knew she was there, she spoke. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Those two are good for each other. They would walk through hell for each other. They have what I wish I had when I got married.” They were both quiet for several minutes, standing in the darkness.

Veronica reached a hand down to Sabine to help her up. As Sabine stood, Veronica pulled her into an embrace. The two of them stood under the stars both happy for their friends and sad for their own pasts.

 

[ted]

Thank you.

 

[ComCamGuy]

With the Group at the House

The group was ecstatic. Everyone was congratulating the happy couple. At one point, Paige was retelling the moment Henrik proposed.

“…and then he slid the ring on my finger. I was crying, he was crying, and all of a sudden, you guys come swooping in like a flock of guardian angels…”

“Wait a minute!” interrupted Veronica. “Are you calling me short and fat!“

Paige started stammering. “No, I just meant…”

“Yeah, I don’t know about this angel thing….” Added Violet. She was still pissed at herself. She would have been next to useless if anything would have happened. The laughter and ribbing was better than her own self-recriminations.

Andrea chimed in. “Yeah, well with some of the things I’ve done, I don’t see me as an angel.”

Silas, Ivar, Amber and Sofia were laughing. So was Henrik. Everyone was laughing it up so much, most missed Sabine’s input about Angels.

“Lucifer was an angel.”

As everyone calmed down, It was decided they must have an engagement party. There was enough space in the house everyone could sleep over since they had the next couple days off. Ivar and Sofia took one of the spare bedrooms on the top floor and Silas and Amber took the other one. Veronica and Violet took a couple of the couches in the main room.

 

[Sportsman]

Thanks!

 

[ComCamGuy]

The Next Morning

The shouting woke Veronica and Violet up. They could see from the den up into the kitchen area where Paige and Sabine were talking or yelling or screaming.

“Think long and hard about such an unlimited oath! Such things have a way of shackling your soul!” The coffee cup flew from Sabine’s hands, shattering the sliding glass door. Without another word, Sabine stepped through the empty frame of the door and out to the yard, leaving a stunned Paige wondering what happened.

Veronica looked over to the other couch where Violet had the same ‘what the ****’ look. Violet got up and was headed towards the half flight of stairs leading up to the kitchen level where Paige was standing, coffee in hand looking at the shattered remains of the sliding glass door out to the deck and back yard.

“Paige, are you ok?” Violet asked as she got close.

“I don’t know!” There was a look on Paige’s face Violet couldn’t place. It was some sort of mix of bewilderment, panic and despair.

Veronica was almost to the kitchen now She looked out the opening for signs of Sabine, but she was nowhere in sight. She looked over at Violet and Paige.

“Paige, what’s up with Sabine?”

Paige looked over at Veronica.

“I don’t know! I was talking about how much I love Henrik and Sabine started yelling to be careful about love and promises! Poof! She threw her coffee mug through the door and walked out! What the **** is going on? What did I do wrong?” Paige was distraught and on the verge of a breakdown.

Violet put her hand on Paige’s shoulder and gently pulled her into an embrace. Paige all but collapsed into Violet’s strong arms. Moments later, Henrik was there, taking Paige from Violets arms. By this time, Amber and Silas were coming down the stairs along with Andrea.

A rehashing of the events of the last few minutes ensued. Between Paige’s sobbing explanations and Veronica and Violet’s recollections, soon the focus turned to trying to figure out what to do about it. The solution was to send in the pro at dealing with crazy.

 

[ted]

Thank you.

 

[ComCamGuy]

Later in the Kitchen


Amber was almost mobbed when she came back into the house from the barn.

“What’s up with her? Is she OK? What happened?” All the questions bombarded into her at once so she could barely tell who was asking what.

“Enough!” Everyone went silent, looking at her expectantly. Amber continued.

“Sabine is sorry for her outburst and embarrassed at it as well. She asked me to ask you guys to please set it aside for now. She doesn’t want to talk about it right now. She needs to come in, shower and wants to go get the supplies for the party this afternoon, and another door. She asked for Paige to accompany her on the shopping trip so she could talk and clear up some things. Any objections from the peanut gallery?” Amber looked around the room. All heads nodded acceptance of the plan.

Amber stepped outside and motioned Sabine in. Sabine walked quickly, not making eye contact as she pressed through the crowd on her way to the stairs. Andrea started to follow her, but Amber laid a hand on her shoulder, holding her back.

After Sabine was upstairs, Amber turned to the rest of the people.

“Guys, we have a party to set up.” She turned to Paige, holding her in place for a moment as everyone moved along.

“Paige, Sabine wanted you to know, her outburst was protective, not anger at anyone other than herself. She said she would try to explain some, if you would be willing to listen. That’s the reason she wants you to go with her.”

“I’ll listen. It was just so sudden. I didn’t see it coming. She has been acting strange since the attack. If you have a moment I have something to show you.” Paige took Amber to the master bedroom downstairs to see the imagery of Sabine in the Arms Room.

 

[Griz3752]

As this is filling in gradations of texture and perspectives from other characters but in terrain previously traversed, it seems to me the pace of uploads has increased -- not a complaint of course; merely an observation on my part.

The vista of the whole story to date gets richer w/ each page as those nuances get added. That alone is entertaining but, to me, this is the flashback on steroids and interesting in and of itself. I think we've all read stories w/ flash backs but never like this, at least in my experience.

From over here, this looks to be an added factor of difficulty which a less disciplined author probably couldn't pull off. I think its going to up the game of those looking to take PAW Story Telling up a notch or two.

Feel free to continue impressing and entertaining us.

Thank you

 

[Dannab1]

Wow, this just gets better and better. I love seeing the story from the other side! You are a tough act to follow with some of the other stories I am reading!

 

[txs]

#5866, par 9, "she three her coffee mug" , should be "threw". Thank you very much CCG.

 

[Texican]

For Americans that do not use metric:

60.8 gallons - 230 Liter fuel capacity
932 miles - 1500 Km range,
22.7 gallons - 86 Liters of water

Texican....

 

[Sportsman]

Thank you.

 

[Shooter]

For Americans that do not use metric:

60.8 gallons - 230 Liter fuel capacity
932 miles - 1500 Km range,
22.7 gallons - 86 Liters of water

Texican....

Americans, Only country to land men on the moon and bring them back alive, all done with the inch system and less computer power than a modern pocket calculator,

 

[RememberGoliad]

Americans, Only country to land men on the moon and bring them back alive, all done with the inch system and less computer power than a modern pocket calculator,

I still can't think in metric. When I hear of someone able to jump three meters from a flat-footed standing start, I think no big deal, I can do that and I'm kinda old and outta shape.... Hell, properly motivated, I could jump 5 or 6 of 'em....

 

[ComCamGuy]

Moments later in the Kitchen


Violet watched Paige and Sabine walk out to make the shopping run. She also saw the look on Veronica’s face. Both knew there was a lot more going on than Momma Amber said. She had her work face on. This was also not the time or the place to ask questions about it. They had seen that face so many time growing up.

‘Thank you for your concern, I’ll let you know if I figure out a way for you to help’. That was always her answer. Sometimes she found a way and told them, Most of the time she couldn’t other than appreciating the concern and being helpful and not pry. On top of all the other obvious thing, this was one of the hardest parts of being an empathetic person with a ‘Shrink’ for a mother.

Amber looked around and found Silas and Ivar’s eyes on her. She also saw Violet and Veronica staring at her. She nodded and saw the acknowledging small nods back. At least there were five on the same page, so to speak. She would tell them the little bits she could when she could, but not now.


“Isn’t there a bunch of cooking or something we need to do for this evening?” Violet prompted at the subtle gesture from Amber. Violet knew to keep them busy, it would help defuse some of the tension.

“Well, the kitchen is too small for all of us. Why don’t I take some of you aspiring bow hunters out to the barn and we can look at you set ups and how you have dialed them in, and I can get the Master Bowyer” She waved at Ivar “to double check the new set-ups I have for me and Violet.” Veronica followed Violet’s lead.

Amber smiled. Even all these years later, the girls still knew how to help her.

Soon, the kitchen was empty except for Andrea, Sofia and Violet. The rest were out in the barn. This gave everyone a new task and focus to smooth out the stress from this morning’s excitement.

 

[Griz3752]

For Americans that do not use metric:

60.8 gallons - 230 Liter fuel capacity
932 miles - 1500 Km range,
22.7 gallons - 86 Liters of water

Texican....

Canadians in general weren't wild about that.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau (PET) aka Turdo the 1st issued an Order-n-Council (OIC, like Executive Order) ordering the Metrification of Canada. It took 7 or 8 years IIRC for the SCofC to rule against his actions but the court let it stand as it had become 'the standard of usage'.

There were some difference previously because Canada used Imperial liquid measure (an ImpGal is bigger than a US/Std one) but a mile was a mile & 3/4" G1S was the same thing on both sides of the border, just priced different in the 2 currencies.

Turdo I justified it all by claiming it would bring Canada in line w/ most of the rest of the world; the fact it put us at odds w/ our largest trading partner didn't seem to fizz on him. Of course, he was one of those intellectuals who 'knew he was right' - a Socialist, power-mad prick. You'll see his son, Turdo II, has inherited and built upon those traits.

If you want to light most Western Canadians up, talk about what a good idea the National Energy Program was.
PetroCanada (PetroCan) is a good one too.

I'd be moving away or at least, take a step back first though

 

[Lake Lili]

Turdo I justified it all by claiming it would bring Canada in line w/ most of the rest of the world; the fact it put us at odds w/ our largest trading partner didn't seem to fizz on him. Of course, he was one of those intellectuals who 'knew he was right' - a Socialist, power-mad prick. You'll see his son, Turdo II, has inherited and built upon those traits.

We call them Pere et Fils and the son is not have as capable of the father, which God help us all, may or may not make the mess he has created fixable... but mostly we wonder who is pulling his strings.. the puppet isn't bright enough to be steering this ship as he is.

@Texican - as for the metric system...we use it for some things... but mostly Canadians measure like this:

 

[ComCamGuy]

Late Morning in the Kitchen


Andrea, Sofia and Violet were working hard in the kitchen, planning the party for tomorrow and starting to banter ideas for a wedding party. When Paige came in, and Sabine wasn’t with her, Andrea went a little mental.

“Where’s Sabine?

“She said she needed to stay there.” Paige said as she took another step into the room. She wasn’t sure what the problem was.

“What do you mean, you left her there! Did you just pitch her out to the side of the road like a sack of unwanted kittens!?!? She has a bit of temper and you throw her away! I’m going to go get her. If you want her gone, then fine! Let me know and I’ll pack our stuff!” Andrea screamed.

Violet saw Paige was already off kilter when she came in. Whatever Paige and Sabine talked about seemed to take a lot out of Paige. This was not going to go well. Where was Amber when she needed her? Violet was ok at defusing, but it took time and she wasn’t sure where to start or who to start with.

Paige looked blindsided by this. Paige had evidently finally had enough and went high order right back at Andrea.

“Would you just shut up **** up for a minute! Cool your jets you raging A.D.D. Cajun flaming psycho. Wait one minute, listen and let me explain.” Paige’s scream shut everyone down momentarily.

The silence of the room was broken by a giggle slipping out of Violet. She was along one of the cabinets and it just amused her the stunned expression on Andrea’s face when Paige unloaded on her.

Paige’s glare didn’t scare Violet enough to snap her out of her fit of giggles. Sofia saw this and knew she needed to help out before Violet’s giggles set things off worse. Sofia flung a pot holder at Violet and shot her a threatening motherly glare. Violet reined herself in. Sofia was right. Better to not make things worse.

Paige continued in the silence.

“It’s not like that at all! She wanted to take care of something and needed to collect herself. I tried to get her to come back with me. What was I supposed to do? Handcuff her and toss her in the back? Shit! Give me a break! She said she would give a call, but Amber already went down there. Sabine knew you were busy cooking and figured to take care of some things!”

“I’m going to go get her!” Andrea started towards the door.

Paige picked up Andrea’s keys and tossed them towards Violet. Violet caught them. She had a slightly puzzled look at first until she figured out where Paige was headed with this.

“Here Violet, hang onto these until she takes a breath and calms down. She has been drinking. I am too tired to try to stop her. Handcuff her to a wall, tie her in a knot like pretzel whatever it takes to keep her from leaving. I need some rest. In a little while, there’s some stuff in the truck for you and Veronica, but first I have to ask your dad if you can have it” Paige said with a smile.

Violet agreed with Paige’s plan. Better to not have the emotionally spasmodic, half-drunk woman on the road looking for trouble. Besides, Mom already left to go get Sabine. If there was an issue, Mom could handle it.

Andrea looked over at Violet. Violet was smirking. With just a glance, Violet conveyed there was no way Andrea was going to get the keys. She wouldn’t even stand a chance.

Violet saw it on Andrea’s face. Even through the alcohol and emotional firestorm, she knew any wrestling match would be a wasted effort. She was in a no-win situation. Andrea’s body language showed it. She slumped and seemed to deflate. Violet hoped Andrea was ready to listen to Paige as she continued talking.

“Amber has already left to go pick her up. Two on the road wouldn’t be a good idea.” She turned towards Andrea. “Please, she is fine. She will be back soon.” Paige walked off.

Sofia stepped up to Andrea, distracting her from watching Paige’s back as she walked away. Violet knew Sofia would be better to talk to Andrea. She could be the ‘good cop’ to Paige’s ‘bad cop’ or Violet’s ‘evil cop’.

“Andrea, let’s get back to cooking and planning. Have another Mimosa and let’s figure out the bachelorette party.” She threw her arm across Andrea’s shoulders, steering her back towards the kitchen. “Besides, you aren’t getting the keys away from Violet. You won’t win and she will just giggle, so let’s get back to the festivities.”

Violet knew Sofia understood with a single glance Andrea wouldn’t have a chance of getting keys from Violet and once Andrea showed she was trying to get some keys and a vehicle, Violet would go all junior rodeo and literally hog tie her for her own safety. This would surely spoil the party atmosphere.

Violet knew Andrea and Sofia were really starting to bond over working in the kitchen. They both seemed to be enjoying talking about recipes, knitting and sewing. Violet remembered some of the same conversations growing up and spending time in the kitchen with Sofia and Veronica.

Andrea seemed to lose focus and capitulate with no way to fight the situation. Violet thought she must have resigned herself to it and threw herself back into the distraction Sofia was offering.

“Bachelorette party? Now you are singing my song.”

 

[Griz3752]

We call them Pere et Fils and the son is not have as capable of the father, which God help us all, may or may not make the mess he has created fixable... but mostly we wonder who is pulling his strings.. the puppet isn't bright enough to be steering this ship as he is.

@Texican - as for the metric system...we use it for some things... but mostly Canadians measure like this:

You, Ms Lili, who are likely way more enlightened than I, may call them that but my associates & I refer to them by the 'Turdo' appellation. You are right though about their relative skill sets; T1 was smarter and more adept than T2.

That 'Measuring Like a Canadian' chart is bang on though