Fall Of The Giant, Rise Of The Eagle

The Fall of the Giant, and Rise of the Eagle CH1 ALONE “Even the most peaceful animal will attack when it is wronged.” The scent of leaf mold and dirt filled Howard “Rhino” Green’s nostrils. As best as he could he had made himself look like the forest debris in which he now lay. His home made ghillie suit (strips of dyed, frayed burlap hot glued to an old BDU top, blended in perfectly with the floor of the timber that overlooked his home. Two MONTHS! Two F*&KING MONTHS!! and his world had gone to Hell. This pile of human forest detritus surveyed the home in which he and his family had lived for 10 years. It was no longer his home. Now men in black and Woodland BDU uniforms walked in and out talking, looking at the artifacts of his life. All that he had owned, with a few exceptions, placed in strategic locations,or in his pack was in that house. Gone, forfeit in the name of “Homeland Security”. Through the 60 plus year old glass of the scope on his British NO4 MKI (T) sniper’s rifle, he watched as men brought items to a man seated on what once was his patio. With much authority he motioned whether the item should be boxed into waiting “Evidence” bins or thrown onto a large bonfire, now the funeral pyre of his family. ‘OK, You First @sshole” He whispered under his breath. “But not just yet.” He had not been home when the “Protectors of Freedom” had come in the middle of the night to search his home and take him into custody as a subversive. They had not announced their Identity or intentions when the door shattered in. Howard’s wife, assuming them to be one of the looters she had heard about, opened fire with the shotgun from the rack next to the bed. a hail of 9 mm slugs from the assault teams mp5’s had ended her resistance. The flash bang grenades used to “probe by fire” for other “subversives” had landed in his sleeping son's bed, killing him with the concussion. He was out checking on a neighbor who was sick from the mysterious flu-like illness that had started in the cities and now spread to small town Illinois, after the real trouble started just after Easter. Less than two months ago. There was not much he could do for them, but he still went every night to check on them. He had buried their son and daughter already, too young and weak to fight the disease. As he walked through the woods back to his house he had heard the bark of his wife's shotgun, the scream of the wounded men, and the return fire of the sub guns. His son?s crying was cut short in the roar of the grenades. His instincts screamed to rush in and kill the b@stards that had done this. But reason took over and he realized that he needed the night to get ready if he was to quickly avenge his family and get away. He went back down the hill to the area where less than 2 weeks ago he had buried the sniper rifle, ghillie suit and various other interesting items, in a surplus rocket tube at the base of a fallen tree. As he geared up 500 M from his home in the the blackness of the new June moon he thanked God for the wisdom to place the items here , and to make the preparations within the house, that he was sure that they would soon find. He had crawled into his prepared position, just as the sun began to color the horizon behind him. He uncovered a butter dish that had the ends of 3 sets of of telephone wire running into it from under the leaf mold toward the house. He quickly attached a “Clacker” claymore mine detonator to each pair and waited for the second of retribution. It arrived. A Black clad man ran outside and said “Boss, you gotta see this SH*T!” At that second Rhino centered the tapered post of the scope on the “Boss’”chest

and squeezed the trigger. BOOM!!, the rifle bucked into his shoulder. He deftly cycled the bolt. As he regained his position and sight picture, he could see the Chief jack boot was slumped in the white patio chair, a look of shock frozen on his face and his life blood spattering the wall behind him crimson, thanks to the 174 grain Match King hollow point that had grenaded his heart. Next was the black clad Lieutenant that had just summoned the boss. As he wildly sprayed the forest with his mp5, a blinding flash registered in his mind as the second .303 connected with the bridge of his nose and filled his Kevlar “Fritz” helmet with skull fragments and gray matter. Thwakk!Boom!!, neither he or the others had heard the shot before the Lt.’s head exploded. All the raiders rushed into the house for cover, spraying mags full of 9MM and 5.56 rounds out of the windows, unaimed. After popping 3 more who stupidly exposed themselves, Rhino reached for the first Clacker. As he smacked it 3 times the “Shit” which the now virtually headless Lieutenant was speaking, went off. 3, 55 gallon drums of gellied gasoline erupted with a BOOOMWHOOOSHH!! from under the stairs, the pound of uncle Ragnars playdough (Homemade C-4) was enough to rupture the drums and split open the floor sending over 150 gallons of napalm flying throughout the house. As he reached for the second clacker a few of the raiders who were not already crispy wandered dazed out the door toward their vehicles. Clack, clack, clack, KAHROOOOM!! went the 8” sewer pipe full of steel and red phosphorus from road flares pointed vertical under the Humvee, parked in the only area of driveway big enough for a large vehicle. “Predictable”, chuckled Rhino, the lust of righteous battle upon him. He picked up the Snipers rifle again. Only 5 dazed and smoking men of the 24 raiders had made it out of the house. He centered the crosshairs on the crotch of the one that seemed the most in control of his wits. Boom!! his family jewels and lower pelvis exploded into a red mist full of pinkish bone fragments. As the nutless wonder dropped to the ground the remaining four dove for the only cover they could see, a large rotten tree. as they dove for the tree, Rhino picked up the third clacker and activated it. The tree erupted in to a shower of fire and finishing nails as the 25 pounds of FFG black powder and 50 pounds of nails shredded the remaining three of the midnight thug squad. Slowly reloading the ten round magazine of the Old Enfield, that had drawn blood for the first time since WWII, he surveyed the scene that he had wrought in less than 30 seconds. He began to shake as the adrenaline wore off and tears began to flow as he thought of his family, who were now cremating under the pile of personal effects on the bonfire. Carefully safeing the rifle, Rhino laid it on the ground and drew aside a camo net, under it was another WWII relic, a Sten MKII, 9 MM Machine carbine. Inserting a magazine of 25, they held 32 but 25 was all that worked reliably, he rose like a walking shrub, from the layer of fog and smoke that covered the ground. Drawing the bolt back as he took his first step toward the raging fire that was once his home, he walked first to the remnants of the tree, he realized, there was no threat there, the figures of the 4 Homeland security troops were barely recognizable as human. He walked up to the man he had shot in the crotch, who was lying on the ground trying to staunch the pulsing geyser of blood from his groin. Shocked he looked at the wraith that appeared over him. With crimson hands he gestured for mercy, the triple stutter of the Sten signaled that none was forthcoming. Walking as close to the house as the inferno heat would allow, he realized the completeness of the devastation which he had created. The sweet smell of napalm mingled with the sickening smell that was like over cooked pork and singed hair, he knew what the latter smell was. He had smelled it years before at the scene of a car wreck where the driver had not made it out before the gas tank had exploded.

With tears streaming down his camo sticked face, he walked up to the bonfire, thankfully there was nothing recognizable as the remains of his family. Kneeling he removed the Ghillie head cover and silent said a prayer and promised that he would see them soon. Just then the Whip-crack of high velocity rifle bullets snapped past him, the sten was snatched from his hand as if by the hand of an invisible giant, a bright scar on the side of the receiver where the 62 grain 5.56 MM bullet had struck, throwing it into the fire. Bratttt at at at!! came the staccato stutter of the M-4 carbine. Corporal Mendez of the 3rd Homeland Security Enforcement Field force had been squatting in the underbrush when the first shot rang out. He had been suffering for days from diarrhea after drinking from the seemingly cool clear water of the Sangamon River, but the Microscopic Giardia spores were now making him pay. Before he could wipe his arse the whole friggin house erupted into a Hellish inferno, more shooting and the boom of a larger rifle, slow and precise. The Humvee in the drive exploded, then another shot, then another explosion from the other side of the house. By the time he had himself collected and ready to move all was silent. Then the Ta ta tap of a submachine gun made him hit the deck “FU*K!!” he muttered as he realized he had dove into his own shite. He rose again just in time to see what looked like a primordial forest beast stalk slowly over to the fire and kneel. As the creature removed his headgear, Mendez slipped the selector of his Carbine into the full auto position and centered the foresight on on the small of the shrubman?s back and squeezed the trigger. His heart racing, he flinched making the burst move to the right. the funny looking little submachine gun tumbled into the fire. Surprised by the sudden fusillade, and the loss of the Sten, Rhino rolled to the left, then to his feet and ran in a zig zag pattern toward the woods, drawing a worn Colt National Match .45 from a thigh holster as he ran. The brushy figure, rolled to the left at the sound of the shots and ran erratically out of Corporal Mendez’s field of view. His Bizarre looking quarry disappeared on the other side of the drive. Buoyed with the confidence that the prey was unarmed and on the run, Mendez rushed in pursuit. Rhino rather than continue to run simply dashed across his driveway, into woods and went to ground. Again he became part of the forest floor. As the last of the camo clad troopers rushed into view, Rhino noticed that the brown of the camo pattern of his pants looked funny. Tucking is head down into the leaf mold and watched out of the corner of his vision. The Strange looking man thing he had been chasing had vanished nearly before Mendez’s eyes. Slowly he looked deep into the woods. Being a city boy from East L.A., Mendez knew nothing about the woods or tracking. The scuff mark made by a size 12 wide boot right next to his escaped his glance. He warily started into the woods, carbine at the ready, eyes wide. Rhino quietly took a very deep breath and let half out and held it, as the camo clad trooper walked past him, only 6 feet into the forest. His nose told him why the brown of the mans pants looked funny and a smile crept across his face. Mendez was about 15 feet inside the woods stumbling to get over a fallen log when something moved behind him. He was sure it was his imagination. Rhino rolled silently into a low kneeling position and aligned the sights on the center of the troopers back. He smirk as the lines of a movie popped into his head. “You shot that man in the back!” tne character had said. “Well, His back was to me.” came the reply. At this he squeezed the trigger twice, as he had done so

many times in the IDPA leagues on Thursday nights, during more sane times. Mendez felt as if an invisible spirit had slammed him twice in the back with a sledge hammer about 6 inches apart. he was thrown forward over the log, his carbine flying out of his grip. He could not get his breath, then darkness. Rhino saw his would be approached cautiously. was lying there on his Rhino thought that the that range then as the

assailant fall over the log. He rose into a crouch and When he reached the log he peaked over to see the trooper back chest heaving, no blood, not what he had expected. 230 grain Hydroshocks would have blown huge exit wounds at troopers eyes opened he realized, SH*T!! body armor.

Mendez slowly opened his eyes only to see the forest wraith pointing a blued large caliber weapon at his face. As his eyes widened, betraying the realization of his situation, his world exploded. Rhino realizing that he might have made a fatal mistake shoved the .45 into the face of the trooper and again double tapped. the spray and bits of what was his adversaries head covered him. He felt as if he would puke, but he swallowed hard, wiped his face with a gloved hand and began retrieving any salvageable gear that he could from his enemy, beginning with with the carbine and ammo of Corporal Manuel Mendez. After about 10 minutes of collecting gear, re cache ing some and repacking his kit, Rhino slung Mendez?s M4 on his back and picked up the liberated mp5, settled his LBV and pack full of equipment and ammo. after disabling the 2 trucks at the far end of his drive he slipped into the woods. 6:15 am and his war had begun, his world had ended. He walked West. An old song from the past running through his head. "Upon the plains of Waterloo, Many o’ Wellington's lads were slew, but his Riflemen they saved the day. Over the hills, and far away.”

CH2 The Fall of a Giant As Rhino Green walked West toward his pre-arranged hiding spot, he fell into an old familiar pattern of behavior, That of the hunter. His father taught him how to cover ground and allow his senses to guide him. To let his mind drink in everything around him. His father had showed him how every blade of grass could tell a story. The lessons his father had taught him had been to help him find game, but they were also very useful in avoiding being the prey.A dangerous thing began to happen, a human thing. He began to let his mind wander to the events of the last two months. He recalled the announcement over the school intercom at 9:11 AM on April 13. “May I have your attention please. A serious event has occurred in New York City. All staff, please turn your television sets to channel 2 and await instructions.” Rhino was in the middle of his 2nd hour Government class when the announcement came through. When he complied, there was a marker on the screen that stated that something was going to occur in 3 minutes. when the counter had ran down, the Superintendent of schools appeared on the inter school TV network. ?Staff and students, it is my regrettable small nuclear device detonated in central know the extent of the damage, but we can you know your students better than anyone

duty to inform you that 4 minutes ago a New York City. As it stands, we do not assume it will be massive. Teachers, as other than their parents, use your own

discretion on allowing students to view the news coverage. be prepare... Hold on one second please.” The screen went back to blue for a few seconds, then the superintendent, clearly more shaken, re appeared. “I have just been told that a second device has just exploded in Washington D.C., Boys and Girls, there is no immediate danger here as we are not a primary target like these large cities.Teachers again use your own discretion about the viewing of the news footage. Your students will no doubt want to know the situation. I will be making another announcement in 1 hour. For now, if you have a personal religious belief, I encourage you to exercise it on behalf of the citizens of New York and Washington, and for our President. I will speak to you in 1 Hour.” “Mr. Green, Can we watch the news?! PLEASE!!” came the unanimous cry from the class. He warned them that what they would see was probably not going to be pretty. Most of these kids were only in grade school when the September 11 attacks occurred. With this warning, he flipped to Fox News and saw a frightened anchor woman stating that for some reason none of the cameras in the area of the blasts would work and they were having a hard time getting any vehicles to start. The lights were out in a large area around the blast zones. The anchor reported only what the emergency broadcast network had stated. There had been two blasts, probably ground bursts, along the eastern seaboard. It was not certain how much damage had occurred but some reports stated that Manhattan had been vaporized and on a work day at 10 AM that meant MILLIONS had just died. In Washington it appeared that the detonation had been centered on the Mall, again hundreds of thousands had perished. The President had been at home at the White House, and Congress had been in session. It was uncertain WHO was in charge. Then the report repeated again verbatim. With a loud outcry of protest Mr. Green switched off the TV. He then spent the rest of the hour talking with his students about why the cameras and cars and electricity wold not work. He explained what an Electromagnetic pulse was, how it fried all things with circuits, and how they probably would not have pictures from the scene for some time. He explained about fallout, and how luckily the prevailing winds would carry most of the deadly debris out to sea. He warned them to be prepared for reports of many plane crashes as those who were in the air would probably fall victim to the same EMP that had silenced all the vehicles and knocked out the power grid. Less that 20 minutes after the Superintendent had signed off another announcement came on to turn to CH 2 again. “This Can’t be good” Thought Mr. Green . “May I have your attention please. School will be dismissing as soon as the details can be worked out for student transportation. There have been reports, as those of you who have been watching the news networks probably already know, of more detonations in Los Angeles, and Chicago. Power outages that are plaguing other cities should not effect us as we generate our own power. In the interest of your safety and keeping order, High school students will stay in the class room that you are currently in. Please obey the instruction of your teachers and we will get you all home as soon as safely possible. Thank You.” The screen went blue and the class went to shambles. Many of the students had family in Chicago a mere 200 miles away. Mr. Green settled them down and had them get out a piece of paper. He started having them take notes, but not they type they were used to. “Ladies and Gentlemen” Mr. Green always referred to his students with respect as that is what he expected in return, “I am going to tell you some hard facts that you need to know in a situation like this.” “You must look to the essentials of life. With the kind of devastation we are talking about, things will appear normal here for a few days, but soon food will get short, and

water may be hard to get” He ran down a list of things that the students needed to stay alive and encouraged them to talk to their parents about the list when they got home. The last student left the school a little after noon and the teachers were dismissed. Most rushed home, but Mr. Green headed for the local discount grocery store. He bought all the canned goods, beans and rice he could afford. The shelves were still, full as people had not realized their situation. The Gas station owners had however and already the prices were on the way up. Regular unleaded was already selling for $3.25 a gallon. Finding a station who was still selling diesel for $2.69, he stopped and filled both of the large tanks as well as the 80 gallon fuel cell in the bed. Putting the large purchase on his emergency credit, he went to the gun shop that he worked at part time. Upon pulling into the lot he saw that there was a lot of business going on. People were all wanting a gun to defend themselves. The same thing happened after 9/11. “Rhino, Damn glad to see you, Rusty and me have been up to our @sses in alligators since it happened” came the shout from Dave Peterson the owner. “The cavalry has arrived boss, OK Who is next!?” Within the next hour, every gas mask, military type rifle short barreled shotgun and hi capacity pistol had been spoken for. nearly all the ammo in common calibers was gone as well. Dave was busy calling in for approvals through the State police. All of them were coming back delayed as the background checks were done in Chicago thanks to the Governor who moved everything out of Springfield. One patron wanted his gun NOW and started getting loud. “You MUTHER F*&^ERS, I’m taking it with me NOW!!” and pulled out a knife. A code word was yelled and Rhino hit the floor, a Glock G27 compact .40 caliber pistol appeared in Rusty Shingletons hand and Dave appeared at the door with a shotgun. The irate patron decided that discretion was the better part of valor. He was last seen running across the parking lot like a Kenyan marathoner. “This is getting nuts,” Dave said. “Rhino, lock the door and let only one in for one going out., better strap on an equalizer as well, carry open that will let them know not to F&^K around.” Rhino opened the black canvas tool bag that he always carried, removed a Colt National Match .45 pistol, the forerunner to the Gold Cup, two mags in a pouch and a Kydex paddle holster. Chambering a round in the Colt and engaging the safety, he settle it into place on his belt and attached the mags on the left side. The frenzy of activity died down about 4 PM and things got really quiet. ?Well, Looks like it is 5:30.” Dave said. That was his usual sign that he had had enough fun for the day and it was time to close. Rhino had learned that time was a relative thing here and when Dave said it was 5:30 it was 5:30 even if the clock said 4:00. Dave handed Rhino an extra box of .45 Hydro shocks and gave a box of .40 cal. to Rusty saying that we should count it as a bonus seeing as we had such a bumper sales day. They were to show up at 9:00 AM the next day to hand out the rifles after the waiting period was up. Rhino headed big Ford south and applied some speed. When he pulled up the long driveway, he noticed that his wife had already set the pump out by one of the three wells on the property. “So,I assume that the school district let out and you have been helping Dave, a phone call would have been nice!” His wife Ada said as he walked in, half joking half not. “Have you tried using the phone?” He replied, “half the time you get a recorded message and the other half you get a busy signal, guess everyone is trying to call someone. Besides I knew you would have the common sense to stay close.” “Mommy and I have been playing buried treasure in the woods today daddy, It was fun!, what are we going to bury? Gold, or rubies?” Came the greeting of 5 year old Isaiah.

That night the Secretary of the interior, The only surviving high ranking government official not vaporized in the attack addressed the nation from aboard an airborn command plane that now was Air Force One as he had declared that he was the only surviving member of the Presidents cabinet, thus successor to the office. He stated the obvious, that we were again under attack. That a state of martial law now existed from coast to coast beginning at sunset tonight. All members of National Guard and Reserves were to report to their posts as soon as possible. Furthermore, during daylight hours, Travel was to be restricted to emergency personnel on major highways and there would be checkpoints set up and vehicles would be randomly searched. The carrying of any weapon would not be tolerated, resistance to any of the “necessary security precautions” would be dealt with severely. The new President assured the public that the persons who were responsible would be hunted down and destroyed. The power would be on soon on the East coast and there was no need to rush out to get food, as plenty would still be available.Rhino switched off the TV and said “Well looks like the Feces has hit the oscillating ventilation device, and the “President” is going to make a BIG IMPRESSION. That was probably a bad thing”. Then the phone rang. “Hi Dave.... You’re KIDDING!!!....When? OK!! Be there in 30 minutes!!... Will Do!” “What?s Up?” asked Ada. “Apparently, Dave has to turn in all 4473 yellow forms to the Central ATF office by Wed., He needs some help, “preparing things.” She Knew that it did not mean what it sounded like, but she didn't say anything other than “Stay safe, watch your butt.” As she heard the big diesel fire up she new that things would never be the same. “Local gun shop, gutted by fire!” read the headlines of the local paper. It appeared that looters set on arming themselves, and filling their pockets, had accidentally started a fire when they tried to use a torch to cut into the safe. All of the documents and cash within had been destroyed along with 243 handguns and long guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The owner was not available for comment. Not as loud and showy as the mushroom clouds that had killed 18 million Americans, but just as deadly another attack had been carried out, but silently and effectively. Small vials of a clear liquid had been thrown into the ventilation systems of Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta airports. These vials upon breaking spread a tiny but deadly virus to the thousands of people rushing to get home or to some destination. Soon many had a case of sniffles, then a fever, then vomiting. Soon as their flights landed they infected people in the destination cities. Soon Thousands were infected. By the time people realized the seriousness of the epidemic, millions were sick and hundreds were dead. Within days, most of the major cities were quarantined. People panicked, hundreds were shot as they rushed Homeland Security roadblocks. Large parts of cities burned as the populace rioted. Street gangs organized and set about solidifying their hold on the inner cities. The police were powerless to stop them. Four days later the President addressed the nation again, From an undisclosed location.”Due to the widespread lawlessness that has plagued our cities, I have issued an executive order requiring that all citizens relinquish all firearms tot their local police departments for safe keeping within 48 hours. This is to insure the safety of all especially our heroic aid workers who are trying to stop the spread of the plague that has suddenly appeared in our cities. Lists of known arms collectors have been circulated to local police departments and they will assist you insurrendering these weapons. Any persons who attempt to resist this action, will be considered in open rebellion against the authority of the United States and shall be dealt with accordingly. Likewise it is prohibited for any citizen to

hoard food or any other commodity. to do so shall be considered subversive to the common good of the population at large. Anyone with stores of food that they would like to ?Donate? are required to contact their local Homeland security office within 72 hours. Persons found hoarding prohibited items after that time will be dealt with harshly. All travel more than 5 miles from your home is prohibited for any reason. This is to insure that the disease does not spread. I thank you for your co operation” Rhino turned off the TV. “Well that is that, I have a decision to make. Do I comply and roll over to the people that are taking over our nation and violating the Constitution that our society is based, or do I resist and be labled a subversive?” ‘You have always been subversive to that kind of crap. now it’s time to make a difference, your decision was made already, don’t play coy with me Howard Allan Green!” Ada said. “You know what that could mean for us all, right ? I am hesitant to put you and Isaiah into harms way for my beliefs” Green replied. “You always said your son would see many changes in this country during his life, it is your job to make sure they are changes for the better, If you don’t, all those high minded ideals you are always spouting are worthless. I think your son and I are going to be playing a lot of buried treasure in the next few days.” Ada said with a smile. Green knew his wife was not as confident as she acted but he was happy that she trusted in him to do the right thing. The next day he collected every gun that he had that was missing parts, broken, or otherwise unserviceable and dutifully turned them in to the local police chief. “Howdy Howard.” Chief Wilkins said as Green walked in the door. “What can I do for you?” “Just being an obedient subject, er I mean citizen, Chief.” Green said. “Got some EVIL GUNS outside for you.” After the Chief had his deputies unload the back of Greens truck and gave him a receipt for the collection of junk he had turned in the Chief took Green off to the side where nobody could hear. “Listen, Howard. We are getting some odd info faxed to us. Lists of folks that the Dept. of Homeland Security wants information on. People who might be upset by the recent series of executive orders. Mainly hotheads, radical right types, but also Social Studies Teachers, Preachers, Lawyers, and former military. Your name was mentioned on several of the lists. Look Son, I have liked you ever since you were a kid, Hell you even dated my daughter, that is why I am telling you to watch your @SS. These boys are setting up some “Detention and Interigation camps’ and collecting “Subversives”. I Know about camps for subversives, my dad liberated 2 of them in Germany in 1945, you don’t want any of that sh!t.” “Thanks Chief, but as you can see, I have complied with the executive orders, all my guns are now in your possession, right? I am merely a good little sheeple, um I mean citizen. If I can do anything for ya Chief, let me know.” With that Green turned to leave. “’I’ll help a when I can, Howard just remember what side I am on if you turn Charlie.” the Chief said, alluding to his 2 tours in Vietnam. He knew where Green stood, and

supported him, but on the surface had to play ball as he also had a family. He knew it would turn UGLY soon. It did not take long for things to turn ugly, really ugly. The H.S forces, bolstered by hastily trained volunteers, could not keep the cities quarantined. The plague, known as Slagle’s disease after the scientist who first created it at Ft. Detrich Maryland in the 80’s, spread like wildfire the healthy and strong were able to survive if they could break the fever but the young, old, and weak fell victim to Slagle?s and died by the thousands. Bodies were brought to central locations and burned in pires in the big cities. In small towns across the U.S. the town square or a convenient field turned into a mass grave. With this as a backdrop, the Giant creature that is the U.S. government in its death throws, like the out of control beast it had become, lashed out at not its real enemy, Muslim terrorists but at the only thing within reach, the American populace. First the remaining cities were “pacified”. All people who the H.S. thought were capable of causing trouble were rounded up and sent to a camp to be interrogated. The H.S. actually enlisted the structure of the gangs to keep the peace in areas that were out of control, giving them the stamp of approval. Stories of mass rape and extortion by H.S. troops were rampant. Where were the regular U.S. troops? Overseas on yet another “vital U.N. peace keeping mission”. Many regular army and Marine officers resigned their commission rather than betray the oath that they had taken to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign or domestic by ordering their forces to disarm and imprison American civilians without due process. They soon found themselves in the camps as well. The kind of scum that volunteered for the H.S. militia were the worst sort. predators, thieves, and thugs, who saw the writing on the wall and knew if they wore the uniform they would be immune and the pickings would be rich.At first they concentrated on the cities, leaving the small towns and rural areas to fend for themselves. The local police did the best that they could to protect their now unarmed populations but the bands of motorized looters swept large areas like locusts. The H.S. men working the roadblocks were either bribed, or killed outright. For two months Green did not see any H.S. activity, he was beginning to think that he and his family might actually make it through this unscathed. His biggest worry was the looters that had leveled the little town of Lowder not 10 miles to the north. Relatively few of the people in his area had Slagle’s disease.His neighbors had it, and lost both children, Green had buried them in the pasture for them. For some reason Green and his family did not come down with any of the symptoms. Green went nightly to check on his neighbors who looked like they were going to recover fully. His wife was told that if anyone tried to enter the house while he was gone to shoot first and ask questions later. Chief Wilkins came by for a visit one night. “H.S. will be entering the area to pacify any subversives. I sure hope they get the scum that sacked Lowder.” the Chief said. “I am worried though. Word has it that they are rounding up the people on those lists I told you about a couple months ago. Make sure your nose is clean.” “I think my ticket is punched no matter how clean my nose is.” Green said. “Any idea when this will happen? I have a plan to re-locate Ada and Isaiah.” “First of the week., Wed. at the latest.” Said Wilkins Green extended his hand and said “Well Chief, I expect you won’t be seeing me after Sun. night. I assume I can trust you not to give me away.” “You know you can, Howard. Good luck kid.”

“Chief, find some excuse not to come along when they raid this place, from now on, Charles walks these woods.” Green said as he left, the message was recieved. Green went in and started getting his family packed, it was Saturday night.Thanks to a constant game of “Buried treasure” most of Green’s rifles, and ammo as well as much of the food was safely out of sight. The remaining food was put into the truck along with clothes. It was 11:25 PM when he decided to visit his neighbors one last time. They were up and walking and looked as if recovery was near. Green clued them in on the location of one of the many food caches that were in the woods. As Green left he said; “Remember, DO NOT go in the house.” see ya later, I?ll check back when this is all over.? They shook hands and Green trotted off into the woods to wake his family and get them out before the sun came up.As he closed on the house the sound of the shotgun, and the short battle that followed told him the H.S. had arrived early. He had waited too long.