The Patriot

by Dewey Goldsmith

  They drove back to where He had left his vehicle. No one was in sight and the vehicle looked undisturbed. Richard handed him an envelope and said this should meet your needs for now. Call me when you are ready and I will have the supplies you need brought to you. Also they are moving men and supplies into Clinton County to the old cargo base and we hear they are setting up a base camp and supply center near the Vienna area. Could you check those out and let me know how it looks. Goldie said I may want to take care of some things there as well. Richard said I thought you might but be careful my friend. Goldie said you better be on your way your friends will be concerned. I will be in touch soon.

  He watched until Richard had moved out of sight then drove off towards his home in Vienna. On the way he stopped where he had left his vehicle, parked the car he was in, and then went on towards his hometown. As he passed by the old golf course he saw members of the Ohio National Guard now occupied it. Several large sedans told him there were probably federal administrators and United Nations observers headquartered there also. He continued on towards Vienna and saw military trucks parked at the old factories and some civilian vehicles. He drove back into Vienna from the east and saw a number of vehicles located behind the school building. He thought they have been making this their headquarters for a several county area.

  The old man drove by his family home and parked a distance away. After a time he decided it was safe for him to see his wife. He knocked and the door was opened and he stepped inside and quickly closed the door. He held her close as she clung to him for several moments neither of them speaking. Finally she said there are a lot of army people in town. He told her he had drove around before coming home and knew where they are staying. It is, as I knew it would someday be. We are living under martial law and the United Nations troops are ready to move in. Already they have observers and military advisors with our National Guard troops. I fear our children will never know the freedom and happiness we have known. My heart will not allow me to shirk my duty to fight for their liberty. She said I know my love I will support your decisions whatever the cost but tonight let us enjoy our time together.

  The next morning he called Richard and advised him of conditions in the Vienna area. He asked could you bring me some special supplies today. I can use C-4, grenades, and four direct two way radio sets, and the normal expendable supplies. Can you meet me at the old fort ancient campgrounds around four? Richard I will be there with all you need, until then be careful old friend. That evening he was waiting as Richard drove into the campground parking area. They transferred the supplies then talked for a while. Richard said we are not alone in this, I have friends at Wright Patterson and other places who will furnish all we need. Our militia is growing in numbers and people are starting to form in other places across the state as well. People are beginning to resist all across the country, nothing big yet mostly those like us who have seen this coming. I must go now to meet with others, be careful friend.

  The next morning his wife said you slept well dear and he replied, you have always been my strength and brought peace to my heart. I want so much for our children and grandchildren to know the happiness we have known. To see them share their lives with those they love with hope for the future. After breakfast he said I must call Tim and the boys. After speaking with them they all said they had met with those they knew could be trusted and each had a team ready to move out on a days notice. He told them all to go home now and spend this time with your families for once we move into action it may be some time before we can return to our homes. I will contact you each when the times come for us to operate together as a unit. After they had left his wife and he spent the evening remembering the joy they had shared for all their years together. As night drew near he said, my dear I have to leave and may not be able to come back this way for a time because they may be watching for me in a few days.

  He said If only there was some way that I could spare you. She interrupted him and her courage was steadfast as she said you and I and the children have shared many years together. We will do what we must and ask only that God show us the way and give us the strength we need. That His will shall be done is all we need ask. He looked into her lovely eyes and said I love you, I always have, I always will. She said she knew. They embraced one last time then he opened the door and said I must leave you now. She looked at him and smiled, and said see you later. He walked to his car got in and started the engine. He wiped the tears from his eyes then looked to her and threw her a kiss. She returned his gesture and stood on the doorstep as he drove away.

  He turned north onto the road leading to a former wildlife refuge, pulled his car off the road into the old abandoned fire trail. He looked through the supplies and removed some grenades, C-4 explosive, and ammunition then hid the remaining equipment and supplies. He returned to his vehicle and began molding the plastic explosive into several pieces about the size of baseballs, which could be thrown some distance. He fashioned a short fuse into each then placed them in his backpack. He hung several grenades on his shoulder straps then placed the others into his pack. He loaded several thirty round ammo magazines then taped them together by twos so an empty one could be quickly removed and reversed to provide more firepower. It was dark when he pulled onto the back road. He traveled a short distance before turning on the headlamps then proceeded towards snow hill.

  He pulled off and stopped near what was once a hunting lodge a short distance from the snow hill encampment. He sat observing traffic passing by the encampment. There seemed to be no activity at the camp and no traffic was seen entering or departing. Lights could be seen in the old golf clubhouse. He tried to recall how the building was designed. He thought the main dining area would be where they hold meetings; the officials sleeping areas would be off in the side and rear areas away from the dining room. He decided rather than park and approach on foot he would ready two explosive charges then drive by and throw them into the building. He drove onto the main highway and past the clubhouse then turned off into what was once a rest area for traffic. He watched for a few moments and saw no movement and there appeared to be no guards on duty.

  He readied the charges on the seat with a lighter beside them then pulled onto the highway. He thought once lit these eight inch fuses should take eight seconds. Enough time to get back into his vehicle and be a distance away before they go off. He pulled up with his lights off opened the door and stepped out. He threw the baseball size explosives thru the windows got in and quickly drove off before turning on his lights. Just as he went past an old farm pond he heard the explosions and could see flames in the rear view mirror. He kept going picking up speed then turned south on a road heading back towards the village of Vienna. He needed to hurry now before alarms were sounded alerting those stationed in and around the village.

  Just outside of town He stopped and readied two more explosive charges. He knew these would not destroy their capability to operate but would probably take some lives and damage troop moral more than anything else. He slowed down as he approached the old factories then stopped. He stepped out and threw a charge into each of the buildings located on adjacent corners of the street then drove across the railway tracks and just as he turned east on the old church road he heard the explosions behind him. Continuing on he observed a military truck approaching and thought they must be headed for the buildings with personnel. He pulled over, stopped, and reached for the grenades lying on the seat. One was an incendiary the other a fragment type. He pulled the pins and waited. As the truckload of troops passed he tossed the grenades in the back of the truck then sped away. He heard the explosions then saw the truck flip over and burst into flames. He watched in the rear view mirror and saw no movement from the wreckage.

  He continued on towards the site where he had stashed his supplies. It was quiet and no traffic as he neared his destination. He pulled off the road into the woods and stopped. He waited a few moments then hearing nothing he began to load the remaining supplies in his v
ehicle. Later he drove onto the road and headed towards the falls Ville area. He drove in past the pond and thru the woods near the waterfall and hid his vehicle under the pines. He opened a can of Pepsi and sat back for a moment to relax and decide his next move. After a while he reached for his cell phone and called Jeffrey’s number. Jeff’s wife answered and asked are you all right, then he heard her say Jeff it’s your father. Jeffrey came on the phone and said where are you? Do you need anything? He said I’m fine but I need you to get James, Joshua, and Tim and meet me tonight at the pond near the falls at the old falls Ville game preserve. Get the others and come in one vehicle I’ll be waiting for you at the pond. Jeff asked do you need anything? He said maybe some Pepsi and cigarettes. Jeff said we will be there a little after dark dad, be careful.

  The old man sat for a while then lay his head back on the seat. It was near dusk when his watch alarm woke him. He reached for his cigarettes and the can of Pepsi sitting on the dash. After a moment he got out and started walking thru the trees towards the pond. He sat there for some time waiting out of sight but there was no traffic traveling the graveled road. He thought to himself, I can’t believe they have everyone to afraid to go out of their homes. They must be shown they can fight back. The sight of Tim’s pickup going slowly by interrupted his thoughts. He watched as the truck went a short distance then turned and came back and pulled off the road. He stepped out and told Tim to drive on into the woods for a few hundred yards then stayed behind to make sure no one had been following them. His sons walked up and gave him a big hug and said you have been busy dad.

  The boys said mom sent some groceries and we have your Pepsi and smokes. Tim said all hell broke loose around here last night I guess you had something to do with that. Goldie said I recon so what have you heard. Tim said he saw the burned up truck and residents along the street said there were some fifteen or twenty troops on the truck and no one survived. The old factories took a pretty good hit and one was partially burned, several men in the buildings were killed and injured as well. Jeff said he came past the snow hill earlier this morning and there was several bodies being loaded onto trucks. It looks like they will have to repair the roof and walls of the old clubhouse or move.

  Tim said the television networks reported on the damage to buildings and loss of lives at Zinnia claiming it was the work of terrorists and warning they will be caught and anyone who helps them will be considered terrorist as well. The governor has issued a statement that those who interfere with his National Guard troops and state police will be caught and turned over to the federal government for prosecution as terrorists. He claims thirty people were killed at Xenia and twenty more in the new Vienna area by these cowardly murderers. Everyone is talking about it and wondering who it could be, and saying they wish they had the guts to do it themselves.

  They may have their chance soon Tim. He showed them the two way military type radios and other supplies Richard had brought him. It’s time for us to organize into teams and operate in this area doing whatever we can to harass them and slow them down. We need to take the fight to them every way we can. Go back to your homes then contact those willing to serve with us. Assemble your men and return here tomorrow after dark. Have each man bring several days rations of food and other personal needs. How many men does each of you have now you can depend on? James said he would have twenty with others ready when needed. Joshua said I will bring twenty now and have more if needed later. Jeffrey and Tim said we have twenty and we also can bring more when needed. Goldie said good that’s sixty total, I will contact Richard and tell him we need ten four wheel drive vehicles with fictitious registration for transportation. Have drivers you can trust drop your men off here tomorrow then take their vehicles back home with them.

  He called Richard and advised him of their plans and needs. Richard assured him the vehicles and any other supplies needed were on hand and ready. He said he would have m-16 carbines and ammo for all sixty men and field cloths if needed. Goldie advised him where to bring the vehicles and supplies and Richard said he knew the place well and would arrive after dark. Goldie told Tim and his sons it is done. We will have vehicles, guns, ammo, field rations, and any supplies needed for all of us delivered here tomorrow night. You guys go home now and prepare and I will see you here tomorrow after dusk. James asked where will you spend the night and tomorrow dad? He said I will make sure the house is not being watched then spend some time with your mother tonight. At this time they don’t know who is causing them problems so it will be safe. I will call each of you tomorrow at noon to make sure everything is going well and will see you here tomorrow night. You guys leave now and go home I will be all right.

  He said I’ll walk on ahead to make sure the road is clear of traffic before you come out. He walked to the edge of the road and looked then after making certain the way was clear he motioned them to bring the truck on out. He waved and gave them thumbs up as they pulled away. Slowly the old man walked back to where his car was hidden. He waited a while then carefully edged the car towards the road. Seeing no vehicle lights he pulled out and started down the road towards Vienna. He drove across to the edge of town then along the road behind the community where he lived. He had once befriended a local farmer nearby so he stopped at the home and talked for a few moments. He asked if he could leave his car parked near the barn for a time. The farmer said just park it by the barn it would be fine and out of the way. He thanked the old-timer and said he would be after it later then walked along the cemetery road to a place where he could watch his home.

  He made his way along the creek and walked along the pines to the rear of his home. He could see his wife sitting in her favorite chair watching television with their daughter. He entered the house and quietly closed the door behind him. He stood quietly for a moment listening then carefully walked to the dining area where he could see the entire family room. He whispered her name softly and she turned then rose and ran towards him. He held her close and could feel her trembling as she said I was afraid for you. He asked has there been anyone around watching the house or asking about me. She answered no it has been quiet here but the guard people have been going and coming on the highway all day. Sometimes there are several vehicles traveling together with troops in them. She said the news say they are after the gang of terrorists who are trying to prevent them from restoring peace and liberty.

  They sat together on the sofa watching television for some time talking about old times when they first met. I knew the first moment I met you there could never be anyone else for me. She said she had felt the same, how wild it was to get married only one month after their first meeting. You deserve so much more than I have been able to give you. She said you have given me fifty years of true love and five wonderful children. No woman could ask for more than you have given me. They sat together and he held her as they talked late into the morning hours. Finally he told her it is time, I must leave before the light comes. She walked him to the door and he held her close for a time. He took her face in his hands and kissed her and said it is time. She said I know my love I will wait for your return. They parted then, not knowing it would be the last time they would hold each other close.

  He walked along the pines and followed the stream to where he had left his car. I was quiet and no one was about at the farm when he drove away. He pulled off the road and drove back in under the pines. It was peaceful there under the pines listening to the waterfall and after a time he slept. He awoke feeling refreshed and looked at his watch to see he had slept several hours. He mixed a cup of coffee and heated it on the battery-powered heater while opening one of the field rations kits Richard had furnished. The powdered eggs and jelly with sausage was just right and after eating he sat back and relaxed. Later he called his sons and Tim and all was well with them and the men were all ready and would be on time. He took the time to organize his thoughts as to where to direct their efforts that would cause the most problems for the occupation forces while waiting for the men
to arrive.

  It was April now and while the nights were cool a blanket was comfort enough and Richard had supplied him with good wool blankets for the men and field rations that would last for several days. He thought we have plenty of cash to purchase fuel for the vehicles and if that becomes risky his friend at the farm nearby had already offered to furnish fuel and if need be a place to park the vehicles inside and out of sight. It was nearing dusk as he walked thru the woods to the road to make sure the men get off the road quick. Tim and Jeff was the first to arrive then the others started arriving a few minuets apart and all unloaded without any vehicles coming by. The men carried their supplies into the woods and all sat down under the pines. Most had been in the service so the open air didn’t bother them. All were ready to get down to business and wanted to know what was planned.

  He told them we have transportation coming later tonight for all teams. He asked have all your men used an M-16 military style carbine? All said they had except a few admitted they had only fired one a few times when shooting with friends but all said they felt comfortable with one. He said good because a friend is bringing one for each of us with the vehicles. He said we have all the ammo we need with grenades and launchers and medical supplies should we need them. He said Tim and I will go back to the road and wait for the equipment to get here in the meantime you guys make yourselves comfortable and get to know one another. Along the way Tim said I think we have some dam good men with us what do you think. Goldie said I know some of them, most have had army service, and they will be of great help to those who haven’t. We will do all right if we can prevent them from getting in over their heads for a while.