by Ira Tabankin
“What’s the butcher’s bill for today’s attacks? Did we lose many?”
The lieutenants try to hold their smiles in check, they nod to Major Walker,
“Sir, we didn't lose anyone!”
“No one? Another great victory. Our kill ratio must have set a new record. How many wounded?”
“Sir, we have sixteen wounded, none serious.”
“The shelter is reported to have a medical facility similar to a MASH unit, let's knock on their front door and ask their doctor to care for our wounded.”
“Sir, weren't we warned not to approach the shelter before calling in, something about mines. I hate hidden mines. Looking at the bodies spread around the fields and yard, the entire area must be a minefield.”
“Yes, thank you for reminding me, please bring me the radio.”
“TFM Major Ron Walker calling US Army Sergeant Johnson on GUARD, over.”
“Major Walker, this is Sergeant Johnson, I read you five by five. We heard explosions, assume that was you?”
“Yes, the trusty TFM pest removal company has removed your pest infestation. We'd like to approach and present our bill for services rendered.”
Laughing, the sergeant replies,
“I need your IP address or email address so I can send you a map showing you safe passage through the minefield.”
“Send it to the IP address you used to contact us.”
“Done, check your tablet.”
“Got it.”
“Don't venture off the path, there are buried mines and hunting traps which will crush ankles. The map also shows the positions of punji pits; I suggest you not step into one of them. They will cause a world of pain.”
“Punji pits like Nam?”
“Close enough for government work.”
“We'll be at your front door in one hour.”
“Knock three times.”
Ron laughed handing the radio to one of his aides,
“I assume you heard?”
His staff nods their agreement.
“Keep everyone in a single file, don’t wander, don’t get curious.”
“Yes, sir.”
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Tony marches Ricky through the shelter until they reach the rearmost corner where the emergency exit tube is located. Tony pushes Ricky’s head down, he bends Ricky over so he fits in the emergency exit tube. Tony stands behind him saying,
“Good riddance, you've been a pain in the ass since the first time I met you. I hope you enjoy your freedom, you wanted out of the shelter, you've got your wish. I promise you, if you return, I’ll personally kill you. Do you understand?”
“Go to hell Tony! I hope you get what you deserve. I can't believe these people are following a known criminal like you. I'll expect my family to be released soon.”
“That will be up to Jay.”
“That's if Jay ever wakes. I don't think he will. I fed him enough potassium to stop his heart, he should be dead. If he manages to wake, I bet he has brain damage due to his heart stopping. Enjoy your future. You're all waiting for a brain dead dictator to wake. You’re the sick ones.”
“Remember, if you show your face around here again, I promise you, I'll kill you.”
“Don't worry, you'll never see me again. I can't wait to get away from here.”
Ricky stands up after haphazardly sliding down the emergency exit. He smooths his clothes. He looks up at the sun, smiling as it's warmth bathes his face. He thinks it feels great to be outside and out of that sewer pipe. I hate the smell down there. I almost forgot what fresh air smells like. I'll find a horse and find a place to wait for Sammi and Linda. This worked better than I could have hoped.
Ricky walks to the far side of the farm where he knows there's a hidden barn with a handful of horses kept in case of an emergency. He finds a strong horse and a saddle. He climbs on the horse smiling, time to get out of Dodge, wish I had a cowboy hat to wear.
He rides off of the farm's property unaware he's being watched by a few members of the remaining ISIS scouts. One taps the other on his shoulder saying.
“Look, I bet he came out of the shelter. If we capture him, we can make him tell us how to get in. Let's let him get a couple of miles away from here so no one in the shelter will know we have him.”
His partner smiles and nods his agreement.
Chapter 5
“Admiral, we just received a special present from the CNO. He said to consider it an early Christmas present.”
“What the hell did he send us?”
“Would you believe a rudder, prop shafts, and propellers from the New Jersey?”
“What? How the hell?”
“He said to tell you, 'use them in the best tradition of all of the Battleships.’”
“Please reply, Thank you. You can be assured we will use them well and surprise the Chinese with them.”
“Commander, did he also send people to install them?”
“Yes, sir. They and the parts will arrive in four days on a freighter with additional parts and toys for the other ships.”
“I can't wait to see what the CNO considers toys.”
“Sir, I for one hope he sent additional SABOT rounds, or maybe a couple of the nuclear rounds they once planned for the Iowa class to fire.”
“Commander, I want the additional SABOTs, but not nukes. If we use them, we'd be inviting the Chinese to return in kind. Once that genie is released from his bottle, it will be very hard to put him back in and seal the bottle. I won't be the first to let the nuclear genie out of the bottle. It could invite the Chinese to use them against our homes.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Commander, let's pull the Task Force into a defensive position to protect us during the repair. If the Chinese learn we're being repaired and updated, they will try to hit us. It's what I'd do. While we’re being repaired, let’s see which ships we can also get repaired, rearmed and updated, I want every ship loaded with a full war load before we move back to sea.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did I ever tell you Christmas is my favorite holiday?”
“Sir, given these presents, I understand why.”
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The American economy collapse ricocheted around the world. Europe fighting a multi-million man Muslim invasion couldn’t cope with the immigrant demands and the collapse of their dollar holdings. Companies which rely on exports begin large layoffs, millions of the newly unemployed Europeans are added to the millions of unemployed Muslim immigrants who swarmed into Europe at a rate of more than 5,000 a day. In eighteen months, the population of Europe swelled by an additional 0.5 percent. The newly unemployed blamed their problems on the new immigrants who weren’t interested in integrating into European society and demanded government handouts, free Wifi and maids for their free lodgings. They demanded Europe accept Islam as the only true religion. They attacked locals, rioted and caused hundreds of millions of dollars’ damage across Europe demanding Sharia Law. The newly unemployed battled the immigrants, demanding they leave Europe. The Immigrants refused, they demanded the Europeans accept Sharia law or die. Europe’s great cities burned with violent riots and suicide bomber attacks.
Europe’s economy couldn’t handle the huge influx of unemployed and the collapse of the dollar. Country by country, their economies crumbled, forcing additional millions onto the dwindling government welfare rolls. Country after country had to decide to make welfare payments to either their citizens or the immigrants, they couldn’t afford to support both. Most of Europe’s governments debated the issue while the immigrants rioted, setting fire to thousands of priceless historic churches and buildings, attacking local citizens and raping the women and girls. Europe’s right wing fought back, within thirty days of the welfare system’s collapse, the European Union found itself embroiled in religious civil wars. Country after country closed their borders, Military troops were placed on a war footing. Switzerland ordered all of her citizens to not go outside unarmed. Spain fought t
he immigrants on the beaches trying to block their entry. Germany saw a rapid rise of National Socialism (Nazi Party) with brown shirts and swastika armbands again filling the streets of Berlin. Thousands goose step through Germany’s streets bringing back memories of the Second World War. France and Poland respond to the German goose stepping marchers by deploying their military along their border with Germany. They threatened Germany with total war if their military crossed the border.
The immigrants were angry. Many of the European countries placed large signs on their borders showing a crusader knight dressed in white robes with a bright red cross guarding the borders of Europe. In the Muslim’s mind, the Crusades are a recent event, not one that happened a thousand years ago. The infidel West was again invading “Muslim lands” to steal their wealth and try to convert the faithful. The immigrants view Europe as new Crusaders. The fighting across Europe becomes very deadly for both sides. Thousands die every evening. Every night, the setting sun announces the reopening of hostilities. Europe’s proud liberals found themselves either having to defend themselves or die from the attacking Islamic hoards who they had recently welcomed to their countries.
Concurrently with the battles across Europe, hundreds of thousands of Muslims decided they’d already planted the seeds to take over Europe, they decided to sail thousands of boats to America. They learned in their Mosques of America’s economic troubles, their Imams told them, America is open to invasion and easy pickings. Muslims already outnumbered Jews in America, the invading Muslims planned to make their new home Jew and Catholic free. They would be given one chance to convert or die.
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Doctor Basco sat in frustration next to Jay thinking, damn you. Why won’t you open your eyes and wake up? I’ve done everything I know and you lay there in a coma. Jay, wake up, we need your guidance. We no sooner kicked Ricky out when some of the families started fighting each other. Some wanted to just kill him, others preferred just banishing him. Some want to go after him and tear him apart. Damn it, Jay, please wake up.
“Wendy, please bring me 10cc of adrenalin. I want to inject it directly into his heart. Putting it into his IV didn’t bring him around. Let’s see if this jolts him awake.”
“Yes, sir, here it is.”
“If this doesn’t work, we’ll try the paddles turned all the way up. The shock should be high enough to jumpstart a Greyhound Bus.”
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“Jay, are you ready to return home?”
“I can go home? No shit?”
“The decision has been made to allow you to go home, Jay, this is the last time. The next time you come here, you’ll won’t be leaving. Am I clear?”
“I understand. Is there anything you can tell me before I leave?”
“Control your temper. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you, swallow and think. Give yourself a minute to think through what’s happening before you do irreparable harm. Always look at the big picture. And, Jay, remember what I told you about Black? Remember he isn’t a bad person. Help him see the right path. He can be a very strong friend or a very bad enemy.”
“What are you trying to tell me?”
“You’ll learn soon enough. Goodbye, Jay. I hope I don’t see you soon.”
“I understand, nothing personal, but it would be fine with me if I don’t see you again for a very long time.”
“Be safe and listen, you’re going to return to a new world. One much different from the one you left.”
“How long have I been here?”
“Long enough for changes to have taken place in the world you’re returning to. Remember, keep an open mind and remember your history.”
“Goodbye, dad. I love you.”
Damn it, who the hell is sticking me with a cattle prod? Man, that hurts, stop shocking me.
“Doctor, he’s opening his eyes. That last shock with the paddles must have done it. He’s coming around. His heart rate is up to 75, his blood pressure is holding steady.”
“Hi Jay, welcome back.”
“Hi, Doc, how long was I gone?”
“Long enough. How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better and much worse. If I consider everything, I guess I’m feeling pretty good. What happened while I was gone?”
“You were poisoned.”
“That’s right, I knew that.”
Doctor Basco and Wendy looked at each other trying to figure out how Jay knew he’d been poisoned. Had he heard them talking while he was comatose?
“Jay, tell me the last thing you remember.”
“Having a cup of coffee, then pain in my chest, then blackness and nothing. I woke up here.”
“The poison was in your coffee. You were given a large dose of potassium, it stopped your heart.”
“So it was intentional?”
“Yes, I’m sorry it was.”
Jay tries to sit up, he’s stopped by the doctor,
“Not yet. I want you stable before you receive any more shocks to your system. Rest, I’m going to get Lacy.”
“Thanks, but I think I’ve slept enough.”
“Not near enough. Stay in bed for just a little longer. Do I have your word?”
Smiling and slowly nodding his head, Jay responds.
“I’ll be a good dog and stay.”
“Good. Wendy, you have my permission to sedate him if he tries to get out of bed.”
“Doc, you’re an asshole.”
“Coming from you, that’s a compliment.”
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Sitting on his stolen horse Ricky stretches in the bright sunlight. He hears explosions, but can’t figure out where they're coming from. Looks like it's time to get the hell away from here. The Cartel must be fighting with the ragheads. I don’t want to get caught up in their war. I don’t want to be part of anyone’s war again. Damn, that sun feels good.
An ISIS scout platoon is watching him ride away from the hill he suddenly appeared from, surprising them. Abdaal punches his friend, Afhaam.
“I think we should grab the infidel. We’ll get the information we need from him. He’ll be able to tell us how to get into their underground facility. Once we’re in, we’ll kill them and take their treasure. There must be tons of treasure under the hill, why else would anyone bury something if it wasn’t valuable?”
“I like it, when do you want to grab him?”
“When he clears the hill so he’s out of sight of anyone watching him.”
Afhaam nods in agreement. They move to cut Ricky off before he can ride over the hill and disappear.
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El Chapo’s son Julio, and his caravan stop to receive the news from the front given to him by a scout who left with the news of the attack.
“Sir, we’ve been attacked, we were surprised by artillery. Many of us were killed before we knew what was happening.”
“How many escaped?”
“Sir, I don’t think more than twenty survived.”
“Twenty? You wasted hundreds of men for nothing to show for it? Why should I allow you to live?”
“Sir, I escaped so I could stop you from driving into a trap. I wanted to ensure you weren’t caught by the Yankee army.”
“How do you know it was the army?”
“They were wearing camouflage. I assumed them to be the army.”
“What color camouflage were they wearing?”
“All colors, some green, some brown, some mix of blues and some wore a different top from their pants.”
“Fucking militia. They weren’t the army. They were a militia group and you let them kick your ass? You’re not worth feeding.”
Julio pulled a Glock out of his coat and shot the informer in the forehead.
“Stupid asshole, he lost my men to a stupid untrained militia. He wasn’t worth the food to keep him alive.”
Tapping his driver on the shoulder, Julio says.
“Wait here. I want to talk to my advisors.”
“Yes, sir.”
Juli
o slams his Range Rover door closed, swearing under his breath, damn stupid asshole, just cost me the underground structure. I’ll have to stop here and send for additional forces. Dad is going to be pissed when he learns what happened.
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In areas of the country where the Cartel and ISIS haven’t yet invaded, flash mobs numbering in the thousands turn violent, they swarm small towns stripping them bare of food and water. They kill any of the residents who try to block them, screaming that the residents are racists for not sharing. Towns in the traditionally blue states, who gladly gave up their ability to arm and protect themselves, are easily overwhelmed. Unfortunately, there isn't much to steal in these towns since most are waiting for FEMA or other government agency assistance to arrive. The flash mobs run into problems attacking towns in the South and Midwest, armed citizens and organized militias block their access to their towns with blockades and roadblocks. Vicious battles break out across the red states, militias fight the Cartel, ISIS, and the flash mobs. Many of the militias, realizing they’re outnumbered, retreat to the woods where they fight guerrilla warfare. They attack the opposition’s supply convoys, they attack and destroy the Cartel’s product transportation. They use snipers to kill the local Cartel’s leaders. They attack ISIS during one of their five daily calls to prayer. ISIS lost so many people to these attacks, they’ve increased their guards who pray after the others. These guards are easy targets for the militia’s snipers. Some are armed with .338 or .50 caliber rifles which can kill their target from over 1,500 yards away. Most times their target is dead before the sound of the firing reaches them. The militia snipers are so deadly, the Cartel and ISIS fear the bullets out of the blue more than anything else.