Vigilante (Book 2): Into the Fray

by Cliff Deane

  “Levi, I am surely glad you came by this morning, I wanted to discuss your turnover of command in the morning, but I hope you’ve come to tell me that you have changed your mind. Have you?”

  “No, Ralph, not completely, but I do have an alternate plan. My problem is, of course, Kate. Ralph, I just can’t leave her behind. She swears that she will follow me just as soon as you let her out of whatever prison you put her. Hell, you know as well as I that she will do just what she says.

  Ralph spoke up and said, “All right, I’m going to cut to the chase. I know you feel useless now, but number one, that is hogwash because there are so many other tasks you could take on, that both help America, and still give you the vigilante opportunities that you feel are so necessary. Okay, I get that, but to just walk away from everything we’ve built here saddens me more than I can truly express to you.”

  “Ralph, are you finished?”

  “Oh, hell no, I have barely begun, but I have paused.”

  “Well, thank the Lord for small favors, ya’ old curmudgeon,” Levi told Ralph that he agreed that walking completely away from Defiance would not be in Kate’s best interest, and that was now his paramount concern.

  Ralph raised his hands to the sky and said, “Well, Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition, Levi is slowly coming to his senses. He gave silent thanks for the appearance of Katie Levins.

  So, I think I may have come up with a solution that might help us both out.”

  Ralph perked up and said, “Well, you’ve certainly got my attention. What’s on your mind?”

  Levi smiled and told Ralph that he felt that if he took Kate along with Gus and Darren Murtaugh, they would go to Plymouth to see how things are shaping up there with the new Charlie Troop.

  Now that the application of Plymouth has been approved to become a part of the Republic of America, I thought they might appreciate a visit from the head shed.

  Tell you’ what I’ll do; I’ll have Barb work up a letter of introduction for the folks in Tarboro, and, oh hell, we’ll make it to whom it may concern, that you are the official representative of the ROA.

  Levi, please continue to wear the uniform, and I would also be fine with commissioning Gus to whatever grade you think is appropriate. The uniforms will add to your street cred, agreed?”

  Levi smiled and said, “Thank you, Mayor, I like both of those ideas, ‘sides, I’ve gotten to like these grays. I had intended to ask you to consider commissioning Gus to Major. Then you can make him your spy to keep an eye on me and constantly telling me what an idiot I am for leaving my command.”

  “Damned good idea, damned good. Let’s do it today.”

  Yes, sir, I figured that we’d head on out to Tarboro. It’s a nice little town beside the Tar River and see how things are just outside of our border. We might be able to begin negotiations concerning an expansion of the ROA.

  I’m also hoping that Kate will decide she might not want to be back on the road after all. I swear, I don’t know how she did it, but she has me right where she wants me.

  Anyway, that’s what I’d like to do. What do you think about my master plan?”

  Ralph smiled at Levi and said, “I like it, and your presence will ensure the cadre we sent over there is up to the task of organizing and training our new C Troop.

  As a side note, I spoke with Adan Ramos yesterday, and he says he’ll have HAM radio ability by next week. He took part of his crew to Radio Shack and found everything he needs to build transistor based HAM sets. He also says that he may be able to begin building circuit boards and get some good long distance military commo units up and running.

  Our reaction times to any crisis would be so much faster.

  The electronics think tank says they can build a water wheel down by the river to run a grinding wheel for grains, and by next spring produce small-scale turbines for backup electric storage.

  I tell you’, Levi, I didn’t think any of these things would be possible until long after I was dead, we have made so much progress in such a short period.

  Barb brought in the coffee and muffins and began Levi’s Letter of Introduction. While waiting, the conversation drifted back to the day the lights went out and how they met on Day two.

  Levi rode to Ralph’s gun store; Patriot Arms on some fancy Euro bicycle and managed to talk Ralph into a rifle and two 9 mm pistols.

  Ralph directed Levi to the East Coast Auto Museum in the hopes that he could make a deal on an old truck. Ralph said, “Yeah, it’s a damned shame that old fool tried to kill you and paid the ultimate price for his stupidity.”

  “Yes,” said Levi, “it surely was, but then it led us to get together to build a militia and secure Defiance.”

  They talked about the annexing of Walmart and Home Depot, along with those Army/Navy Stores, and the Food Lion.

  The reminiscence turned to the defeat of the gangs rampaging through the area in the early days.

  “Hey, remember Snake and Tiny Needle Dick?” laughed Ralph.

  “Oh, yeah, and that Latino Gang the Double R and their cannibal slaves; I think that was the second saddest thing I have ever seen,” added Levi.

  Ralph didn’t ask about the saddest thing because he knew about Sarah.

  “Oh, and we mustn’t forget about Cowboy Pickett riding in and the formation of Troop B (Mounted).

  Levi was reminded of the still ongoing trips to Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, and Sunny Point. “I know the military had to be disbanded because of the food shortage, but still, when I think of how good the Marines and General Chalmers were to us, well, it’s just sad.”

  “Yes, Levi, it was, but it was also like Christmas for us, and how about our friend Gus, the Lejeune G-2? Friends like that don’t come along every day.

  They talked about Unity Day and the vote making the name of their new nation the Republic of America.

  Barb knocked on the door and poked her head in to say that the letter was finished and ready for signing. Ralph waved her in, read the letter, and said, “Well done, Barb, this is exactly what we need. Thank you.”

  Barb blushed slightly and said, “You’re welcome, sir, it was my pleasure.”

  Ralph passed the letter to Levi who read it, and adding his thanks handed it back to Barb to be returned to the manila envelope.

  “Oh, did I tell you what Adan is calling his little shop of horrors?”

  Levi smiled and said, “No, and I could not even venture a guess.”

  “The Skunkworks, Lord give me strength.”

  ***

  Chapter 3

  Plymouth Inspection

  Sep 1st, 1300

  Road to Plymouth, ROA

  Two of the four riders rode abreast, with one leader and one tail gunner.

  Kate loved to sit a horse, and did it as well as any of this small group. She also did not fail to maintain her situational awareness. Her eyes remained in motion.

  The only thing she was not enjoying was when she had to ride without Levi by her side. After her experience as a sex slave, being traded like a used car, she still fully trusted no one but Levi, who had saved her. He had killed three men about to make her do terrible things. Still, she hoped that some level of trust could be acquired from men like Gus and Darren, we’ll see, she thought.

  The day was bright and hot. Both horses and humans needed frequent rest stops. All wore sunglasses, long sleeves, and wide-brimmed hats. As all four sat in the shade of an abandoned General Store, Levi and Gus were discussing their expectations of Plymouth and Tarboro.

  “You know, Levi, I figure we’ll find Plymouth in pretty good shape, but Tarboro could be an entirely different story.”

  Levi looked to Gus and said, “Yeah, I think you may be right. The rats began to run to Tarboro. I hear that the gangs are coming together along racial lines. I sure hope they decide to stand and fight instead of staying out of America. I am convinced that the more they retreat, the stronger they get, and the weaker we get because of our lengthening supply lines.�
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  “Oh, hell yes, if they get serious about merging, we could be in for a major fight.”

  “Could be?” asked Levi. “There is no question about it. We have a bloody war in front of us, and only good, or evil can come out on top. I don’t think it’s really a matter of criminals vs. law abiding citizens. It goes much deeper than that. Do we live as Mid-Evil Serfs or as free men?

  In my mind Patrick Henry said it best, Give me liberty or give me death.”

  Their conversation centered around the fact that word had gotten out to the criminal elements that America’s latest treaty expansion now reached outwards to fifty miles from the center of Defiance proper.

  That word caused many evil doers to vacate the exclusion zone. Criminals feared the new America, and with just cause. Commit a crime against another human being and pay the ultimate price.

  In those cases where the criminal’s decided to remain and fight, those few survivors ended their lives hanging by their necks.

  These executions were carried out beside the roads bordering the nation of America, which now encompassed fifty miles, and always with a sign hung around their necks proclaiming the crimes committed and signed by Troop A or B, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Republic of America.

  The addition of small towns like Plymouth resulted in a growing military presence which provided security and allowed the citizenry the opportunity to install their own law enforcement. Veterans of all stripe rushed to enlist. Training Cadres were established for those recruits wishing to join America’s 1st Cavalry Regiment.

  Once a community was accepted into The Constitutional Republic of America, those aged seventeen to twenty-seven were required to serve in America’s military or in one of the new Civilian Conservation Corps projects being organized to begin clearing the dead and roadways.

  A prime requisite for citizenship was twenty-four months of successful military service for both men and women.

  Those who did not wish to serve in America’s military, or were found to be unfit for military service would be allowed to remain in America, but could not be registered as a citizen, and thus could not vote or hold any public office. However, as long as non-citizens remained law abiding and productive they were welcomed.

  Those who were not law abiding, and depending upon the crime were either sentenced to be hanged or were forced to leave America; the road, which many thought to be a worse punishment than hanging.

  Once deported, the penalty for returning to America was death by hanging. Those who could not get along, or shown to be politically liberal were required to leave America. Their behavior chose the road. This, of course, seemed like a very hard stand, but the world had become a very hard place. There were simply insufficient resources for discordant elements.

  Those who were physically or mentally unable to hold a job were taken care of by their families. Failure to care for such a member of the community constituted grounds for expulsion from America. The elderly were especially honored and considered not only to be a source of wisdom but a National Treasure. Family constituted the very heart of America.

  No one was forced to stay in the ROA, and a very few did choose the road rather than a land where laws were enforced for everyone. The world had become black and white, and so had America. There were no gray areas in these early years of America. The ROA was truly a melting pot of races. In the ROA a man or woman’s character was what mattered, not the color of their skin. The Reverend Martin Luther King had it exactly right.

  Anyone desiring inclusion in America pledged 10% of what they produced or earned, to the upkeep of the local Military Force, local Law Enforcement, infrastructure, and education. Those citizens wishing to be members of the Congress and involved in the shaping of America received one Patriot Dollar per day and would be in session for three months from September through November in even-numbered years.

  Sadly, there were a few occasions where those claiming to be law enforcement turned out to be criminals themselves. When this happened, the problem was resolved by the ROA military.

  Many criminal gangs were at war with each other, and often these wars were not just fought over territory but were racial in nature. Black, Latino, and White gangs fought each other for control of given areas and to racially cleanse their “turf.”

  Four groups, in particular, were engaged in a continual spiral of combat., Bloods, and the Black Panthers fought White Supremacist organizations like the White Supermen and the Latino gangs. The WS were predominantly made up of young Neo-Nazi’s called Skin Heads. The Latino gangs fought everyone.

  *

  Sep 1st, 1700

  Eastern Roadblock

  Plymouth, ROA

  Levi’s group stopped one hundred feet from the roadblock, dismounted, and showing empty hands walked to with twenty feet of the blockage before being ordered to halt and state his business.

  “Hello, my name is Colonel Levi Levins, with a party of three to inspect progress in Plymouth’s inclusion into the ROA.”

  A voice called back asking if he had proof of his claim.

  “Yes, I have a letter of introduction from President Bassett in Defiance. May I approach and show it to you?”

  Levi was directed to leave his weapons on the ground and come around to the right side of the roadblock.

  After looking over the letter, the Sheriff’s Deputy in charge of the roadblock shook Levi’s hand in welcome. He also directed Levi’s party to join them.

  Upon arriving at the Mayor’s Office, the horses were taken to the local Farrier to be fed and groomed. Levi and party were taken inside and introduced to the Mayor, the Town Council, and the Town Sheriff.

  The Sheriff sent a Deputy to bring in the new Training Company Commander, Captain Mike Guyardo.

  Following introductions by MayorEdward Perry and a short get to know each other period; everyone was asked to take their assigned seat and given a cool glass of lemon tea.

  Levi briefed the attendees on his mission to assist in any way that he could to ensure that the marriage of Plymouth with America went smoothly. He also would discuss the security of Plymouth with Captain Guyardo.

  The Mayor extended an invitation for Levi and party to stay at his home for the duration of the visit. Detecting just a hint of anxiety in the Mayor’s voice, Levi declined the invitation if suitable accommodations were elsewhere available. Odd hours, meetings, and mission complexities would create an inconvenience to the Mayor’s family.

  Ed assured Levi that suitable quarters had been prepared for just such a situation. However, evening meals were to be taken at the Mayor’s home.

  “Colonel Levins…”

  “Mayor, please call me Levi.”

  The Mayor beamed and insisted that Levi must call him Ed. The deal was struck, and Ed continued with his thought, “Levi, I am most interested in America’s new currency. Do you have any idea when we might begin to see it placed into use? Is it true that it will be called the Patriot Dollar?”

  Levi chuckled and said, “Ed, those are probably the most common questions being asked in America these days, and yes, the new currency will be called the Patriot Dollar. As for when it will be ready for circulation, I don’t have an answer other than the Secretary of the Treasury has found an engraver and coins will begin circulation shortly. The initial introduction of currency will be through government purchases of goods from America’s vendors. I was told that while we will trade with communities outside our borders, the trade policy will always be America first.

  I’m sorry that I can’t give you a better answer, but that’s all I know. No, wait, I was also told that anyone holding U.S. coins dated before 1965 would be accepted. But when using these coins remember that gold is set to be valued at $18 per ounce, and silver at $3.00 per ounce.

  If I had any business acumen at all, I believe that I would open a feed, seed, and general store.”

  The Mayor asked, “If the economy is to be based on a gold standard, then at $18 an ounce, a week’s wages
would be between $6 and $8 per week. Is that possible in these modern times?”

  “Ed, modern times are now defined as the 1850s.

  Ed blushed just a bit, and said, “Yeah, I guess you coming on horseback should have served as a clue, huh?”

  “My friend, don’t fret about it, we all have trouble wrapping our heads around so many of our new realities. Why, in three or four years, gas and diesel will gel, roads will be in bad shape, and we’ll all be riding horses. Oh, yeah, breeding horses, now there’s another good business to start.”

  Levi met with Captain Guyardo and received a briefing on the progress of Troop C.

  “Well, sir, I gotta’ tell ya’ that things are up and down. The upside is that we have more volunteers than we can currently handle, and the vets want to hurry everything up so they can dish up some payback. The vets want to go now, but training for the new recruits has another four weeks, and I’m just not going to shorten it. If an emergency comes up, I am confident the veterans among us will do well, but not the recruits, at least for another four weeks.

  Ya’ know, sir, when I got my orders to give up command of Troop A, I was pissed, until I read further down about training up Troop C. Let’s face it, I loved commanding the first Troop in the 1st Cav, but they are no longer on the front line. Both A & B Troops will have to be brought fifty miles before they can help secure America.

  So, yes sir, I was torqued to get a brand new Troop, then, BOOM, our borders get expanded another ten miles, and now C Troop is thirty miles behind the action. You gotta’ slow down.

  The rumor is that the real action is along the Tar River between Princeville and Tarboro. Is that right?”

  “Whew,” said Levi, “That’s a lot to respond to, but here goes. The reason you got the transfer wasn’t that you’re single; it was because you are the best man for the job. The training cadre you brought with you will make us all proud. The man I give this job to had to have my utmost confidence, and you do.