by Cooper, DJ
“You know the requirement for those under eighteen, we can do a test to see if your skills have progressed.”
Cameron nodded and sat down. Dez smiled at her young friends and reached out for Ryan’s hand. She nodded to him in approval.
It was all settled, Ray and Roger along with a number of Ryan’s men would head for Lexington. They were to spend the next few days observing the happenings of the camp. When they’re finished with their recon; they would reconvene at the sheriff’s office in five days’ time. Aaron and the other two would return to their posts. Along with three men from the militia who were assigned to remain with them. Supplies would be sent up to the posts from the farm, and reports brought back from the watch on the back ridge and their three new allies.
Chapter 12
The Camp
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
-Martin Niemöller
It took a full two weeks to plan the assault and more time to organize and coordinate it. They were all concerned for Aaron and his family but didn’t want to risk going in unprepared and costing lives.
The view of the city was one that none of them could have imagined. Large areas were burned out and military vehicles littered the streets. Making it to the golf course where they paused to assess the area was difficult. Although it sat outside the city it was still a sprawling residential area with many patrols. Sitting atop the cell tower on the hill that lay on the edge of the golf course just outside the city gave them a view of the city and the camp that was set up at the high school.
It was fenced in with large tents in the baseball and soccer fields. From what they could see there were three raised guard towers and a double perimeter fence with guards patrolling between them. People were milling around inside the grounds while guards watched them. There were gardens and a washing area with a hose that ran from the reservoir to feed large tanks. Roger looked at Ray raising his eyebrows. “Damn they got a set up going on. Make notes so we can also pass on the ideas to the farm.”
A park was nestled up next to it on one side. They decided to head there. It was where they’d hoped to get a closer look. Climbing down from the tower they headed out once it got dark to gain the better vantage point. Carefully sneaking through back yards and behind commercial buildings they finally made it to the school. There was a giant banner across the entry to the school that read.
ZONE IV
CAMP 256
They looked at each other shrugging in silent questioning what it meant. Were there two hundred fifty-six camps nationwide or was this just one small section? Being the mid-west, they surmised it was likely not the end of the numbering. The realization that the scope of this was far more than any of them could have thought made them sit in silent consideration for the remainder of the day.
They made note of this as something to bring up after the recon mission. Roger and Ray were aware of the zone designations. They’d seen some of the locations on the papers they’d taken when they left the north. They had no idea so many camps were within each zone. None of them did.
Working their way over to the park, they settled into a thatched area that provided good cover. It was on the far side near an abandoned home. They began their shifts; each shift taking careful notes about the comings and goings of the camp. After spending three days watching all sides of the camp, noting its schedules and looking for weakness or opportunity. It was time to return and report what they’d found at the meeting in the Sheriff's Office.
They’d compiled a schedule of guard changes, work routines; noting the locations of things like the mess hall, the infirmary, and the prisoner housing. During their time watching and information gathering, they noted that on a number of occasions the people they called the black suits arrived and left. This camp had far more going on than they suspected.
The evening of the third day they left to report what they'd learned. Making their way back to their vehicle they were nearly spotted by a large gang. They were burning down whole neighborhoods. Setting houses ablaze and cheering as they burned fiercely. Before one house had burned out they’d set another. Hunkering down waiting for them to move on to the next street, praying they didn’t move instead to the one they were hiding on. Once it was clear they moved to the next subdivision. Crossing this one before reaching the truck they dodged between the houses and vehicles littering the street.
Suddenly Roger put his fist up. They froze where they stood and got down. Quietly they converged on Roger’s position and looking past him, they could see why. Sitting inside a row of hedges they could see another group. They watched and waited while a far less destructive group of people cleaned out each house and packed all useful items found into trucks.
As they sat observing, they could see that this was systematic. In this scavenging of the surrounding areas they would soon need to branch out further. Each area was emptied before being destroyed.
Wondering what the agenda could possibly be. The question of the reasoning behind the destruction of all this property was a question they'd save for a later period on the way back.
Ray was the first to offer a thought. “I think they are just a bunch of rabble rousers looking for a good time.”
Roger shook his head in disagreement. “I don’t think so. The group collecting supplies also wore the tattoo. I think this is more systematic and intentional.”
None of them knew for sure.
Once they got within CB range they called Ryan to set up the meeting at the Sheriff's Office as they’d planned. Ryan sent someone out to the farm to let the others know the recon team was returning. Dez, along with some of the others immediately headed to town for the meeting. They were anxious to find out what they’d learned.
Pulling into the sheriff’s station they found that there were a number of other people milling about, but the recon team was not back yet. The others who were in attendance came from some of the other militias around. Ryan informed everyone that there were still others on their way.
“In an effort to create a single force each of the leaders have agreed to come together, connected for this meeting by ham. They are meeting statewide. Corey has relayed information to other states that we're creating a single militia who stand by the constitution.”
There was some mumbling, Ryan raised his hands for it to quiet. “There are five sectors to the state and each sector is having this very same meeting. As I said, we are all in communication by ham radio and working towards a central goal of security. First priority is the liberation of the camps. Then we will be looking at getting us back up and operating so we can help those that need it. But also, to provide protection and safety from these roving gangs.’’
At the meeting they discussed the camp the team had been sent to. It was discovered that the camp was considerably more; more than they thought conceivable, even in their own area. Some of the intel brought back by Roger and Ray indicated that this camp was one of the main camps in the state. Most of the major cities had central camps, these were the ones that would shuttle supplies and personnel to the other camps.
Aaron spoke privately to Ryan about their situation. “We were contacted earlier today, and we’ve been rotated back to camp.” They had some animated words of contention over whether to strike the camp before the rotation or to wait. Roger and Ray overheard the conversation and walked over.
Ray said, “Aaron and the other guys could be a huge help on the inside.” Then looking back to him. “Sorry guy there just isn’t enough time to get the strike ready before.”
Ultimately, they decided it was best to wait until after the rotation. The plan being that once they were rotated out, the new lookouts at the land would be captured immediately. There could
be no indication that the information sent by Aaron and the others was false. If it is found out that the ones replacing them are in the same coerced position an attempt will be made to find out which camp they’re from to facilitate the next recon. Those who are being rotated back to camp were instructed to lay low and hang in there. Aaron begrudgingly nodded. ‘Not that that is much consolation, but we understand what is expected. At least we would be there with our families, so that when it went down we can gather them and make sure they are ready.”
They settled on a signal for when the liberation would begin. This would tell those inside when to do their part.
Aaron and the other two were to return to the camp and keep a low profile, but to also determine if there were any others who would help.
Roger was listening to them talk and make plans, occasionally nodding. Going over the observations from the recon mission, Ryan made note about the regular bus arrivals. Aaron informed them. “They are the new refugees. With the buses, generally the arriveal of supplies as well.”
“Greatest advantage.”
Everyone looked over at Roger who was seemingly talking to himself. “Care to share?” Ryan asked him.
“We need to strike the convoy when it’ roughly half a mile from camp, the convoy would be seen from the lookout tower in this position yet could not be fired upon from such a distance.”
“Right.” Ryan was nodding and tapping his temple. “Gotta think laterally, all positions at once. The goal of the first group will be to draw out as many guards as possible from the camp. They will mobilize in response to come to the aid of the convoy.” Pacing he kept tapping his head. “Those inside need to be prepared to assist. The second arm of the attack will come from the far side of the compound.” Pointing to a position on the hand drawn map away from the prisoner area.
Ray stood shaking his head, “Remember this would be a frontal attack, there will be no advancement. Do I make this clear? Purely a diversionary measure. The third prong of this operation will be the ones to cut through the fence nearest to the refugee containment area. We will haul them out through the cover of the park and load them onto the buses that’ll be staged in the next neighborhood on the far side of the park . It’s been completely burned out and therefore we figure it has no reason for them to patrol it.”
Aaron was to coordinate from the inside, to ensure the safety of the refugees. He and the others would recruit only those they were absolutely positive could be trusted. Their plan was to quietly overpower the guards inside the tents and relieve them of their weapons.
A small militia force would be using the diversion to sneak into the main school for intel and any refugees being held for interrogation. Between what the recon mission had gathered and Aaron’s information it was determined that the buses and supplies came twice a week. Aaron implored them. “Don’t let it go on much longer than absolutely necessary, we’re treated very poorly at the camp.”
Ryan assured him it would be within the week at the second arrival of busses and supplies. Everyone was instructed to stay away from the quarantine tent. “I’m sorry to say there will be no rescue for them right now. At this time the militia simply doesn't have the means to handle Ebola patients.”
Chapter 13
Liberation
“There is prodigious strength in sorrow and despair.”
― Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
The day of, they would be ready ...
Tomorrow was the day and they could only hope that Aaron had been able to accomplish his task on the inside. As the forces from each group began to gather in the staging area near Richmond, Ryan and Sam stood side by side amazed at the numbers represented there.
Sam looked over at Ryan nodding his head. “Not a bad turn out.”
“They're not military, but they’re fighters.”
“Should we consider who won this country in the Revolutionary War, fighters for the military are just what we need?”
Dez was furious that she was not permitted to come along.
“You’re gonna get yourself or someone else killed. Quit arguing with me.”
Dez stomped around the table. “These are my people too, you can’t shut me out of this.”
“I’m not trying to” He argued.
Ryan did allow her to remain at the rally point, here she could monitor what was going on and relay information as needed.
Dez folded her arms in silent protest. She knew it was not a good idea in her condition to be on the strike team but she couldn’t get over the need to help.
Ryan stepped closer and hip checked her. “Cheer up sunshine you’ll get to try and kill yourself at the next camp.”
She scowled at him and turned her back as though she were mad. Stifling a small giggle because he was right she cleared her throat. “I’m not trying to kill myself, I just want to be a part of the operation.”
“You are… We need someone cool and smart here to help coordinate. I suspect this is your forte anyway.”
Jeremy was standing in the doorway and snorted. She turned to him and angrily glared. “Got something to say there son o’ mine?”
Jeremy put both his hands in the air and shaking his head exited the tent. Ryan begged her to be reasonable. “C’mon Dez, I just don’t want you hurt again. Please, please just humor me this one time.”
She scowled at him again and reluctantly said, “Fine…”
Again, Jeremy snorted from just outside the tent.
Dez huffed and walked over to the radio, slouching into a chair she looked at Ryan side eyed and pretended to ignore them both.
Once he got outside the tent Jeremy matched his stride. Ryan looked to him saying, “Geeze what an impossible woman.”
“You shouldn’t try so hard, she kinda likes you too.”
Ryan stopped short, mouth open like he had something to say. Jeremy turned to him and laughed. “c’mon theah guy.” Nodding a sideways up and down nod he crossed his arms. “We all knew you were sweet on her since that first day you came up to the house.”
Tawny overheard him and chimed in. “You got fine for an answer, huh?”
He stood looking at the both of them. Shaking his head, he turned and walked off without a word. Tawny and Jeremy laughed hard as she asked him to tell her about what happened. Telling him she’d just come from Dez who she’d said was positively spitting fire. The two headed for their teams while still laughing about Ryan.
The teams prepared to leave. The forward team would be carrying out the attack on the convoy and would be the first to leave as they had to go around the city and come in from the far side. Tawny was part of that team and would be taking a sniper position from the hillside just before the strike point.
Those driving the buses would be carrying the teams who would be at the fence, they would ride the buses and then position them for the escape, leaving the drivers behind when they advanced to the camp to guard and keep watch. The small team that would infiltrate the school building branched off from the main team positioned at the fence. The team making the diversionary assault on the camp from the other side would wait around the reservoir that required a three hour walk to the far side. The hope was to convince them that they were a rogue gang after the supplies. The shots fired from team one when they took out the convoy would be the signal to begin the rest of the assault. In position, they all waited for night fall when the busses would arrive.
Aaron had been ready each day that was to have supplies delivered. Not knowing when the assault would come, he paced off areas of the camp or ran through the plan with the other two men to be sure they were in sync. It was too risky for him to return with a radio other than the one he’d been assigned. So they had to rely on what they observed on their own to know when to put the plan in motion.
His radio was used to determine the frequency of the camp communications allowing them to be monitored and information shared with the assault teams. On that day, he’d heard the signal he’d recognized as one they
used. The guard in his tent had a handheld radio on his hip. That evening as he worked on their tent work, which was the work they were required to do after their day’s labors before lights out. Often times it would be simple things like sewing or sorting stuff taken. He’d heard the three clicks. He knew he’d heard it and went to sit next to his children. Whispering to the woman watching the children he asked, “Did you hear the clicks on ole’ Shultzie’s walkie?” They’d come to calling him that because of an old show about a POW camp from WWII.
Shaking her head, she said, “No, I didn’t hear anything.”
He thought he must have been hearing things. Aaron remained vigilant… his team was prepared. They worried about one guy who would not go along. He feared the wrath of the commander and threatened to expose them, but he was quickly silenced without mercy. Too much was at stake and they had no way to control him.
“There!” He looked to her.
She nodded, she’d heard it this time.
There were three clicks on the walkie and then nothing. They sat looking into their work listening hard. Again, they heard it, three clicks and a minute later the assault began with a loud bang!
Each team did its part and without any hiccups those on the incoming buses were taken. Without complaint or even resistance the busses surrendered. As the team approached the busses it became obvious that it was men like Aaron and his two companions that were driving. The refugees, still on their buses were brought to the militia quarantine area in Richmond. The men driving were swiftly questioned and sent with the busses to the command tent for further interrogation. The supply trucks in the rear were guarded by gang members and each had a military pair in the driver area. It swiftly became apparent that they would not go so easily. Tawny fired into the cab of the first truck taking the hat off the driver but not injuring him. His companion spotted the red dot on his forehead. Looking down to his own chest, two other red dots quivered in the center. The driver stopped the truck abruptly knocking two of the guards in back off the side.