The Patriot (11 page)

The camp lookouts reported we have visitors coming in. The vehicle was escorted to where the men were resting. Richard and several others stepped out of the vehicles and were greeted by Goldie and the others. Richard introduced the others then said men this is the greatest victory of our effort thus far. When the full scope of what happened here is known it will give heart to all the others across this land. The captain noted apparently the command does not yet know their total losses, or the media have been told not to give out the numbers yet. Mac said their people on the ground here are probably waiting until all have been recovered and an accurate count taken. Goldie advised we decided to let the survivors go and take the message home that traitors are not welcome here.

The announcers came back on and their voices sounded shaken as they reported that military command has just announced that more than two thousand government forces and united nations personnel were murdered in the cowardly ambush in Ohio. It is reported the bodies have been recovered and are being transported back to fort Knox. Just then the lookouts radioed in from the old air base to report all the bodies had been recovered and loaded aboard the aircraft and all aircraft had taken off. Goldie told the men transportation is en-route to bring you home. The Camp lookouts reported visitors coming in. It turned out to be Tim’s wife and some of the other women bringing food for the camp.

James and Joshua’s wives were with them also and the reunion was a refreshing and joyous time for all. Later after the men had eaten and spent time with their loved ones it became time for the women to return to care for their families. Goldie thanked the women for their kindness and gracious support and promised to do all in his power to care for their men. After the women had departed Richard asked the men to gather round for a discussion of the recent operation and future courses of actions. He said media reports show the despots ruling our land are now totally aware of the losses you inflicted upon their forces. Their threats to inflict their brand of justice upon all who took part should not be taken lightly. Advise your friends and county leaders to be wary and watch for any newcomers in your areas.

Mac asked Richard, are their any known plans of intrusions into our region by federal forces? Richard said at this time no such information is known and in view of the losses they suffered he expected some time will pass before any planned response is undertaken. Goldie said I expect the captain will be returning with you now that this operation is over, so we want to thank him for the leadership he had shown and we look forward to working with him again. The captain said he too looked forward to working with you and these men again. Richard said, until we have more urgent business have the men monitor and destroy any transportation of government personnel who travel highways in their districts. He added, I will keep you advised of any new developments.

After Richard and the captain had left Goldie told the others he had plans that would take him away for a few days so I want one of you to be here at camp each day to supervise the camp personnel and be here as contacts for Richard. You guys agree on a schedule. Mac asked, what do you have in mind. Goldie replied I don’t have all the details worked out yet but I think it’s time to take a short trip to new York. Mac asked when do you plan to move out. I want to be in New York by Thursday which would mean leaving here two days from now. James said Dad, what have you got in mind? Joshua said yeah, we want to know what you are up to. Last time you left alone all hell broke loose and you came back shot up. Mac said rest easy you two, if he is heading where I think he is he’s not going alone.

Mac said you can’t do this alone top. Me and the squad will go with you. We will help you scout the area and find an opening in their security. The rest of the men agreed and said it’s settled, we go as a team. Tim added, you’re planning something at the united nations building right. The old man looked at his sons and the others for a moment then admitted that was his intentions. Joshua told his dad Mac is right you need them with you. Mac said top, we are on to you so lets all just relax for tonight. Tomorrow we can assemble everything we might need and load up for the trip. The rest of the evening was spent relaxing around the campfire enjoying the food and snacks left over from the women visit.

The next morning Richard called to advise his contacts tell him the state feds and U.N. leaders are meeting to decide a course of action. He said I will keep you advised of any developments. Goldie asked is there any way the captain can get some men together and hit their meeting place? Richard advised they were looking into that possibility. Goldie told him then of his plans for a trip to New York and said we may get involved in something or may return without incident depending on what they find. Tim and my sons will be at the camp and can be contacted if need be during my absence. Richard said be careful friend, we all rely on your leadership and experience. Goldie said I appreciate that and will advise you when we return.

Mac told Goldie we have shoulder fired grenades, incendiary rockets, and explosive charges assembled and loaded in both vehicles. The men are loading rations and sodas and a change of clothing. We will be ready to move out when you give the word. Goldie looked at his sons and said lets go see your mom and brother. Together they walked down the trail to the falls and sat down next to their resting place. James said the wildflowers sure are beautiful this time of year. Joshua added almost at pretty as mom. James said Jeffrey always liked flowers just like mom and you dad. Mac put his arm around Goldie and said I remember the first time I met her. You boys hadn’t come along yet when your dad invited the misses and me for dinner. What a lady she was. You guys watch out for her and Jeffrey while we are away.

He knelt down and picked a brilliant red and yellow flower and lay it on the headstone he had made of flat rock. His shoulders shook as he knelt there. He spoke softly saying I loved you Grace with all my heart, I shall for all eternity. If only I could hold you close one more time. Truly no man was ever blessed with a more gracious companion than I had in you. I miss you dear. I need your strength angel; I wait the day we shall meet again. Till then my love watch over Jeffrey and the boys. They miss you. After a while he arose and the lines of years and sadness showed in his face. James and Joshua took his arms and they walked back to the campfire. For a time all was silence until finally he stood looked at Tim and said watch out for the boys while we are gone. With that Mac told the men lets mount up. The old man shook Tim’s hand then put his arms around his sons and said take care of your families and sister.

He walked over to the vehicles and got in on the passenger side and said lets go. Mac started slowly out of the woods as Goldie gave one last wave to his sons and the men. They turned onto the graveled road and started the journey in silence. Goldie looked at Mac and said this is like old times except this time we are not on foot. Mac said sure beats humping rice paddies top. The others said yeah top you never gave us much time to rest in those days, and they all laughed.

He said take this road past the old cargo air strip then turn east and stay on that until we reach the interstate. It’s about one hundred miles or so, no real hurry. He turned and looked back at the others and said hand me one of those pepsies. The guys all laughed and said you haven’t changed a bit all these years. Mac said well one thing has changed, we know what we are fighting for this time. One of the men added yeah, and before this is over the dam Washington bunch will know we won’t be sold out again. Some three hours later they reached interstate highway 70. Turn right here Goldie said as long as traffic looks normal we stay on this road until we reach West Virginia.

It was growing dusk as they drove thru the eastern Ohio hills and some of the men had drifted off to sleep. As they crossed the Ohio River Goldie noted hardly any traffic was moving. Mac said yeah but all the homes have lights on things look normal. Goldie said it’s about two hours until we reach the old Pennsylvania turnpike Mac, you good for that long. Mac said no problem why don’t you get some shuteye. One of the men spoke up saying yeah, we will see he doesn’t doze off. Sounds good wake me when we get close to Pittsburgh at the pike. He leaned back, closed his eyes and soon was fast asleep.

Mac wakened Goldie and advised him they were approaching the old toll road. Goldie said an old friend of mine runs a service station just ahead, used to be a truck stop, but not so much anymore last time I talked to him. The station appeared to be open as they pulled in. Goldie motioned the other driver to pull slightly ahead. Goldie pulled his jacket closed to hide the shoulder weapon then got out. He told Mac you guys stay here and watch, I won’t be long. He walked over to the front staying where Mac could see him and spoke to the attendant. They talked for a moment then the man walked to the door and spoke to someone inside. A tall lanky figure appeared at the door, looked towards Goldie, then came out taking his hand. After a few words they both walked back towards the vehicles.

He introduced his friend Bill and after a time he told them pull up to the pumps and fill up, meanwhile I will have the girl fix you some hot soup and a sandwich. Bill told them things had been pretty quite here because most of the United Nations people had regrouped around the Somerset area. He advised them to stay on the route they were on until they reach interstate 90 near Erie then head east from there. Bill said we have heard of the fighting in your area recon you have been involved in that. Goldie said recon so we are on a special mission now but will be returning this way in a few days. Bill told them to stop and he would resupply them on their way back. They shook hands around and wished one another well then prepared to leave. Goldie told Mac and the other driver to trade places with someone and get some rest, then they proceeded on their way.

Goldie told their driver he had traveled this road before. It is hilly but a good road to travel. Interstate 90 is a good three hours away just drive normal. Wake Mac and me if anything doesn’t look right. The men in the back seats said we are all taking turns napping, we will keep an eye out, and you get some rest. Goldie was awakened by one of the men and was told interstate 90 was five miles down the road. Goldie told him stop at the service area and we will gas up. Things looked normal when they reached the station and both vehicles were fueled up without incident. Several people were seated in the dining area eating and watching television. Mac said he and another man would go inside and get some carry out sandwiches and snacks for all. The others parked the vehicles where they could watch. Mac had walked over and was talking with a group seated at one table. Then a few minuets later they returned with the food.

Mac said he overheard some of the men talking about the state of things. He said they were clearly unhappy with the way the country had been stolen from the people. They were talking about the United Nations meeting going on this weekend. Goldie said they should be doing something about it instead of talking. One reason I decided to come up here this weekend was the fact that this is the meeting when they intend to adopt a resolution making it international law that no private citizen can own a firearm. And of course the murdering traitors running our country now will sign on with them. We are the only country left where all weapons have not yet been confiscated. This will give the united nation despots the excuse they need to send more troops in. I intend to interrupt that meeting and kill as many of those dignitaries as I possibly can.

He told the men, I want that damn U.N. Flag torn down and the building destroyed with all of them inside if we can do it. Mac said we’ll sure as hell find a way to do the job. We need to let the rest of America see we can beat them in their own damn house. They had been driving now for three hours since entering New York State and Goldie told the driver to take the Albany Jamestown exit coming up. He said I have a friend who used to run a water well drilling company that lives a short distance on the road north. He took the exit and the others watched to make certain the other driver saw them and followed. A short time later Goldie said pull off on this side road then go left, his place is just a short ways ahead. Here he said, turn in where the drive goes up the grade.

As they pulled into the drive the driver continued around the curve in the drive and stopped facing the highway. The other vehicle followed and stopped behind them. Goldie got out and started walking towards the house just as an elderly man came out of the barn walking towards them. The man approached Goldie then they shook hands and walked back towards the rest of the men. Goldie told the others this is my good friend Charles. We served together in Korea before he retired and became a well driller. Charles said the well drilling business is all but over what with the county water and sewer system, but he was ready to retire for good anyway. Charles told the men come on into the barn and set down and rest for a time while he had his daughter rustle up some hot coffee and sandwiches. He said he had just made some ham salad and there was plenty for all.

While eating Charles advised them of conditions in his area. He said the feds don’t venture out this far away from their secure areas very often cause they are used for target practice by the locals. Once in awhile they come out in force and we have been able to hurt them when they do. He said they have been listening to radio broadcasts talking about things in Ohio and we had heard about the loss of your wife. Goldie told him he had also lost his son Jeffrey but that James and Joshua were holding up well. Goldie told him I have them and Mac and some other good patriot friends and we intend to fight to the end no matter where it takes us. Charles said most of us here feel the same way and more are joining us every day. Goldie said it is hard on the family but better some inconvenience now than a lifetime of enslavement.