The Patriot (14 page)

The night went by without incident and by noon the next day Joshua could be seen coming and going in and around the house trimming the shrubs and picking up. Near dusk a van was seen driving by followed a moment later by another like vehicle. Mac said that’s them, I can’t believe they are stupid enough to use standard government vehicles. A few minutes later vehicles could be heard approaching and slowing down. One of the vans drove by a short distance then was heard to stop. Seconds later the second van could be heard stopping short of the house. Goldie whispered looks like they intend to move in from both sides. Sure enough from their vantage point they saw men approaching from both directions stopping and taking cover just short of the driveway. They watched as the rangers hesitated a moment then one group began to make their way to the rear of the house while the others moved closer to the house front. Goldie contacted Tim and Said it’s a go here, Tim answered and said it’s a go here.

So far his men had not been spotted by the rangers and Joshua had went inside and had not came back out. Goldie whispered to Mac get a grenade ready then added, when they get close I’ll put mine in front you put yours at the group in the rear. The rangers were close now and their M16’s were out as they closed in on the home. Goldie said on three Mac, then counted three and both threw their grenades. The concussions knocked several rangers to the ground and a hail of fire came pouring in from his team. The rangers made an effort to fire and run for cover but were caught between the men positioned all around them. The fight didn’t last more than a few minutes then it was over. Mac’s men moved in looking for survivors but there were none. All twelve rangers lay where they had fallen and would fight no more. Goldie said check the men see if we lost anyone. Mac said all are well and accounted for Goldie, this one went our way. Goldie yelled and Joshua came out the door and Mac said alls clear Josh but maybe the Mrs. and the children should stay inside until we get the bodies moved. He told the drivers go bring the vehicles we will load them up and take them with us.

About that time Tim came on and said it’s finished here, James and the family are fine and we have no losses. Goldie said same here, load up the bodies and we will meet you back at camp. After the bodies were removed and the yard area cleared Joshua yelled for his wife to come out. She came slowly out the door as the grandchildren ran past her to see their grandpa. Goldie held them close and pulled out a candy bar for the two young boys. Their mother put her arms around the old man and said thank you for watching out for us, we love you. He said I know dear one, we must go now but Joshua will remain here for a time to look after you. He told Joshua have some of your friends remove the rangers vehicles. They can paint them and get some use out of them. I’ll call you tomorrow son now we must head out.

They arrived back at the camp to find Tim and his men already there sitting by the fire. The men were in good spirits as they discussed the days action. Tim said it is sad that we have to fight our own soldiers like this. Mac replied they made their beds when they chose to support the traitors who have taken over our land. The other men agreed they made their choice and died for it as some of us may someday be called to do. Goldie said the difference is, they served and died for a paycheck, we serve the cause of freedom and if we die it will be to return liberty to others. Ours is a worthy cause and worth any sacrifice we make. Goldie told the radio operator to contact Richard or the captain. Tim said I called the wife to let her know everything went well and we are back. Her and some friends will be here soon with some snacks. Goldie said well lets all relax for a while.

A few minuets later Richard voice came over the radio. Just wanted to return your call and see the status of things. Goldie advised him of the days activities and of their successful operations. Richard said then my informant was right, the rangers did show as reported. Goldie advised him we brought the rangers bodies back to camp with us. We took care of them so quick they never had a chance to radio or call their headquarters so my thoughts are to take them to the old air base and place them there to welcome the troops arrival. The captain cut in saying good idea that will shake them up good to find their advance plans failed. Yea Richard said good idea for sure, they will be unaware off their losses until they see them laid out in waiting.

Goldie advised, we are going to station spotters around the base to wait for the arrival of the main force. We will do that tonight after dark sets in when we deposit the ranger bodies at the site. We will observe their numbers and activities for a few days then decide on a plan of action and will advise you of our recommendations. Richard said great we will be waiting for your word. Is there anything you need at this time, rations ammo or cash for expenses. Goldie advised him we are fine for now. Richard said ok but I want you to know your successful operations this day are of great importance for moral and it will be hard to keep from spreading the news, but we must keep it quiet until their main forces arrive. He said I will sign off for now but contact me or the captain should you need anything. Goldie answered we will do so, goodbye friend.

He turned to Tim and Mac and said as soon as it is dark we will take the rangers bodies to the base and position our lookouts, until then we rest. Just then Tim’s wife and friends came into the camp with sandwiches, hot chili soup, and several home cooked apple pies. The women couldn’t help but see the bodies lying in the back of the vehicles. One of the ladies said in a broken voice, my youngest son is in the service, will he someday be ordered to fight against us? Goldie held her close for a moment then said, no one knows for certain what these troubled days may bring. But one thing we do know, if we fail to restore liberty to our land they will enslave us all. We must pray that the one who has authority over all things will bring peace with honor to us all.

Tim’s wife said the food is ready let us enjoy this day of fellowship. The men ate heartily and were uplifted by the generosity and thoughtfulness of these good townspeople. Later the women all walked down the path to where Goldie’s wife and son lay. They made a wreath of ferns taken from under the pines and placed it on the gravesite. Tim’s wife said to the others, were it not for the efforts of our brave men this day the rest of Goldie’s loved ones would have been taken from him. His burden is a heavy one we must do all we can to ease his pain. He has taken the lead in our time of trial and those who would rule over us will spare no effort to make him pay with his life. We must support our men with all our love and strength.

As the women came walking back to the group Mac stood up and began to clap and the others all joined in. You gals have made us remember why we fight this battle. We appreciate the sacrifices you make for us. Goldie praised the women for their love and support and told them how much their being here meant then added, but as all good things must come to an end so must our time together today. We have work to do. We must deliver these lost soldiers to the old air base where they can be taken to their units and homes by the troops when they arrive. The women looked at him then one asked are the soldiers coming back to the base. Goldie told them we have word they are coming tomorrow so we must make plans but we will take no unnecessary chances. Your men will be safe this night. The women gathered their pots and trays together and the men helped them to their cars. Tim held his wife for a moment and told her he would see her later then the women drove away waving as they went.

The men were quiet for a moment then Goldie broke the silence. It is getting dusk get the lookouts assembled. Tim said we have twelve men. Mac said we will post them two to a team, one team to the south, one to the north, and one at the west of the base like before. That will leave six for relief if need be. Tim said the men will be dropped off at the same locations as the last time. Each team has a radio and rations for three days. Goldie told the men your job is only to observe and report to us. Stay out of sight and avoid any confrontation at all cost. If you need removed for any reason contact us and a meeting place will be set up. Goldie said Tim you and your team chief can post the lookouts, Mac and I and will take some men with us to unload the rangers bodies. Since they are supposed to be coming by motor convoy we will place them just inside the old main entrance to the base.

As they started to leave Goldie told Tim when we get to the base be careful in case they have moved some people in ahead of time. If all is well we will get our job finished then meet you at the turn off at the base entrance and return to camp together. As they approached the base things looked quiet and Tim’s vehicle turned off as planned. Goldie told the driver stop up ahead and pull into that wooded area we need to take a look around before we go on in. He and Mac got out of their vehicle and told the men stay alert they would be back in a short time. They clumb back into their vehicle and proceeded on towards the base entrance. Once there Goldie told Mac lets just drive around the streets and buildings see if threes any sign of visitors. Their drive thru the streets found no sign of any activity. The old burned out buildings were as they had been left so they returned to meet the others and advised them to follow.

Once inside the main entrance Goldie said I hate to leave these bodies out here to the elements. Mac said well once the troops arrive they are sure to use this old guard shack. We can put them inside where they are sure to find them. The men proceeded to carry the rangers in and placed them upon the desks and tables inside. Once finished Goldie said secure the doors to keep the wild animals away and lets be on our way. He contacted Tim and asked his status and was told the last lookouts had been dropped off and he would be at the turnoff in about ten minutes. Goldie acknowledged and said we will meet you in ten. They met at the place agreed and drove back to the camp without incident. Goldie told Tim you go on home to the wife and family and contact your team leaders make sure they are ready to move out when the time comes. Then he turned to the men and said lets turn in for the night tomorrow could be a long day.

Morning found the men seated around a fire having coffee and breakfast rations. Goldie told the operator try to reach Richard so we can bring him up to date. Richard came over the radio and asked how did it go and Goldie advised him they saw no sign of anyone and that the rangers had been placed where they would be found quickly. He advised our spotters are in place well positioned to observe the armies arrival. Richard said well done now to bring you up to date on our plans. Our contacts tell us the northeast and central Ohio militia units are planning a harassment strategy all along the route the troops are said to be coming on. They will be setting up small squads in a number of locations to ambush and destroy as many troop carriers and supply trucks as possible. Our goal is to make them pay as dearly as possible and disrupt their moral before they get to your sector. What’s left of their moral will be further weakened when they arrive and see their rangers. We will weaken them as much as possible before they get to your location.

Mac asked him are there operations underway in other places across the country and Richard said yes but nothing of the scope your sector has seen in the past weeks or what is underway now. They seem to believe Ohio’s central location is a crossroad and intend to beat us here hoping that will prevent widespread resistance. They have their presence in all the major cities but mainly headquarters staff with security. They have commands and united nations advisors with state police agencies and national guard and reserve units as well as some active duty units and have them do most of their dirty work. But if they succeed in securing this state they will no doubt move larger numbers of united nations troops in all across the land. Goldie said then we must stop them here and force them to show their hand.

Mac said will you keep us advised of the harassment efforts and also of the route they are moving on as they approach our area? Richard said yes we will keep you up to date on those activities and of their estimated arrival in your zone. Goldie said good we are alerting our people in all counties to be prepared to move out and we will be ready to meet them when the time is right. Richard said the captain and his men are also ready to move in when you give the word so stay in touch. Goldie said until later my friend. Mac turned to the others and said well now we wait. Mac said he would contact James and Joshua and make sure their men were ready. After talking to them Mac said the boys are in good spirits and their men are all ready to go when called. He told the men lets break out some rations and relax while we can.

As the men sat talking Mac said if the feds get harassed enough they may not arrive here by the time expected tomorrow. One of the men said well lets hope they stay after them all the way. Goldie said if they lose a lot of men and equipment they may have to call in aircraft to bring in supplies and carry away their dead. Mac said you’re right we will have to watch for that and we could set up some long range mortar teams in position to hit them if once they are on the ground. Yes and some surface to air missiles in case they have chopper protection with them. Mac said we have a good supply of both on hand and James has several veterans who served in heavy weapons divisions in his area. I will contact him and have him get those men ready.

Later in the day Richard called to say he had an army reserve medical unit out of Indiana whose commander has his men prepared to join with us in this coming battle and also we have been advised by the commanders of an infantry company and an army transportation company from southern Ohio that they are ready to join with us as well. He added, I have furnished them with maps of your immediate sector so they will be familiar with the area if we call them in to service. Now he said, I am told that an army light infantry brigade, about three thousand men in all, are preparing to move out of ft. Knox heading your way. That will give them a total force of half a division in your sector once all are in place.