Story Market Day
- Thread starter ComCamGuy
- Start date
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
It felt like he was swimming through jello. He felt like he had been thrown down a dozen flights of stairs and his head throbbed, but at least it seemed to throb in a different way. It felt more ‘outside’ rather than in the middle of his head. He took that for a good sign. The migraine is gone. He can tell he is in the house, in his own bedroom. He was still dressed, still geared up. As he took inventory of himself, he could feel the backboard under him and the basket stretcher. When he started moving, he heard the crinkle of the metallic casualty blanket over him. Right after that, he heard someone next to him get out of the bed. The room was dark but he could tell it was Kara leaning down over him. Her voice was quiet and filled with concern.
“How are you feeling?”
“Horrible, which is an improvement. Did I miss much?”
“Short answer, yes, but let’s get you in the shower and cleaned up and try to be quiet so Bekka can pretend to be asleep easier.”
Kara helped Garen get up from the Stokes litter and steadied him as they walked slowly into the bathroom. There they added his clothes to the basket sitting there with the clothes from Bekka and Kara. All of his pocket stuff, belt and tac gear went into the window seat for now. He would load another set of gear once he was done in the shower. While he was doing this, Kara got the shower running and adjusted. She helped him into the shower, walking beside him, steadying him till he could get to the handrail and grab bar near the shower heads. Kara unwrapped Garen’s bandaged head so she could check the wound and the staple job Allyson had done. As Garen leaned against the shower wall, Kara gently washed his hair of all the blood and grime. After she was done with that, she stepped back.
“You get to take care of the rest. One hand on the rail at all times til you get steadier, and call me when you are done. I’m going to get some clothes for the both of us”. She walked out of the shower stall and collected some clothes from the dresser in the bedroom for Garen. As she was moving around, Bekka spoke.
“How’s he doing?”
“About as expected. You go back to sleep, I’ll get him tucked in with you in a few.”
“Did you tell him?”
“No, in the morning is soon enough. You get some sleep.”
Bekka reached above her head and scratched the head of Merlin, who was perched once again on her pillow. After a moment or two of this, she went back to sleep.
When Kara came back into the bathroom, Garen was standing at the sink, a towel wrapped around his waist. He was brushing his teeth slowly, all the time turning his head so he can inspect the wound in his scalp. He saw her in the mirror when she came in.
“Alright, this is going to drive me nuts. Can you play barber for me? Clippers are under the sink. Zero on the side and about a 2 on the top?”
“I guess I’d better, otherwise you will try to do it yourself and probably clip a couple staples.” She laid a towel across his shoulders and went to work. ”You know you’re supposed to be going back to bed, right?”
“Been asleep too long already. Got to get up and move.”
“She’s not going to be happy.”
“She needs the rest. I have to move around some. I won’t go too far or do too much. It seems you guys are wiped and need the rest. Anything I need to know up front?”
“Not right now. Let us grab another couple of hours and we will fill you in. maybe run this stuff through the laundry, heavy, lots of rinse and oxy. There should be another basket in the hall with A and As stuff.”
He looked at his watch. “When did you guys get into bed?”
“About four hours ago.”
“I’ll have breakfast ready around dawn, that should give you guys another four-ish. Get some more rest.” He hesitated, “And thanks.”
“It’s what we do. And now, I’m going to go in there and go to bed with your wife.”
“Won’t be the first time. Tell her to stop hovering and go to sleep.”
Kara walked out of the bathroom into the bedroom. Quietly, she slid into the bed, pulling the covers up over her. She looked at Merlin’s half open eyes watching her for a few moments, then she went to sleep.
“How are you feeling?”
“Horrible, which is an improvement. Did I miss much?”
“Short answer, yes, but let’s get you in the shower and cleaned up and try to be quiet so Bekka can pretend to be asleep easier.”
Kara helped Garen get up from the Stokes litter and steadied him as they walked slowly into the bathroom. There they added his clothes to the basket sitting there with the clothes from Bekka and Kara. All of his pocket stuff, belt and tac gear went into the window seat for now. He would load another set of gear once he was done in the shower. While he was doing this, Kara got the shower running and adjusted. She helped him into the shower, walking beside him, steadying him till he could get to the handrail and grab bar near the shower heads. Kara unwrapped Garen’s bandaged head so she could check the wound and the staple job Allyson had done. As Garen leaned against the shower wall, Kara gently washed his hair of all the blood and grime. After she was done with that, she stepped back.
“You get to take care of the rest. One hand on the rail at all times til you get steadier, and call me when you are done. I’m going to get some clothes for the both of us”. She walked out of the shower stall and collected some clothes from the dresser in the bedroom for Garen. As she was moving around, Bekka spoke.
“How’s he doing?”
“About as expected. You go back to sleep, I’ll get him tucked in with you in a few.”
“Did you tell him?”
“No, in the morning is soon enough. You get some sleep.”
Bekka reached above her head and scratched the head of Merlin, who was perched once again on her pillow. After a moment or two of this, she went back to sleep.
When Kara came back into the bathroom, Garen was standing at the sink, a towel wrapped around his waist. He was brushing his teeth slowly, all the time turning his head so he can inspect the wound in his scalp. He saw her in the mirror when she came in.
“Alright, this is going to drive me nuts. Can you play barber for me? Clippers are under the sink. Zero on the side and about a 2 on the top?”
“I guess I’d better, otherwise you will try to do it yourself and probably clip a couple staples.” She laid a towel across his shoulders and went to work. ”You know you’re supposed to be going back to bed, right?”
“Been asleep too long already. Got to get up and move.”
“She’s not going to be happy.”
“She needs the rest. I have to move around some. I won’t go too far or do too much. It seems you guys are wiped and need the rest. Anything I need to know up front?”
“Not right now. Let us grab another couple of hours and we will fill you in. maybe run this stuff through the laundry, heavy, lots of rinse and oxy. There should be another basket in the hall with A and As stuff.”
He looked at his watch. “When did you guys get into bed?”
“About four hours ago.”
“I’ll have breakfast ready around dawn, that should give you guys another four-ish. Get some more rest.” He hesitated, “And thanks.”
“It’s what we do. And now, I’m going to go in there and go to bed with your wife.”
“Won’t be the first time. Tell her to stop hovering and go to sleep.”
Kara walked out of the bathroom into the bedroom. Quietly, she slid into the bed, pulling the covers up over her. She looked at Merlin’s half open eyes watching her for a few moments, then she went to sleep.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
It’s the basic thing we had downrange. Blood/grease/goo on you, strip your gear, shower down, fresh clothes and reset your gear. Your first line survival gear should always be readily available. My last deployment was over 10 years ago. Even now I come home from work, my pants are hung up on a hook still loaded with all the pocket stuff, ready to throw on and run out the door at a moments notice.
Shooter
Veteran Member
so iI guess im not the only one to move stuff to new pants, and thread the holster thru the belt, and I got back in 1973, been doing it that long
"ready to throw on and run out the door at a moments notice"
The best PAW fiction not only entertains, but teaches. Like Biblical parables, fictitious scenes are better remembered than mere, dry lessons. There are multiple Biblical parables in support of that approach.
See Matthew 24:
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
I have so much to learn--will I [we] have time?
The best PAW fiction not only entertains, but teaches. Like Biblical parables, fictitious scenes are better remembered than mere, dry lessons. There are multiple Biblical parables in support of that approach.
See Matthew 24:
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
I have so much to learn--will I [we] have time?
Last edited:
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Garen spent some time getting the laundry started. He had to spread out each piece and pretreat all of it. As he did so, he was able to see the extent of some of the activities that went on while he was asleep. Far too much blood was involved, and he knew he wasn’t leaking brain tissue. He didn’t find any holes other than the ones in Angelique’s shirt so it didn’t look like any of the crew other than himself got holed. He felt guilty now. He had wussed out and they had some major events trying to get home, while all he did was take a nap.
Garen had dressed for kicking around the house, cargo shorts and a tee shirt. He had stuffed his pockets with their usual gear; pocket knife, keys, lighter, flashlight and an extra magazine for the small pistol tucked in his belt. He had several things to take care of, but he also knew he couldn’t push very hard otherwise the headache would return.
He made a large travel mug worth of tea and went down to the basement area to make notes and updates to the info in the workshop. This took a while and when he was done, he went back up to put more detergent into the washer and run it again. Blood and brains can be stubborn to try and wash out. Then it was back to the basement, this time to scrounge around for some more clothes for them to use in the woods. He was at the far end of the tunnelway digging out some duffle bags packed away years ago he hadn’t expected to need. Some were filled with his old uniforms and some were filled with Bekka’s old uniforms. Going into the forest on the offensive against the bad guys, there is no longer a reason to worry about looking suspicious if caught by the authorities. There are no authorities anymore there. He moved all the bags he found down the hallway to just outside the workshop. Then it was back upstairs to shovel the laundry into the drier.
Garen had dressed for kicking around the house, cargo shorts and a tee shirt. He had stuffed his pockets with their usual gear; pocket knife, keys, lighter, flashlight and an extra magazine for the small pistol tucked in his belt. He had several things to take care of, but he also knew he couldn’t push very hard otherwise the headache would return.
He made a large travel mug worth of tea and went down to the basement area to make notes and updates to the info in the workshop. This took a while and when he was done, he went back up to put more detergent into the washer and run it again. Blood and brains can be stubborn to try and wash out. Then it was back to the basement, this time to scrounge around for some more clothes for them to use in the woods. He was at the far end of the tunnelway digging out some duffle bags packed away years ago he hadn’t expected to need. Some were filled with his old uniforms and some were filled with Bekka’s old uniforms. Going into the forest on the offensive against the bad guys, there is no longer a reason to worry about looking suspicious if caught by the authorities. There are no authorities anymore there. He moved all the bags he found down the hallway to just outside the workshop. Then it was back upstairs to shovel the laundry into the drier.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
She could hear someone moving around in the house. A glance over at the window showed it starting to get light. She knew she was supposed to help Kara with some digging this morning. She looked over at the other side of the bed to see Allyson still asleep. She figured she would need more sleep too when she got old. If she got old. She still felt sticky so she figured a quick shower to freshen up would be good before the work started. The water felt good and she was in no hurry.
Allyson had been laying there half asleep when she heard the shower kick on. She glanced at the window and saw dawn wasn’t too far away. She had slept soundly for a good bit of the night, but stated waking up off and on as Angelique squirmed around like a four year old on a waterbed in her sleep. She figured to give her some privacy to get dressed and collected for today’s activities.
About forty minutes later Allyson was becoming either concerned or annoyed. She wanted to give Angelique the privacy, but she had to pee. Finally her bladder won and she went into the bathroom. This was when she went from annoyed to concern. She immediately went across the hall and gently knocked on the door. She could hear Garen down the hall talking to someone, but she needed Bekka or Kara right now. Bekka answered the door.
Bekka looked out and saw a look of worry on Allyson’s face.
“What’s up?”
“We may have a problem. I’ve got Angelique over here in the shower doing a full-fledged Lady Macbeth on herself in the shower. She’s been there for at least half an hour. I think yesterday freaked her out more than we knew. You and Kara probably have had to walk somebody through the after a few times and I figured you guys would be better than me in this.”
“****. ****. ****. Ok, give me a minute.” Bekka walked back into her bedroom over to Garen’s side of the bed where Kara had sat up.
“Ok, Angelique is a bit wigged out over yesterday. She’s zoned out in the shower. Allyson said she’s doing a Lady Macbeth. Do you want to handle it while I fill in Garen or do you want to tell Garen about Terry and start the process of bringing him up to speed?”
“I’ll take psycho teenager for a thousand, Alex. You are better with Garen than I would be. By the way, he already feels like shit for sleeping through something major. I’d soft sell what we had to do, especially that there wouldn’t have been any change if he was awake or asleep.”
Allyson was standing in the hall waiting and was a little surprised to have Kara instead of Bekka pull the door open. She was also somewhat surprised because Kara was naked as well. Kara gave a little smirk as she spoke.
“I lost the coin toss, and besides I was already naked. No need to create more laundry.” She led the way back over into the other bedroom. Looking over at Allyson “Hey, why don’t you stick out here a few. Bekka is going to fill Garen in on yesterday. It might be better if you aren’t out there either. Just chill here in case I need some help.”
Kara walked into the bathroom and up to the shower. The sight that greeted her wasn’t bad, but wasn’t good either. Angelique was bright red over most of her body. Whether it was from the water temperature or the repeated soap and loofa cycles that had been going on, she didn’t know.
She wasn’t sure where to start, but she knew she needed to.
“Angelique” Kara’s soft voice was barely louder than the spray of the water. “I think you got it good enough for now.”
When Angelique turned her head at Kara’s voice, her eyes were big as saucers and flitted around like a startled horse.
“I can’t get it off. I can still smell them, her.” She went back to scrubbing.
“I know. Trust me, I know. Let me help. A lot of times it’s the hair. Here, let me help.” Kara grabbed one of the spare bottles of shampoo on the shelf. Rather than grab one of the light scented, pretty smelling ones, she grabbed one of the evil and hideously pungent ones for dandruff, with lots of coal tar in it. She then took the soap and loofa out of Angelique’s hands and had her turn towards the showerhead.
“Just relax, put your hands against the wall, and lean your head back.”
Angelique did as she was told with the water cascading down her now raw torso.
Kara had a fleeting thought about how she should have gone to hairdresser school, she was doing her second shampoo of the day as well as one haircut. The pungent chemical smell of the shampoo cut through the air as she worked. She used almost a quarter of the bottle on her hair in three different rinse and repeat cycles. At one point she took one finger with the shampoo on it and swiped it under Angelique’s nose gently, telling her to use a finger to shampoo the inside of her nose. After the third rinse, Kara gently turned her around. With one finger under her chin, she lifted Angelique’s gaze up to meet her own.
“Do you feel a little better now?”
Angelique took a few shuddering breaths, then nodded her head.
Kara held her gaze.
“It’s ok. If you want to talk some later we can, just you and me, or if you would feel better with someone else. We have all gone through our own hard times and sudden changes. God knows I have. Let’s get you dressed and get some food before we take a walk.” Kara wrapped a towel around Angelique and another one around herself as the stepped out of the bathroom. There were already clothes laid out on the bed for both of them, including Kara’s gear. Both were subdued as they dried off and got dressed.
Allyson had been laying there half asleep when she heard the shower kick on. She glanced at the window and saw dawn wasn’t too far away. She had slept soundly for a good bit of the night, but stated waking up off and on as Angelique squirmed around like a four year old on a waterbed in her sleep. She figured to give her some privacy to get dressed and collected for today’s activities.
About forty minutes later Allyson was becoming either concerned or annoyed. She wanted to give Angelique the privacy, but she had to pee. Finally her bladder won and she went into the bathroom. This was when she went from annoyed to concern. She immediately went across the hall and gently knocked on the door. She could hear Garen down the hall talking to someone, but she needed Bekka or Kara right now. Bekka answered the door.
Bekka looked out and saw a look of worry on Allyson’s face.
“What’s up?”
“We may have a problem. I’ve got Angelique over here in the shower doing a full-fledged Lady Macbeth on herself in the shower. She’s been there for at least half an hour. I think yesterday freaked her out more than we knew. You and Kara probably have had to walk somebody through the after a few times and I figured you guys would be better than me in this.”
“****. ****. ****. Ok, give me a minute.” Bekka walked back into her bedroom over to Garen’s side of the bed where Kara had sat up.
“Ok, Angelique is a bit wigged out over yesterday. She’s zoned out in the shower. Allyson said she’s doing a Lady Macbeth. Do you want to handle it while I fill in Garen or do you want to tell Garen about Terry and start the process of bringing him up to speed?”
“I’ll take psycho teenager for a thousand, Alex. You are better with Garen than I would be. By the way, he already feels like shit for sleeping through something major. I’d soft sell what we had to do, especially that there wouldn’t have been any change if he was awake or asleep.”
Allyson was standing in the hall waiting and was a little surprised to have Kara instead of Bekka pull the door open. She was also somewhat surprised because Kara was naked as well. Kara gave a little smirk as she spoke.
“I lost the coin toss, and besides I was already naked. No need to create more laundry.” She led the way back over into the other bedroom. Looking over at Allyson “Hey, why don’t you stick out here a few. Bekka is going to fill Garen in on yesterday. It might be better if you aren’t out there either. Just chill here in case I need some help.”
Kara walked into the bathroom and up to the shower. The sight that greeted her wasn’t bad, but wasn’t good either. Angelique was bright red over most of her body. Whether it was from the water temperature or the repeated soap and loofa cycles that had been going on, she didn’t know.
She wasn’t sure where to start, but she knew she needed to.
“Angelique” Kara’s soft voice was barely louder than the spray of the water. “I think you got it good enough for now.”
When Angelique turned her head at Kara’s voice, her eyes were big as saucers and flitted around like a startled horse.
“I can’t get it off. I can still smell them, her.” She went back to scrubbing.
“I know. Trust me, I know. Let me help. A lot of times it’s the hair. Here, let me help.” Kara grabbed one of the spare bottles of shampoo on the shelf. Rather than grab one of the light scented, pretty smelling ones, she grabbed one of the evil and hideously pungent ones for dandruff, with lots of coal tar in it. She then took the soap and loofa out of Angelique’s hands and had her turn towards the showerhead.
“Just relax, put your hands against the wall, and lean your head back.”
Angelique did as she was told with the water cascading down her now raw torso.
Kara had a fleeting thought about how she should have gone to hairdresser school, she was doing her second shampoo of the day as well as one haircut. The pungent chemical smell of the shampoo cut through the air as she worked. She used almost a quarter of the bottle on her hair in three different rinse and repeat cycles. At one point she took one finger with the shampoo on it and swiped it under Angelique’s nose gently, telling her to use a finger to shampoo the inside of her nose. After the third rinse, Kara gently turned her around. With one finger under her chin, she lifted Angelique’s gaze up to meet her own.
“Do you feel a little better now?”
Angelique took a few shuddering breaths, then nodded her head.
Kara held her gaze.
“It’s ok. If you want to talk some later we can, just you and me, or if you would feel better with someone else. We have all gone through our own hard times and sudden changes. God knows I have. Let’s get you dressed and get some food before we take a walk.” Kara wrapped a towel around Angelique and another one around herself as the stepped out of the bathroom. There were already clothes laid out on the bed for both of them, including Kara’s gear. Both were subdued as they dried off and got dressed.
Last edited:
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Allyson listened to the conversation, such as it was, from the shower. After the talking stopped, she crept over to the door. She saw Kara standing behind Angelique washing her hair. It struck her how gentle and peaceful the scene was. She looked at Kara’s face. It was unguarded and she could get a good look at it without Kara realizing someone could see her.
Allyson was taught as a cop you could find out a lot about someone by observing when they don’t know they were watched. Kara’s eyes were half closed and focused on her hands and Angelique’s hair in them. Most people would have stopped with that. She kept looking. She could see water also sliding down Kara’s front. She looked at Kara’s face closer. She wasn’t sure, but she thought some if the water on her face was actually tears. She looked closer at her posture and Angelique’s. Some of the tension was draining from Angelique. It was understandable. She remembered how relaxing it felt at a salon when they washed her hair, not that she went much. As much as Angelique was relaxing and loosening up however, Kara was getting more wooden and stiff.
Allyson wasn’t sure what was really going on in there. She was sure though that Kara would plaster a pleasant smile on her face once Angelique turned around. She slipped out of the room. She almost bumped into Bekka, who handed her clothes and gear to put on the bed for Angelique and Kara. Bekka also told her to stay upstairs for a bit while she went downstairs and briefed Garen on yesterday’s activities.
Allyson was taught as a cop you could find out a lot about someone by observing when they don’t know they were watched. Kara’s eyes were half closed and focused on her hands and Angelique’s hair in them. Most people would have stopped with that. She kept looking. She could see water also sliding down Kara’s front. She looked at Kara’s face closer. She wasn’t sure, but she thought some if the water on her face was actually tears. She looked closer at her posture and Angelique’s. Some of the tension was draining from Angelique. It was understandable. She remembered how relaxing it felt at a salon when they washed her hair, not that she went much. As much as Angelique was relaxing and loosening up however, Kara was getting more wooden and stiff.
Allyson wasn’t sure what was really going on in there. She was sure though that Kara would plaster a pleasant smile on her face once Angelique turned around. She slipped out of the room. She almost bumped into Bekka, who handed her clothes and gear to put on the bed for Angelique and Kara. Bekka also told her to stay upstairs for a bit while she went downstairs and briefed Garen on yesterday’s activities.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Garen reacted exactly how Bekka thought he would. There was no histrionics, no yelling and screaming. There was a few moments of disbelief as he tried to figure out exactly what Bekka was telling him. She paused as she could see the wheels turning in his head. When he caught up, he looked at her and told her to walk him through it. For the next half an hour she spelled it all out, including diagraming the ambush point. They went through the actions, the hiding of the bodies, and all of the other elements that happened from when Garen became unconscious.
Bekka finished describing events and answering Garen’s questions. Garen finally looked up and gazed off into the distance. Garen’s voice cracked as he final spoke into the silence.
“Terry stood there like Horatius or Gandalf at the bridge. He took the attackers out, all of them. I’m glad you hadn’t told him about Brooke and Kelly. He spent it all willingly to give them a chance. He went down swinging and took them all out. He’s got a place at the high table in Valhalla” Garen shook his head as he looked at the table in front of him. “You’ve got Kara and Angelique digging. I need to help lay out and finish prepping the body. So I can say my goodbyes.”
Bekka looked at him and understood. They had buried enough friends. They had help escort friends for their final trip home. She knew, as did he, that this would not be the last time they would bury friends. She held him for a time, then they walked out and up the stairs hand in hand.
Bekka finished describing events and answering Garen’s questions. Garen finally looked up and gazed off into the distance. Garen’s voice cracked as he final spoke into the silence.
“Terry stood there like Horatius or Gandalf at the bridge. He took the attackers out, all of them. I’m glad you hadn’t told him about Brooke and Kelly. He spent it all willingly to give them a chance. He went down swinging and took them all out. He’s got a place at the high table in Valhalla” Garen shook his head as he looked at the table in front of him. “You’ve got Kara and Angelique digging. I need to help lay out and finish prepping the body. So I can say my goodbyes.”
Bekka looked at him and understood. They had buried enough friends. They had help escort friends for their final trip home. She knew, as did he, that this would not be the last time they would bury friends. She held him for a time, then they walked out and up the stairs hand in hand.
Kiwibutterfly
Contributing Member
Thank you - Happy New Year!!
My gosh! This story is so riveting. You are some storyteller CCG. I just found this yesterday and have read it all through (around getting dinner, etc). Left me sitting on the edge of the seat here and not even willing to hold our kitty while I read. If this is all life experiences, I am truly sorry. But what a humdinger of a story!
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
It was a quiet and subdued breakfast. The five of them all seemed off in their own thoughts. No one had much of an appetite, but had enough sense to listen to their bodies about the need for fuel. This, coupled with a desire to not waste food, meant everything was eaten. Al five of them were headed to the training building to work on different tasks.
Garen drove his truck down with Bekka in the passenger seat. Kara, Allyson and Angelique rode on the bed of the truck on the stack of gear. The morning was quiet and with the trip mostly downhill, they were coasting at idle. No one talked the whole way there. Everyone was just watching and listening to nature around them.
Once at the building, Garen started with setting out a couple of tables off to one side and started making labels on some paper with a sharpie. One table was for weapons and weapons accessories including ammo. Another was marked for clothing. All fuel related stuff would go over with the other fuel cans in the big bay. Miscellaneous supplies had another table as did medical.
As Garen was organizing, Kara fired up the tractor, showing Angelique the procedure. Those two proceeded out to the site for their morning chore. Bekka and Allyson started unloading, starting with Garen’s truck. The next one in line would be the trailer from Garen’s truck, then John’s truck. They were leaving Terrys truck and trailer for last.
Garen spent some time with Terry, Kelly and Brooke. The weather had been cool so things were not too bad at this point. He had brought a small bag from the house. From this well-worn bag he extracted a set of laminated cards and several rosaries. He placed a cross in each of their hands on their chest and rewrapped the bodies, securing them with tape and strapping them solidly to their backboards. His goodbyes complete, he helped Bekka and Allyson move and unload gear.
The ground was soft and green under the trees. Kara picked a spot on the build site Garen had told Terry he could use years ago. Terry had come out often to camp and to fish, most of the time with the family. She figured to just dig one hole, the width of the bucket on the front of the tractor. They would lay them all together, as a family. She had Angelique watch her first scoop, then she watched Angelique’s scoop, and observed her dig the rest of the hole. It was sloped in the front so they can get deep enough and walk them in to lay them together. Once she was finished, they went back to the training building.
Garen drove his truck down with Bekka in the passenger seat. Kara, Allyson and Angelique rode on the bed of the truck on the stack of gear. The morning was quiet and with the trip mostly downhill, they were coasting at idle. No one talked the whole way there. Everyone was just watching and listening to nature around them.
Once at the building, Garen started with setting out a couple of tables off to one side and started making labels on some paper with a sharpie. One table was for weapons and weapons accessories including ammo. Another was marked for clothing. All fuel related stuff would go over with the other fuel cans in the big bay. Miscellaneous supplies had another table as did medical.
As Garen was organizing, Kara fired up the tractor, showing Angelique the procedure. Those two proceeded out to the site for their morning chore. Bekka and Allyson started unloading, starting with Garen’s truck. The next one in line would be the trailer from Garen’s truck, then John’s truck. They were leaving Terrys truck and trailer for last.
Garen spent some time with Terry, Kelly and Brooke. The weather had been cool so things were not too bad at this point. He had brought a small bag from the house. From this well-worn bag he extracted a set of laminated cards and several rosaries. He placed a cross in each of their hands on their chest and rewrapped the bodies, securing them with tape and strapping them solidly to their backboards. His goodbyes complete, he helped Bekka and Allyson move and unload gear.
The ground was soft and green under the trees. Kara picked a spot on the build site Garen had told Terry he could use years ago. Terry had come out often to camp and to fish, most of the time with the family. She figured to just dig one hole, the width of the bucket on the front of the tractor. They would lay them all together, as a family. She had Angelique watch her first scoop, then she watched Angelique’s scoop, and observed her dig the rest of the hole. It was sloped in the front so they can get deep enough and walk them in to lay them together. Once she was finished, they went back to the training building.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I finally got back to your story. Thank you.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
The gear from the Center and Terrys truck were unloaded. The pile was impressive. The five of them stood looking for a moment, wondering the next step. The stack of weapons was quite large, as was the stack of food from Terrys vehicle. Bekka gathered them together.
“Alright guys, I think the next thing would be split out what we need vs what to stash.”
Garen was already nodding his head.
“I agree. I think five sets of basic gear, fuel, food ect in Terrys Suburban and trailer with some more gear in the big beast over there,” pointing to the huge 8 wheeled truck,” would give us a fallback set of gear.”
Bekka was agreeing and picked up where he left off.
“We can also take a page from John’s playbook. Put enough e&e gear for the five of us in one of the big plastic drums. We can seal it and bury it under the headstone for Terry. Since we will be laying them to rest at sunset, those drums should be the first thing build. Which of us has the best labeling hand? I figure we can use paint on a concrete paving slab until we figure out a good slab of stone to carve.”
Angelique raised her hand.
“This isn’t school, out with it.” Bekka smiled to take the sting out of any harshness the words might have carried.
“I can probably do the lettering.”
“Great! Now Garen probably has twelve lists of what we need to stuff in each kit, so I will turn over the plan to mister spreadsheet.” Bekka gestured like a game show host at Garen.
Garen started directing, organizing and shuffling stuff. For the next several hours, they all were quite busy setting up gear. They used the leftovers from the student set ups, the other stuff from the Center as well as a couple trips back up the hill to get things like backpacks and such. There also were several more lists made. Bekka started laying out what she needed radio wise to install in the other vehicles, especially the big 8 wheeled truck. The weapons were cleaned, oiled and wrapped, the magazines were loaded and prepped, water containers were filled and food distributed, the small camping stoves were tested and fueled. The concept was if they needed the gear, it had to be ready to go, shoot on the run.
Angelique got all the proper names and spellings for the group headstone. Her calligraphy was impeccable and did a phenomenal job. As the sun began to set, they moved a small trailer behind the tractor and loaded Terry, Kelly and Brooke onboard. They walked to the site for the sunset ceremony. A solemn procession.
“Alright guys, I think the next thing would be split out what we need vs what to stash.”
Garen was already nodding his head.
“I agree. I think five sets of basic gear, fuel, food ect in Terrys Suburban and trailer with some more gear in the big beast over there,” pointing to the huge 8 wheeled truck,” would give us a fallback set of gear.”
Bekka was agreeing and picked up where he left off.
“We can also take a page from John’s playbook. Put enough e&e gear for the five of us in one of the big plastic drums. We can seal it and bury it under the headstone for Terry. Since we will be laying them to rest at sunset, those drums should be the first thing build. Which of us has the best labeling hand? I figure we can use paint on a concrete paving slab until we figure out a good slab of stone to carve.”
Angelique raised her hand.
“This isn’t school, out with it.” Bekka smiled to take the sting out of any harshness the words might have carried.
“I can probably do the lettering.”
“Great! Now Garen probably has twelve lists of what we need to stuff in each kit, so I will turn over the plan to mister spreadsheet.” Bekka gestured like a game show host at Garen.
Garen started directing, organizing and shuffling stuff. For the next several hours, they all were quite busy setting up gear. They used the leftovers from the student set ups, the other stuff from the Center as well as a couple trips back up the hill to get things like backpacks and such. There also were several more lists made. Bekka started laying out what she needed radio wise to install in the other vehicles, especially the big 8 wheeled truck. The weapons were cleaned, oiled and wrapped, the magazines were loaded and prepped, water containers were filled and food distributed, the small camping stoves were tested and fueled. The concept was if they needed the gear, it had to be ready to go, shoot on the run.
Angelique got all the proper names and spellings for the group headstone. Her calligraphy was impeccable and did a phenomenal job. As the sun began to set, they moved a small trailer behind the tractor and loaded Terry, Kelly and Brooke onboard. They walked to the site for the sunset ceremony. A solemn procession.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
At graveside, they carried the bodies of Terry, Kelly and Brooke down the slope and placed them together. The group stood for a moment, then Kara stepped forward.
“Ladies and gentleman, I have this covered. Everyone, please take a knee and bow you heads.”
Everyone did so, mimicking Kara. Garen and Bekka exchanged a puzzled look. Garen had brought the laminated cards from the field chapel kit and was going to say a few words, but Kara preempted him. Kara’s voice was soft, but filled with purpose and conviction.
“There is one sacred spot upon the earth where the footfalls of our march are unheeded; our trumpets quicken no pulse and incite no fear; the rustling of our banners and the gleam of our swords awaken no emotion. It is the silent city of the dead where we now stand. Awe rests upon every heart, and the stern warrior's eyes are bedewed with feelings which never shame his manhood. We have often been reminded of the fact that we were born to die. Mortality has been brought to view, that we might more earnestly seek an immortality beyond this fleeting life, where death comes no more forever. The sad and mournful knell has betokened that another spirit has winged its flight to a new existence. An alarm has come to the door of our Asylum, and the messenger was Death. None presumed to say to the awful presence: "Who dares approach?" A pilgrim warrior has been summoned, "and there is no discharge in that war." A burning taper of life has been extinguished, and none save the High and Holy One can re-light it. All that remains of our beloved companions lies mute before us, and the light of the eye, and the breathing of the lips, in fraternal greeting, has ceased to us forever on this side of the grave. His Sword, vowed to be drawn in the cause of truth, justice, and liberty, only, reposes in its scabbard, and we can no longer shield him from wrong and oppression. It is meet, at such a time, that we should be silent, and allow the words of the Infinite and Undying to speak, that we may gather consolation from His revelations, and have impressed upon our minds lessons of wisdom, instruction, and the meetness of preparation for the last great change which must pass upon us all. We spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on in corruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Shall the memory of our departed brothers fade from among men? Shall no record be left of his virtues and worth? It is inscribed upon our hearts; it is written in our archives; the heart may cease to throb, and the archives may moulder and decay, but the tablets of the Recording Angel on high can never perish. Rest to his ashes and peace to his soul. Sovereign Ruler of the Universe! into thy hands we devoutly and submissively commit the departed spirit. Thy will be done, O God.”
Unbidden the rest of the group said “Amen” and rose to their feet.
Garen was impresses, humbled and a little confused. Kara’s entire prayer/ soliloquy was not written down. She used no notes, didn’t stumble or pause over any word or phrase. He didn’t know where it came from but it seemed very appropriate and spoke to him at a visceral level.
Kara turned to the rest a peaceful look on her face.
“I’ll see you guys back at the house. I will finish things here. Please.”
Everyone slowly walked back to the training building to finish up and move back to the house.
Kara carefully began filling in the grave. Once the bodies were covered and before the hole was full, she added the two drums of e&e gear at the head of the grave. She then finished filling in the grave, burying the drums and making the site slightly mounded. She then placed the concrete slab with the painted names at the head of the grave. She then drove the tractor off about a hundred feet before returning to graveside. She then knelt at the foot of the grave site. Once again, her voice was heard in the glade.
“Christian, please greet these souls to your table in Valhalla, Terry earned their tickets. God, I miss you. I wish you were here to help us.”
“I will be without fear in the face of my enemies
I will stand brave and upright that the Lord may love me
I will speak the truth always even if it means my death
I will protect the helpless and do no wrong”
Her face was wet with tears as she was finally able to stand. Later when Garen asked her about her graveside speech, she had no recollection of having spoken or what she said.
“Ladies and gentleman, I have this covered. Everyone, please take a knee and bow you heads.”
Everyone did so, mimicking Kara. Garen and Bekka exchanged a puzzled look. Garen had brought the laminated cards from the field chapel kit and was going to say a few words, but Kara preempted him. Kara’s voice was soft, but filled with purpose and conviction.
“There is one sacred spot upon the earth where the footfalls of our march are unheeded; our trumpets quicken no pulse and incite no fear; the rustling of our banners and the gleam of our swords awaken no emotion. It is the silent city of the dead where we now stand. Awe rests upon every heart, and the stern warrior's eyes are bedewed with feelings which never shame his manhood. We have often been reminded of the fact that we were born to die. Mortality has been brought to view, that we might more earnestly seek an immortality beyond this fleeting life, where death comes no more forever. The sad and mournful knell has betokened that another spirit has winged its flight to a new existence. An alarm has come to the door of our Asylum, and the messenger was Death. None presumed to say to the awful presence: "Who dares approach?" A pilgrim warrior has been summoned, "and there is no discharge in that war." A burning taper of life has been extinguished, and none save the High and Holy One can re-light it. All that remains of our beloved companions lies mute before us, and the light of the eye, and the breathing of the lips, in fraternal greeting, has ceased to us forever on this side of the grave. His Sword, vowed to be drawn in the cause of truth, justice, and liberty, only, reposes in its scabbard, and we can no longer shield him from wrong and oppression. It is meet, at such a time, that we should be silent, and allow the words of the Infinite and Undying to speak, that we may gather consolation from His revelations, and have impressed upon our minds lessons of wisdom, instruction, and the meetness of preparation for the last great change which must pass upon us all. We spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on in corruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Shall the memory of our departed brothers fade from among men? Shall no record be left of his virtues and worth? It is inscribed upon our hearts; it is written in our archives; the heart may cease to throb, and the archives may moulder and decay, but the tablets of the Recording Angel on high can never perish. Rest to his ashes and peace to his soul. Sovereign Ruler of the Universe! into thy hands we devoutly and submissively commit the departed spirit. Thy will be done, O God.”
Unbidden the rest of the group said “Amen” and rose to their feet.
Garen was impresses, humbled and a little confused. Kara’s entire prayer/ soliloquy was not written down. She used no notes, didn’t stumble or pause over any word or phrase. He didn’t know where it came from but it seemed very appropriate and spoke to him at a visceral level.
Kara turned to the rest a peaceful look on her face.
“I’ll see you guys back at the house. I will finish things here. Please.”
Everyone slowly walked back to the training building to finish up and move back to the house.
Kara carefully began filling in the grave. Once the bodies were covered and before the hole was full, she added the two drums of e&e gear at the head of the grave. She then finished filling in the grave, burying the drums and making the site slightly mounded. She then placed the concrete slab with the painted names at the head of the grave. She then drove the tractor off about a hundred feet before returning to graveside. She then knelt at the foot of the grave site. Once again, her voice was heard in the glade.
“Christian, please greet these souls to your table in Valhalla, Terry earned their tickets. God, I miss you. I wish you were here to help us.”
“I will be without fear in the face of my enemies
I will stand brave and upright that the Lord may love me
I will speak the truth always even if it means my death
I will protect the helpless and do no wrong”
Her face was wet with tears as she was finally able to stand. Later when Garen asked her about her graveside speech, she had no recollection of having spoken or what she said.