Reinke Faces Life

It happened in Church - Chapter Eighty Two – Anti pasto

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It happened in Church - October 19, 1962
Chapter Eighty Two – Anti pasto

Wednesday Nov 21 (ends)

Underground Boredom

Babysitting a pair of live bombs! Today the rains are falling like the Classmates should be looking for and Ark. The Lord gave Roy a merciful day. No slave market noise. Nothing that needed to be blocked out. He wasn’t sure if there was no market today because of the rain or had it moved indoors. As he was sitting thanking the Lord for relief, it dawned upon him. What if it rained tomorrow? No bomb blast to trigger the plan. No diversion. No kick off. He thought about that and how it would screw them up.

He got wrote a message by flash light, enciphered it, fired up the CB, and coded it to the higher paygrades.

‘mole does not repeat not hear slave market. maybe its rained out. this has implications for kick off. plan accordingly.’

+++++

June completes

“Aunt Gertrude!”

This was the message passed to all the Guests and Classmates. The recoveries were done. All ‘cans of corn’ had their turn at gathering treasures. June was busy organizing a very soggy effort to return to the school. The joy of a task completed was offset by the misery of being cold and wet.

The rain was so hard, no umbrella would keep one dry. No rain coat was enough. The uniform of the day seemed to be the garbage bag. Even that wasn’t good enough. The rain would some how, like it was a seeing eye dog, find the neck hole and dribble down under the bag.

John gave the command: “Back to the school and begin the last push.” Everyone heard that as “Get going to the school and get dried out and warm.

Tomorrow in Vermont!

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Truckin back

Alyssa drove the treasure truck back to the school. The schoolyard looked like a mini depot. The anitbiotic truck was filled. The Guests at the school had been filling a truck from the local area. She pulled this rig into the center of the street.

The antibiotic truck had the pindle on it and was the lightest. Hence it had to be the center of the tractor, middle, and end combo. She disconnected the tractor from the antibiotic trailer and moved it aside.

She was mildly amused at the Children’s reaction to the heavy cold rain. They should have been with her that time in Montana when her husband was dead drunk in the sleeper and she got an rush load offer in the direction that they were going. She had to do a similar task in a blizzard. In comparison the rain was … well … just rain.

She brought the treasure truck in line behind the antibiotic. Alignment was critical, she had no ‘donkeys’ to help. Heck, she had no extra eyes to guide her. All she had was faith in her ability and a keen desire to get this show on the road. If she ever saw another truck again it wouldn’t be too soon. Out, and disconnect the tractor. Swing it around in front of the antibiotic. Back up and latch the trailer. Out and connect the lines.

Now the fun part.

Up into the cab and back the tractor with the antibiotic trailer into to the treasure trailer. Real slow. After two feet, she got out and looked at her line to the trailer from the pindle. It looked good. But she needed to back up perfectly straight. She used the painted line on the street’s center to eyeball it.

Back to the cab, she started slowly but then gave the tractor a little pop of speed. The pindle had to hit with enough force to allow the trailer to ride up on it and seat itself. She felt the resistance and let off the gas.

She heard and felt the very satisfying thunk.

Out in the rain and attach the air brake lines and the electric signal cables. Lock the pindle into the receiver and done. She was very satisfied with that task.

As she walked to the school in the pouring rain, John and Marie were standing there to give her a round of applause. The school’s windows were full of observers. She was glad she did it in one pass. Made it look easy. It was if you had a donkey or extra eyes with a radio.

She took her congrats with self-consciousness.

+++++

Confers

Back at the school, the Guests and the stay-behinds welcomed the expedition. It was their last time together until they were on the road. It was bitter sweet. The Mrs team had hot chow and cold lemonade. Showers and dry clothes. Laundry was being done. Clothes and towels being packed in garbage bags to be squeezed in somewhere.

John called the team for the final organization and run thru. Sam was worried. He need all the rifles, but the rescue expeditions had to have some too. After a brief discussion, arm wrestling and horse trading. It was “decided” that the reconstitute LURP with its six Eighths was the best source of personnel for the rescue teams. John then made the “executive decision” to invite them to the table and ask for volunteers.

Andrew, Ava, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Kayla, & Matthew were requested to join. As well as Isabella, Sherman Dyckman OP David & Anthony, and Machine Gun Rear Guard Sydney & Zachary.

It was a quiet group that joined. Marie and June made them welcome. John introduced the topic. “You all are wondering why we asked you here. As you know, we are going to attempt two rescues on our way to Vermont. Actually, they will begin in a few hours, preceding the ‘festivities’ that put us on the road to Vermont.” Knowing looks were exchanged amount the new ‘volunteers’. “Yes, as you may have just guessed, we want you for the rescue teams. You are free to say ‘no’ and I, nor anyone in the company, will think badly of you. Sometimes things just don’t click. I don’t know that this is as ‘safe’ as staying with the main body. Really, this is all a coin flip. I do know this is important enough that our future benefactors in Vermont have asked us to try. It’s important enough for this group to authorize a try for it. Brother Kevin will lead the team. He will drop off half at Tolentine led by Jody to find a needle, err I mean, a nun in a haystack. He will continue on to the University to find another needle. This time a student. The convoy when it comes will retrieve them along the way. You are being asked to help. If you say no, we’ll ask others. If you say no, we will ask you to join Sam’s assault on BGHQ. Either way, we need you to take some risks.”

Marie realized that John had ‘sold’ it. Who would want to to put their fellow Classmate at risk.

Andrew, the usually quiet one, spoke first: “I’m in”. General agreement ensued.

John said: “Alphabetic order? Andrew, Ava, and Joshua, please join Brother Kevin. Kaitlyn, Kayla, and Matthew, please join Jody. Isabella, David, and Anthony, to Brother Kevin. Sydney and Zachary to Jody.”

John finished up: “Let me say from my heart. Thank you. I can’t imagine the emotions that everyone is feeling. But, I am very afraid. So please, don’t take any chances and don’t miss the bus. Teams should get their act together and get some sleep. Brother Kevin and Jody, the floor is yours.”

Brother Kevin wasted no time reviewing the details and the timetable. At dark, the rescue mission would leave the school. Brother Kevin was praying that rain held until they went to ground at their recovery sites.

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Hooks set

The long hook, to fall in behind the children, was ready. The men, machines, and material were in position ready to roll. Captain Blake had heard all the briefings. How these Children were “hot”. He had heard their order of march. He job was to id the rear guard and fall in behind. Not to close to spook them. Not to far away to be out of contact. Hopeless orders issued more as a prayer, rather than a mission. Still, he was a good soldier. He knew that after three hours on the road, these kids would be lucky to be within eye shot of one another. He’d seen military convoys run by trained soldiers and hard nosed non-coms be unable to pull this off. But, he’d let the Bosses have their illusions. He’d clean up after the ‘circus parade’. Some how.

The “short hook”, to fall in front of the children, was also ready. Captain Abrams, a veteran of two decades in the Marines, knew guano when he heard it. He was tasked with front running the Children. How was one supposed to do that. He’d have preferred a different strategy. Meet, greet, and take charge. But the stars in ‘heaven’ had different ideas. Above his pay grade. So he’d figure it out. He had some “off the books” motorcycles that wasn’t in his official equipment inventory. He have them pace the convoy off road such as possible. They’d radio the pacing. When they were distanced, they’d move to a clear side road and race ahead to fall into line. It was sort of being in front while being along side. If it worked, no one would care. If it didn’t, no one would take the excuses. That was his pay grade.

The Pequot had their sheriffs ready. The new ‘Tribal Officers’ wore the native fish hook — looking like a curved letter y — as a symbol of their tradition as fisherman and all wore blue jeans, white shirts, and white hats. The hook was also in the hatband. They carried the traditional police equipment and reported to the Tribal Council for their area. There wasn’t going to be a lot of ‘law enforcement’; more ‘peace keeping’. They weren’t even interested in ‘tax collection’. They just were glad to have their tribal lands restored.

+++++

Proclamation

The reporters were summoned to the Vermont Governor’s mansion. It was unusual. Rumor hath it that the Guv was going to make a statement. Usually, he preferred to do it by fax. There were assigned seats in the Great Hall. That was uncomfortable. Evidently the Guv wanted to put the reporters on tilt a little. Promptly, at 1300, the Guv was a known stickler for time, the doors were closed. A big statie was at the door inside and out. There was no doubt that it was now closed. Thems that waz in was in; out out. Next time, they’d be on time.

The Guv strode to the lectern. “Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the press, for coming on such short notice. I have a series of announcements. The text will be available from the Press Secretary at the back at the conclusion.”

He took a deep breath. “You are all familiar with the recent abortive raid on Keane as well as the continued border trouble with bandits in Massachusetts. Today, the State of Vermont has received a request for help from New Hampshire under our mutual aid agreement executed shortly after the recent Atomic Bomb attacks on the United States. At that time, the USA ceased to function as a unit. Hopefully, something will come of it. But, life goes on. The State of Vermont has received this request indicating that the State of New Hampshire will be seeking restitution from the State of Massachusetts as will we. Hence, as of today at this hour, I have suspended all cross border shipments to and from Massachusetts. I have frozen all assets of Massachusetts entities in Vermont. And, have placed a lien against all property in Vermont that’s owned, operated, or in any way associated with Massachusetts. Pending the settlement of the claims of New Hampshire, Vermont, and the individual citizens injured.”

“Finances aside. We, in State Government, in fact in ALL government, have really only ONE duty. Preserve the peace. Recognizing that duty, and the failure of the State of Massachusetts to control the brigands that have raided our Southern Border, I have dispatched key units of the Vermont militia to secure the border and punish the outlaws. As soon as that is completed, the units will return to their regular duties.”

“Since nature abhors a vacuum, and we don’t want this situation to reoccur, the State of Vermont, in conjunction with our sister state of New Hampshire, has today, recognized the Pequot Nation as the government of Western Massachusetts. After pacifying the bad guys, we are turning the area over to them to maintain the peace. We look forward to their success and seek only to live and let live.”

“That about wraps it up. Freeze Massachusetts’ assets. Knock out the outlaws in the Western Mass badlands. Recognize a new political body to police the area to prevent recurrence.”

“Thank you. That’s all.”

The Guv spun on his heel and walked out. The reporters ran for the handouts and out to their news trucks.

This was news.

+++++

6PM Radio Watch

At 6 PM sharp, Marie began sending: ‘new york city calling vermont.’ ‘vermont here. no traffic. tomorrow same time.’ ‘new york city, no tomorrow, if we need it, we’re in big trouble, new york city hopefully out forever’. Marie felt a sense of finality.

+++++

The Last Supper

The Mrs. made all the favorites. Pots of each. As a special treat, they baked hot bread and had canned butter. AND COLD SODA! Cold cans of fruit. It was a special treat.

Using supplies like there was no tomorrow. There was no tomorrow!

The mood was somber.

+++++

First Jump

It was suitably dark at about 8PM. The rain continued.

Brother Kevin reviewed the primary University team.

Andrew, Ava, and Joshua would lead as a three man leapfrog. Isabella, David, and Anthony would follow as a three person leapfrog in the second set. Brother Kevin would free lance up and down the line.

Jody would have the second half following close behind until University Avenue. There she’d break off for Tolentine. It was literally right there on that block. Jody with Sydney and Zachary would execute a two person leapfrog with Jody in the center. Kaitlyn, Kayla, and Matthew would be everyone’s read doing a three person leapfrog.

The Leadership team was there to see them off. They were clearly going into unknown danger. There was no crying, just somber prayer.

John said to them all: “Via Con Dios”.

The team moved out briskly on the bikes. Brother Kevin felt that to the bridge it was just a speed race. At the bridge, he held the column. Using the binocs, he studied the landscape for a full fifteen minutes. No light. No sound. No Bravo Golf. Maybe no one liked to be out in the cold rain. Brother Kevin pedal down the line with a thumbs up; receiving the same back.

He pedaled across the bridge.

Nothing happened. He took his flash and coded ‘ok’ back at the team.

Up the hill on Fordham Road away from the bridge, they were in combat patrol mode know. The bikes were faster than walking. The rain poured down. They couldn’t see much, but they were hard to see as well. Brother Kevin figured unless they rode into or over a Bravo Golf, they were pretty safe.

In fifteen minutes, they were up to Tolentine. Brother Kevin stopped and saw Jody’s team peel off down the block. They were on location now.

He pushed off.

Another fifteen minutes, and he was on his location. They huddled up inside the University gate and tried to locate themselves while resting.

+++++

Depot Teams away

About 10PM, Marie and Alyssa assembled their teams for their respective depots.

Marie had a mental list of the driving teams without their rifle escort:
DT#4 Jude(6) RyanR(5) Kyle(4) led by Nicholas(7)
DT#5 James(6) Richard(5) Jonathan(4) led by Joseph(7)
DT#7 Brandon(6) Justin(5) Alexis(4) led by Destiny(7)
DT#8 Adam(6) Grace(5) Abigail(4) led by Daniel(7)
DT#9 Anthony(5) Ella(5) Sean(5) by Isabella(6)\
Blind Man DaveDuBois & Julia(6) as “eyes”
and her two babies.

She was taking the bus.

Alyssa had her 11 drivers, and two radio teams. They were going to bike to the tunnels. And hold until the morning, at the south end of the south tunnel.

John and what was left of the Leadership team wished them well. John held Marie’s hand and quickly coded. ‘no chances’ To which, she just gave him a hug.

The two teams moved out.

In fifteen minutes both were in position. Marie’s bus ride team was dry. Alyssa’s was wet.

It was going to be a long night.

+++++

Assault Force Out

Finally, at midnight, Sam’s assault team gathered. It was woefully weak. He had eight rifles, TomT and himself. He’d need a lot of luck to pull this off. The bikes meant it would be a quick ride.

John, Brian, and June were all that were left of Leadership at the school. They stood watch as Sam led the assault team out.

Sam pedaled uncaringly until the reached the hospital. Then, he and TomT went out in front leapfrogging. The team walked about a block behind.

The rain poured buckets. That was fine with Sam.

At the BGHQ, Sam peaked and verified that there was a ‘guard’ out front. Dozing, smoking, but there. Nestled close to the door to stay out of the rain as much as possible.

The target hadn’t moved.

Sam pulled back to the team and the roof component — four guns — made their entry to the building on the opposite side, up to the roof, and over in front of BGHQ. Sam And TomT levered up the manhole cover. TomT took up residence under a nearby parked car. Sam returned to the building where the roof team made it’s entry. He lugged the machine gun up to the roof and set it up opposite BGHQ. Covered it as best h could with a plastic bag. The roof team had left one person on watch and the rest retired to an apartment. The ground team did the same.

Sam reviewed the game plan with the roof team in the morning spread out, ends fire, car blows, machine gun and everyone fires. Then he went down to the ground team and reviewed with them. In the morning one pair left and one pair right. Around the corner. When the roof ends engage, they engage driving BG’s to center.

Sam knew that when he opened up with the machine gun, TomT would blow the bomb.

Now, if the gods of war would cooperate. But nothing was ever as easy as it appeared on the silver screen.

He dozed thinking of all the Batan movies he’d seen. Where the good guys were overwhelmed while firing the machine gun that never ran out of ammo. Not a good omen.

+++++

June consoles

For the first time in many days, June and Brian were together. She was happy; he was morose. She sensed it as soon as she saw him. But, she bided her time. Eventually, in the evening, as they got ready to bunk down, she queried him. It took a while to drag it out of him, but eventually she got his tale of ominous foreboding feelings. She tried to reassure him, but he was convinced. She left it alone. Everyone had their private daemons. It would all be over tomorrow. They’d be in Vermont. They’d find priest. They’d live happily ever after.

+++++

Roy waits

Roy was encamped in his “higher ground”. Now there was no routine traffic of the Classmates on the CB. It had reassured him. Now he just had to console himself that the time was nearing. He resumed and continued his never ending prayer for forgiveness.

+++++

Colonel “Worrywart”

The Colonel was at his desk. Every hour he’d call down to the ears and inquire if there was any traffic from the Classmates after the 6PM check in. Each time the answer was ‘no’. Had disaster struck? In military operations, radio silence was to prevent detection. Had the Children done something similar? It was going to be a long night. His adjutant assured him that they were ready. The Colonel kept thinking of Stonewall Jackson; shot by his own sentries. How many would die in this foolishness?

+++++

Bash’s needs

The rain was more than a mild inconvenience. The Slave Market didn’t trade today because of the rain. The organizers were no fools. This would make for a bigger better market tomorrow. And, it gave them an excuse to double their commissions.

Bash was in a foul mood. He had no fresh meat. He could not stand what he did have because it wasn’t “cherry”. He’d planned for tomorrow, but he would have moved his plan up to today. He had the all to familiar ‘itch’. Tomorrow. For now, drugs.

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