Protection and Preservation Book 08Chapter 8
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[Preservation – Janice]
Jenny and Amy tended to the abused woman finding clothes and helping bathe her to start the healing process. Her husband was the dead man, which didn't help things except for her to know he died defending her. No one else had been hurt other than tied up.
I quietly talked to one couple, Dave and his wife. Marie was a nice looking, older woman about the same age as Dave. I said, "Who were the rapists?" She pointed out two others and said, "The other two are dead by the arrows."
Dave said, "What are you going to do?"
I said, "Where I come from, rapists are executed."
He said, "I don't believe in capital punishment."
I answered, "Then you would want them to take your wife with them?" His head jerked back at that. I repeated, "Rapists are executed. There are no repeat offenders."
He said, "Aren't you worried about executing an innocent person?"
"Not really. Your wife didn't know what was going to happen and there's no reason to think she wasn't telling the truth. Are you calling her a liar?"
I don't think Dave was going to like me but his wife looked at me with a supportive smile. I don't think anyone had ever talked to Dave that way before. I said, "Why don't I just give them their guns back and Bennie and I will let them continue on with their plan?" He didn't answer me but continued to look at me with a troubled visage. Finally, I said, "Dave, I honestly don't care about your beliefs but my husband and I rescued you from this mess and we don't allow rapists to go free. I don't believe in prisons. They are wasteful." I walked away from him. His wife came up behind me. "My name is Terry."
"I'm Janice."
She walked with me as I continued to walk toward the prisoners. "Dave's not bad. He's just never had to make harsh choices."
"I understand but, unfortunately, these can be harsh times." I pulled my pistol and said, "Those two are the ones?" She looked troubled but nodded. I released the safety and put the pistol to a forehead and shot him dead. Before he had fallen over, I shot the other one. I looked at the remaining ones and said, "Rapists are executed quickly. You will be questioned. Your lives will depend upon your answers and attitude." I walked away. Terry followed me with tears in her eyes.
When I was twenty feet away, I stopped and looked at the remaining nine. She said, "That was more merciful than what they did to Van when they grabbed Dawn. They gut shot him. He had to watch her being raped as he died."
I looked at her and said, "The real questioning starts now. Bennie and I will handle it. You people really haven't had to suffer before."
She looked at me for a minute. Then, she said, "You were raped at one time."
"Yes, and it was only luck and my foster father that stopped it. My foster father helped execute them. I don't regret their deaths for a minute. I don't regret these either." I gave a head shake toward the two dead bad guys.
She said, "What about a trial and due process?"
I said, "You identified them. Did they rape your friend?" She nodded. "Then, that was the trial and they were shot. There was nothing to appeal. They were guilty and you knew it and they knew it. So do the rest of them. The only question remaining is what to do with the rest of them."
They could hear me speak and they were worried. I thought to myself that they should be.
Bennie gathered the Albers and the rest of their small community as I kept watch. He asked, "What should be done with the rest of these guys?"
One of the rescued said, "What do you mean? We ought to jail them for kidnapping." There were some nods.
Bennie said, "That's fine but who is going to man the jail and who is going to feed them?"
"The government will handle that."
Bennie said, "Where was the government when you were kidnapped? Where was the government when there was rape and murder? Who do you think rescued you?
"You know the answers to those questions. You have two choices. You either set them free or execute them. If they are set free, how do you know they won't be back better prepared to kill and abuse more of you?" They all looked at each other concernedly.
Bennie continued, "Over the years at Preservation, we have taken what our community believes is a realistic approach. We question the members of a captured group. Our experience has been that, when we question them, we find some were just carried along reluctantly. People get hungry for companionship and will accept a bad situation just to be with others. Others are just rapacious by nature and not having government or police lets them give free rein to their worst desires. I would suggest a panel question each prisoner individually and in depth. You can determine whether to set them free, allow them to join you on a probationary basis, or execute them. Preservation has only two solutions to people who do bad things, either they are exiled or they are executed. It's tough but exile is not often used. You don't want to turn someone loose to murder, rape, and steal from someone else. That's harsh but it's real."
The guy who had told me he was against capital punishment said, "I don't agree. We have a duty to help people see the right way to act. People will do the right thing and violence never solves anything."
Bennie grinned and I knew this would not be an enjoyable lesson for the guy. Bennie said, "Your name is John, correct?" He nodded and Bennie hit him in the face knocking him down.
"Why did you do that?"
"I don't like people named John." Bennie let him get back on his feet and decked him again.
He went down again and stayed down for a while trying to get his senses together. Finally, he stood again and Bennie immediately decked him a third time. This time, he was knocked out. It took a while and a bucket of water for him to come to his senses. He said, "Why do you keep hitting me?"
Bennie said, "Does it matter? I just don't like people named John." The guy was on his hands and knees and Bennie kicked him in the guts. He went down moaning.
He gasped out, "Why? I've never hurt you. I don't even know you." Bennie kicked him again. The surprising thing was that no one came to his rescue. I found out later that he had a "holier than thou" attitude that irritated the others even his female companion. He stayed down for a while this time. I knew Bennie didn't really enjoy this but felt it necessary. I happened to agree. I watched all around including his back just in case someone tried to stop the lesson.
Another bucket of water was applied and John looked at Bennie and said, "Please. No more. I don't' want to be hit again." Bennie gave him a kick in the kidneys. This time, John threw up.
Bennie said, "I wish I could say that I am enjoying the mindless violence you're receiving but I'm not. However, you have a narrow range of choices. Either you decide that you are going to fight or I will eventually kill you. It will be painful but, if you won't learn, you will die."
Tom looked at him and looked at Bennie. He asked, "What's your point?"
"Unreasoning violence can only be stopped by the application of thoughtful violence. Unreasoning violence, by its very nature, lacks reason and must be fought. If a person isn't smart enough to figure that out, then they will be killed sooner or later."
John had gotten to his hands and knees. He said, "Help me! Don't let him kill me."
Tom looked at John and said, "What would you have us to? You are against violence so we can't use violence to stop him. There is no reason so we can't appeal to his reason or finer instincts. There's nothing to be done, John. Sorry." John groaned in pain.
John moaned some more and then he said, "I don't care what you do. Stop him!"
Bennie said, "John, you can't have it both ways. If violence is only okay to stop you from being hurt, then your beliefs are without meaning. If it's okay to use violence to stop me, then it should be okay in all things where necessary." Bennie looked over at the rest and said, "Now, we were talking about the disposition of the remaining raiders. I told you what Preservation does and why. Does anyone have any methods to recommend?"
John grunted out, "Kill them all. They would have killed us. That was their plan."
Bennie said, "Okay, we have an alternative. Kill them all. I guess the alternative would be to set them all free. Is anyone in favor of that?" He looked around and all shook their heads. "Okay, We have two choices. What do you want to do?"
John was starting to regain his feet. He said, "Give me a gun. I'll shoot them myself."
Bennie said, "John, that's some change of attitude. Please understand. I did not and do not bear you any ill will. I was teaching a lesson. The world is harsh now and mistakes in judgment and beliefs can be painful and fatal. Go over to Janice and let her bandage your hurts. She's good on bruises." He hobbled over to me.
I said, "He does teach tough lessons." I smiled gently. "Let's see what I can do to relieve some pain. Let's get your shirt off." I helped him pull it off over his head. He had some colorful bruises around the middle of his body. I had taken my pack off and used some salve that relieved his pain. He sighed with relief. I looked him in the eye. "Please be aware that my loyalty is to my husband. If you make or made a move on him, I would have and still will take you out."
He nodded and smiled ruefully. "I sort of figured that. He's a good man, tough, but good. I realize he could have hurt me much worse. Do you think he will let me serve on the decision committee?"
"Ask him. Probably, he will welcome you to it. I will help on it, too. We have done this before and a woman's perspective on a man's emotional stability can be telling." I finished treating his bruises and he pulled his shirt back on.
[Janice] We were airborne again after lunch and flew to Oklahoma City for the evening. We found the airport and landed. I taxied to the general aviation section. We were getting good at this. We left the plane and found fuel and refueled. Then, we looked around to figure out where we would eat and sleep this evening. We found a lounge and put the cushions on the floor and rolled our sleeping bag over the cushions. There was an attached café and the natural gas worked. We would have an easy...
[Janice writes from Lavaca] There were six or eight horses and five trucks in the party coming our way. They quieted when they saw us waiting there. Melissa and I were the only ones not carrying a rifle and we had pistols strapped to our sides. Even Charlie had a small-bore rifle. His instructions were to drop the rifle and grab Doris on the way to safety. Right now, all we could do was wait and trust Melissa's feeling that things were right. I trusted my spouse. When she had a feeling...
[Janice] We were all on foot and Bennie and I seemed to have our hands tied behind us. We came into a subdivision and I noticed four or so homes that looked occupied. People came out and began to gather around. Jerry said, "They fly. Joe and the others are looking over their plane. Marty and Jamie, you are to take the girl back with Sheila, Angie, and Joan. We're to hold the man here. Joe wants you to bring the truck." One man said, "Jamie, I'll get the truck." I saw another man nod...
[Preservation – Janice] We untied the other two and brought them back to the house where the Somerseters (they didn't have a name for themselves and it made it easier for me to think about them with a name) lived. It was a quiet, communal meal that night. As the meal ended, John stood and said, "I think you all know that I have changed and why. I think we need to be part of a larger group for protection but I do love this part of the country. I would like Bennie or Janice to talk to us...
[Janice writes] We continued our planning for the trip while living and performing those functions of everyday living. Charlie and Andy went to their home. Wendy and Tim visited them and were flown by Andy and Charlie to Protection to meet Doctor George. The older couple was enchanted by Doctor George and his wives. That's what my daughter in-law told me. Jane told me that Andy and Charlie entranced everyone. They make a beautiful couple with a kind word for everyone. Jane reported that...
[Janice writes] We stood in plain sight with our rifles at rest. We were wearing sneakers, shorts, and tee shirts. Mine were tighter than Robby's were. The two people approaching us on horseback were a man and a woman. They were good-looking people though both looked to be in their mid to late forties. The woman was Hispanic and still very attractive. I couldn't resist it. "Arnold and Maria Ralston, I presume?" They looked shocked and nodded slowly. "I am Janice Cook-Thomas-Sullivan...
[Preservation – Janice] We left the next morning with six former Penn's, Jim, and twenty men from Preservation and Elroy and his wife, Carrie. They were married by radio and volunteered to go to help with the women if we were able to rescue them. From Carrie's looks at Bennie and me, I think she thought we could have done it on our own. Bennie mentioned it to me and I told him we just have to stop performing miracles. He grinned. As was usual with Jim, we had point. The folks followed us...
[Preservation – Janice] We went home with Poppa and Momma and stayed for most of a week. It would be some time before Laura and Kevin could return. Finally, Bennie said, "We need to get out of here. Let's make that trip to New Orleans." I nodded and said, "We need to get away and check on our newly weds. I'll tell Momma and Poppa." I called Momma on the two-meter and we QSY'd to a simplex frequency. It wasn't private but there was little likelihood that anyone would be listening. I...
[Janice writes from Mexico] The man said, "I apologize for Raymon's actions. I am Martin Gonzalez. We are glad to see someone new. Where are you from?" Robby said, "I am Robby Cook-Thomas-Sullivan and Janice is one of my spouses. We are residents of the communities of Preservation and Protection up in Georgia and Tennessee. We also represent Port Lavaca, Texas. "We are on an exploration trip to make contact with surviving groups to let people know they aren't alone." The woman...
[Preservation – Janice] He wanted us north. Overall, he was pleased with the jaunt south but disappointed in the result based upon the original objective, which was to look at the partition. Even now, we couldn't do that without specialized protection and supplies. That would wait, maybe for a long time. We had a lot of territory under our control or knowledge to the west and to the east. We were growing in both directions. The surprise from the north by the Triple-A's was not pleasant in...
[Preservation – Janice] We went back to Amy's horses and got mounts for everyone. We went back to Walmart and picked up rifles and pistols with all the ammunition we could find. We pulled out of Durham heading back toward Atlanta and Preservation on I-85. Once on I-85, we painted over a billboard with a message. Only three of us were experienced riders so our initial few days were slow with many rest stops so they could ease their legs. It takes some time to adjust your body to riding and...
[Janice writes on the way to Newfoundland] We landed at Reykjavik and began refueling. One of the Icelanders came up and asked, "What is wrong? The other plane flew in and then left quickly." I said, "One of my daughters was shot. She is in the other plane and they are headed for St. John's, Newfoundland, as quickly as possible. We have a doctor and hospital plane meeting them. She will need surgery if she is to survive." "We will be hoping for you and your daughter. Good...
[Protection – Janice] We learned a lot from Tom and Vic. Tom was more the flier and Vic was more the mechanic though the difference was more one of degree than anything else. Vic was a very good flier and Tom a very good mechanic. Both of them were also very comfortable with the theory of aeronautics as well. As we worked with them, they explained what we were doing and why interspersed with aviation theory and knowledge. Tom told me that we would pick a plane for our use and go over it...
[Jack] She continued, "We are going to marry them. Our full-time residence will be in Protection but we want to keep the house here and will make frequent trips to see you and everyone else we know and love here. We also talked to Tom and Vic about a larger plane to bring all eight of us here. "You haven't lost a son and daughter but have gained another son and two more daughters plus two grandchildren with another on the way." We jumped up and hugged. Shirl told them that she looked...
[Preservation – Janice] Through spring, Bennie's arm was in the painful stage of rehabilitation. Under Doctor Anne's tutelage, he exercised it regularly and got back into shape generally. A month later, she said he was good but suggested he continue his exercises to further strengthen it. It was the middle of spring and we were ready for a trip. Bob had met one of the widows from the I‑20 area. He told us that he could watch over our farm, help Poppa and work Mabel's farm with her. Mabel...
[Preservation – Jim in Utah] I lay in bed and moved to the radio only for the net for four days. The east crew who were following my route finally worked their way beyond the rocks and should meet me today. I was looking forward to seeing someone. They had a paramedic with them and the doctor was waiting in Salt Lake City for my arrival. A day later, I arrived back in Salt Lake and immediately went into the operating room where they worked over my leg. I was put under but was later told that...
The meal progressed nicely very similar to others I had been to over the years in other places. Everyone was friendly and I enjoyed talking to many of the men and women in the community. Covertly, I watched Charlie and Andrea. She looked like no girl I had ever seen. Interestingly, she seemed to enjoy Charlie's company. He came by my seat during desert and whispered, "Wow! She's smart." I whispered back, "Just be you. Watch out for other guys who might be jealous." "Yes, mom!" He...
[Preservation – Janice] "Honey, should I break one first so he knows we're serious?" "No, we'll start easy. If he hesitates or lies, we can always start then. Now, James, how many in your community?" He locked his jaw planning not to say a word. Bennie went over to Marv and Bubba and tied them up and gagged them. He went over to James and put his foot hard on his right wrist. He reached down and grabbed the little finger and pulled back until it went, "crack," and broke. James...
[Janice] We watched as two wagons pulled by horses came toward us with people waving excitedly. We stood with hands hanging loosely at our sides until they came close. We waved back as they came close. They pulled up about fifty feet from us and piled out. Two men and two women approached us slowly and with a little care. I noticed one of the men eying me a little harder than really appropriate. Bennie saw that and gave him "the look." He moved his gaze away from me. The other three...
[Janice writes from Preservation] George asked for someone to come down in the Connie. Many of those in Port Lavaca wanted to attend the wedding. Mike and Jen and both sets of parents had become popular while visiting. George added that he wanted to come a little early if someone could give him lodging to look at the generators and such. We told him we would do what we could but were going to be busy. He might be better served to stay after the wedding when things would be calmer. He agreed...
We landed in Taipei. We were met very soon by a group in trucks and military vehicles. Ellis was with us again. He began to speak and was interrupted by a man who kindly said, "Many of us speak English and practice it regularly. Let us use your language." We were surprised but he quickly continued. "My name is Lee Shan. We would be friends. Please call me Shan." He shook David's hand. "I believe you are the leader of this group?" David said, "Yes. My name is David Lewis and this is...
[Preservation – Janice] A few minutes later, Bill called the group together and introduced Bennie and me. Next to Bill stood a tall older woman who had an air of ownership toward him. Bill introduced the group to us including Sylvia who was obviously his partner now. Bennie took a turn to explain Preservation and our mission to them. He then moved into a description of the radios we used in general terms. He explained that we had set up a station at City Hall. The item of most interest was...
[Preservation – Janice] Bennie and I were having supper with Momma and Papa. After dinner and putting the kids to bed, we began to talk about another trip. Poppa said, "I wish Jim were here. His trip was epic and now we should check out the north again. I think there are people up there and it would be nice to get in touch with that area. Wherever you decide to go, please take a number of spare radios, generator plans, and all. We don't need to recruit more people for here but it would be...
Later that afternoon, David got on the radio and arranged for Ben and Noah to meet by radio and talk. David listened in and told me later that those talks were productive. Both men wanted to stay in contact and work together in whatever way possible. We made plans to leave a radio and antennas set up and operating. Ben worked with people in his community in Adelaide to have the radio maintained and appointed a regular listening watch. During all this time, Sophie and George were together...
[Charlie writes from Spain] We watched for the people to come from in front of the terminal. There was no radio traffic. We saw two wagons and a number of out riders come across the north end of the terminal area. People were waving and I saw open hands with guns still holstered or lying in the wagon. Andrea said, "When we get out, Myra take my place at the wheel. Tom, be ready to pop out at the turret and shoot. We do want to give them a chance though." I looked at Andrea and nodded. We...
[Preservation – In Missouri] She pulled sideways and, as she stopped, I began to shoot. The lions not hit in our initial shots ran off quickly leaving the area clear. "Darryl, open the door." I then said, "Protection Force, come around the Bradley and enter with the Humvee's. Tractors, turn around, close up, and run inside. Pam, we will be last." As those in the tractors ran for the entrance, lions came out and Melissa and I cut them down. The lions quickly gave up the attack. We drove...
[Janice] Bennie said, "Roger. We're here waiting." I always enjoyed watching planes land but the Connie was impressive. We had moved the horses into a hanger. Experience had shown horses that hadn't heard motors did not like airplanes. Tom brought the Connie in gently flaring it down to land with a gentle chirp of the tires. He let it slow gently since he had plenty of runway. He turned and taxied to us on two engines cutting them as he came near. We had found a rolling stairway and...
[Janice writes from Mexico and El Salvador] We left for Belize without incident the next morning targeting the primary airport. According to our map and book, it was in Ladyville. In honor of the name but mostly because it was our turn, I piloted and Pam was my copilot... The flight was uneventful. Landing was a bit tricky. If possible, this area had suffered more than the Cancun area. I found landing tricky because of the broken appearance of the asphalt. It was bumpy but useable. Tom and...
[Preservation - In Missouri] We waited for more news about Dave being broken up about his wife's death. A few minutes passed. Mel came on sobbing. "Charles is. Charles is dead. Dave is, too. We're coming in." Pam and I looked at each other. A young woman came into the room. I said, "Monitor the radio. One of the Bradley's is coming in. We're going in to meet them." We left for the garage area. We went armed. I think anger showed on both our faces. When we arrived, the machine gun...
[Janice writes] I found it hard to believe that, within twenty-four hours of reconciling and marrying, Andy and Charlie would be off in separate directions to complete commitments they have. I managed to trap him alone while Andy talked to her parents. "Charlie, is everything really okay? This separation worries me." "It shouldn't, mom." "It does. It's me, Charlie. Explain things. I'm feeling very old and very slow." He hugged me. "Mom, it will be a long time before you're old...
[Preservation – Janice] It was Thursday when our sentry post advised us by radio that we had company coming from Atlanta. We had a quick pow-wow and decided that a couple would be heading over to High Falls park to "prep it for winter" with the plan that they would be seen and talk to the Triple-A party coming down the road. They carried a radio in their wagon but would keep it hidden and off when they met the Triple‑A contingent. They reported that they saw the Triple-A coming down I-75...
[Preservation – Janice] The next morning, we had a quick breakfast and set out with Amy to have a look at her horses. She actually had a small herd of ten with a stallion, mares, and colts. There were also two geldings in the herd. One of them came up to her nickering softly. She grinned at us and said, "This is Billy. I usually ride him or one of the mares." Billy was a fine looking horse and all of the horses in the herd were looked like they had been kept well. Amy obviously knew how to...
[Preservation – Janice] Our next planned stop was Washington. When Jim had been there after the Day, he found almost no people there. We tried not to have any expectations as we entered the nation's capital. We found no people though some signs of visits over the years. We set up camp in the Mall area, which was overgrown. We picked a small building and broke in to establish a base while we toured the sights of Washington. It was fun. It was sad. It was not an area that would lend itself...
[Preservation – Janice] At Cincinnati, we crossed into Kentucky following I-75 across the river and moving pretty much south. We came to Boone County and Bennie expressed an interest in seeing something having to do with Daniel Boone. I gave him my best withering look and suggested that we really didn't need to make this trip longer than it already was. We celebrated the first of September at the point where I-71 peeled off to the southwest. We continued to follow I-75. This point was in...
[Janice writes from Estonia] It was mid afternoon when Anton returned with a pretty woman about his age and three young children. He came up to Charlie and me. He said, "This is my wife, Marta, and my children." Charlie said, "Hello, Marta, it's good to meet you. This is one of my mothers, Janice." "Hello, Missus Janice. Your communities practice plural marriage?" I said, "It's good to meet you and your family. Some are in plural marriages. Most marriages, like Charlie's, are...
[Janice writes] Our learning efforts were beginning to pay off. Everyone was learning and Andy had a totally new attitude about helping and teaching. I would describe her as wistfully beautiful. She had lost something but I could tell she hoped to get it back. It, of course, was Charlie. The new attitude from her was utterly attractive. Along with her physical beauty, the young men were being drawn in. She politely ignored their overtures that started less than a week after she returned to...
[Janice] We headed for Milwaukee and circled the area to see if we could attract any attention. We made some widening circles but saw no signs of recent habitation. Our next planned stop was Minneapolis/St. Paul, the twin cities. We watched the ground closely but saw little signs of cultivation or harvesting on the trip as we flew low and slow. We circled around twice to catch anyone using smoke to get our attention but saw nothing either time. The main airport was blocked by a couple of...
[Charlie writes from Lisbon] We settled in at the terminal with food at a couple of tables and our peoples met one another. A surprising number of the Portuguese spoke English. I guessed it was due to Monica Lewis. We began to tell our stories and I found that I was mostly, but not totally, correct. I asked Mom Janice to tell our story. She did it quite well including some of the early days of Preservation. She told of gaining airplanes and the trips and places where we had friends, naming...
[Preservation – Janice] We got up early and hit the road trying for as direct a route as possible. We saw no sense in going to Augusta and Savannah was out of the way. We crossed the Savannah River and kept going. It took us two days of steady riding to reach Eatonton and the Rock Eagle 4-H Camp which we had enjoyed before. We used the same building as before and called in to Preservation. Jack said, "Where are you now?" I replied, "We are in the Rock Eagle 4-H Camp just north of...
[Preservation, West Georgia] Mike is two years old. It's late spring of 2014. It amazes me to realize I track time now by my son's age. Shirley and I are trying for another. Actually, we have been trying just without success in getting Shirley pregnant. She said that we enjoy making love too much to worry about her becoming pregnant. Janice and Bennie married six months ago and they had a church wedding after making their public announcement. I gave away the bride and Shirley, holding...
[Preservation – Janice] We bedded down for the night with me taking the first watch. Bennie was right. Steve didn't think about having a sentry. That could be hazardous unless you were a very light sleeper. Kevin would be next and I woke him gently. He woke easily and took my place. Bennie would be next with Laura being the last. We had a shotgun to use on watch. Its purpose was to wake everyone as much as to provide some firepower. I felt Bennie leave later and then return much later. He...
[Jack] They flew into the Carrollton airport to be met by Shirl and me and by Bennie's dad and step-mom. It felt good to have them back but I knew something was different. Bennie and Janice talked for a day. I could tell they were troubled about something but waited for them to talk to us when they wanted. Shirl said that I should ask them what was wrong but I counseled that we should wait. They came over the next morning after breakfast and chores. Bennie said, "We need to talk to both...
[Preservation – Janice] It was a quiet night and we started early the next morning. Bennie wanted a defense in depth with wide coverage. He was concerned about the dogs returning and wanted to be ready and able to keep any interruptions from our observers, particularly since Carolyn was not very mobile. The observers, Ann and Carolyn, were at the ridge line with Laura and me. Laura was there to take notes but I was there to shoot animals as necessary. Back about twenty feet were Bennie,...
[Preservation – Janice] Convalescing wasn't easy. Bennie and I celebrated Halloween and Thanksgiving as real patients. I could walk a little by Thanksgiving but it was painful. It was mid December before Bennie was trying to walk. He was weak from lying in bed and stiff from not having been able to move. It was so good to sleep together in a real bed though. We started what Doc Ollie called our rehab period right after the New Year. It was torture but we stuck to it. We both wanted to...
[Preservation – Janice] We went out the back with my horse and picked up Bennie's. We stayed in the woods trying to shield our movements from the hill post. Bennie said, "Leave your radio on simplex and try to call Amy. Act like you're concerned but still in the rest area. Let's see what you may hear. I'll monitor Jim on the triple nickel." I nodded. "Amy, this is Janice. Do you read? Are you okay? Over." There was no answer. We wanted to get there immediately but that was our...
[Janice – In Phoenix] He told me and I repeated it out loud as Pam and I stood and started moving. I said into the radio, "Dog attack on our son!" Angela said, "I know where that is. I will take you in our truck." Bennie and Robby came in with rifles throwing one to each myself and Pam. The six of us left for Angela's truck in a hurry. I got in the truck and said, "Charlie, we are headed your way. Ted's wife, Angela, is driving us. Are you okay?" "Yes and no. We're where the...
[Preservation – Janice] I was asked to help but Bennie and his healing took precedence to me. I took him back to Preservation and our home in a wagon as soon as possible. The radio called me back the next day. Poppa wanted my help. The Triple-A people had to be handled and Bennie and I had been the star performers in that process. The fact that all the crops were in helped gave us time to handle things. Poppa's mother offered to watch Bennie for me. I was reluctant but Bennie insisted that...
[Preservation – Janice] We had followed I-93 into Boston but deviated from it to meet up with I-95 outside the city. From there, we would trace a path up to Portland. It appeared that this portion of our trip would be a bit over one hundred miles or four to five days depending upon our rate of travel. It took five because we took a detour to the Bush place in Kennebunkport. It was interesting though storm damaged. This area might not get hurricanes but sure received storms! We arrived in...
[Preservation – Janice] It was quiet for a moment. Poppa said, "Is there any further new or old business before we hear reports?" He paused a moment. "Hearing none, the chair recognizes Janice for a report on the trip to Talladega to investigate some field raiding." He looked at me and I stood. I said, "Mitch reported that one of his fields had been raided repeatedly and he and his people couldn't find the raiders. Poppa asked if we, Bennie and I, would investigate the situation. We...
[Jack] George came on through the repeater, "Jack, everyone is okay, here. The plane suffered some kind of electrical fault. They landed a bit hard and the plane is wrecked. We're loading their luggage and people into the trucks. Once we're loaded, we will attempt to contact those waiting in the woods. Vic says he isn't seeing anything threatening here. He will expand his circle to cover you and will work the repeater." "Roger." I thought for a second. "Shirl, pull forward even with...
[Preservation – Janice] A few moments later, they brought another man into the room. He was younger than the rest had been, early twenties if that. He looked at me like I was a prime piece of meat. I said, "Number one is that I'm not interested and number two is that I'm married to a wonderful man who is great to me. Number three is that I can lay you on the floor screaming in pain without breaking a sweat. You will answer questions. Ben won't stop you from trying something though if you...
[Preservation – Janice] Bennie and I had settled into our routine. Laura's lessons in self-defense were coming along nicely and Kevin was learning from Bennie. He was a better shot than Bennie with a bow. Usually, he went out hunting with a pistol, knife, and bow and brought back a meal. It was fun to watch the circling around as he and Laura got to know each other better. Both had competition from others in our community because both were attractive and were developing good survival...
[Janice writes] I went to the four men and said, "I have questions that will be answered. There are two choices. You can scream or answer. My young daughter had to kill two of your evil friends when they attacked her. She is upset and so am I. If you want any hope of returning to your people, some one needs to talk." I looked the four over. As usual, I picked the largest. Robby hadn't tied any of them. I said, "You, get up. Which arm?" "I'm sorry. What do you mean?" "I'm going...
[Tennessee] It was mid July when Abe came to see me late one afternoon. We sat down on the front porch with a cool drink. Abe said, “Mister George, I haven’t told anyone this yet because I didn’t want to alarm anyone. I haven’t even talked to Angela and Claire. “We have some trouble coming from the west and we need to prepare for it. We’re going to have to fight to live up to our name. It’s our duty to protect those in our care.” I said, “Abe, do you know what kind of trouble?” “No, but...
[Preservation – Jim heads out of D.C.] I motored out of Washington in no hurry and watched the road and out the sides for people or signs of habitation. People seemed to not hang around on main roads. Since I tried to avoid sticking out, I understood that thinking. I left taking I-95 north. I wasn't worried about traffic and didn't take any loops. I went right through downtown Baltimore and then to Philadelphia. I had seen the Liberty Bell before and didn't remember anything else that I...
[Janice writes from England] Early in the morning, we, my spouses and older children, talked about the two groups. Mel said, "Don't go to Wales. We will lose people. Birmingham will be okay but won't accomplish anything worthwhile." I called the entire group together over breakfast to talk about the two areas. Poppa wanted to visit both and was pushing hard. Finally, I shouted, "Enough! Poppa, if we go, you will be in charge but must leave the plane last. Your wife, one of my fellow...
I saw neither George nor Sophie the rest of the evening. I rejoined my husband at the table in the terminal. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze as I sat down and joined the conversation. Basil was sitting across from me and asked, "Would you go off with me, Bobbi?" "Sure, but you would not like the result." "Helen wouldn't mind." "Perhaps, but I would. David is so much more man than anyone else in the world that I no longer tolerate much from other men." Basil didn't quit. "You...
[Preservation – Janice] It was the four of us with two pack horses to carry radios and weapons and some staples. We would hunt and use available houses along the way. We went over to I-20 to head for Birmingham at Poppa's request. We went through Mitch's area and he reported that all was well in the little valley. He told us to be careful in the outskirts of Birmingham. He said, "It's been years since anyone was there or came from there. I'm not sure why but that worries me. Both Laura...