Chapter 1

The New World Order

By the second millennium the citizens of America no longer had any control over the government that ruled them. Thousands of illegal and unconstitutional laws had been created; by the traitors in government – the ones who called themselves representatives. These laws reinforced and extrapolated the powers they had given themselves and violated massive constitutional rights of Americans.

The traitors were untouchable and completely above the law. The people had been stripped of all of their so-called constitutional and God given human rights, one by one, over the coarse of a hundred years. They now had no rights left at all. Evil of the adversary had descended upon their once great country.

So many laws existed that everyone was guilty of something. Prisons had increasingly become over filled and crowded, so more were built – this time, larger and more secure. The slightest infraction was used to imprison citizens for unreasonable lengths of time.

Administrative crimes were developed where bureaucrat scum could prosecute, judge, convict, and sentence a person without any legal due process of law. Terrorism became the established method of government control over the citizens.

The police became government enforcers, who were no longer concerned with public safety or serving the people. Those cops who did not agree with the aggressive strong-arming methods of thugs and bullies that became the standard, were forced to retire or were framed for crimes and then imprisoned. All the training facilities became schools of terrorism. The cops were put above the law and could commit any crime against the people, including murder, without fear of reprisal. A federal police force was formed, and it was illegal under the Constitution.

The judicial system was but a sham. Anyone arrested was guilty until proven innocent; after all, the police were agents of the court and could not possibly be capable of lying or providing fraudulent statements.

Many of the criminal laws that the traitors in congress instigated, at both state and federal levels, allowed for no defense; making the defendant guilty, regardless of the evidence or circumstances.

Jury trials were eliminated through administrative procedure. Citizens could be imprisoned for debts or any statement that opposed the government. Freedom of speech was outlawed.

There was no justice for the people, only terrorism. The fascist judges simply ignored citizen’s constitutional rights, convicting them summarily and appeals were always denied. They were no different from the Nazis of World War II, who terrorized the world.

Rulings that contradicted the Constitution were made and became case law, which could not be challenged easily.

Plea bargains became blackmail. In their fear of reprisal, the government installed massive security to protect themselves, as well as keeping large numbers of police forces on hand.

It became impossible to challenge any of the laws, as the cost was made prohibitively high, for the average citizen. Only the rich could afford justice and payment for it was required.

As government employees, bureaucrats were given broad powers to define laws, as well as investigate and prosecute anyone. The regulations that they developed carried the same penalties of imprisonment as any law passed in congress.

They were also held above the law and could commit atrocities against citizens without any concern for retribution. They abused their authority on a daily basis at every level of government. More often than not, bureaucrats claimed false charges against innocent people, financially destroying them with the high cost of their defense.

Poor people who could not afford a defense attorney were convicted, regardless of their actual innocence. And of course the bureaucrats had unlimited funds at their disposal to prosecute citizens. They were by definition and practice, Nazis.

Technology had provided the means to watch and monitor all activities of every citizen, regardless of where they were. Cameras were installed everywhere. High definition televisions had two way capability, and a camera built into them to watch what people did inside their homes. It was no wonder the government required the entire broadcasting system to be changed to digital TV.

Privacy had become a thing of the past. The evil ones had slowly put these systems into effect through social pathological controls, instigating terror and blaming it on organizations and individuals they wanted to destroy.

The Terrorist Act and the so-called Patriot Act authorizing Homeland Security was easily established through this terrorism fear tactic. People believed they were in danger and allowed the security measures to be installed and made into law, forfeiting their rights of privacy. The traitors merely laughed at the people for being gullible enough to believe them.

The television evolved into the propaganda machine. Hollywood produced shows and movies that made heroes out of the traitors. The psychologists and sociologists had learned to control the masses by manipulating public events.

Every news media was controlled by the government and all news was censored. This was a situation that was created by eliminating the law that did not allow a single corporation or person to own more than one news media at any given time in any single location. People did not realize the danger they had put themselves in when they allowed it to happen.

Elections were rigged and only members of the fascist bar association were allowed to run for office. The scum lawyers did anything for money, including selling out their country. This was not only happening in America, but also around the world in every supposedly democratic country. Failure to pay the extortionate taxes resulted in imprisonment and economic death.

The United Nations New World Order (NWO) took over in the second millennium. The GATT agreement of 1994 which the President, and other world leaders supported, gave them legal authority over every member country. All members of the United Nations surrendered their sovereignty when they agreed to the GATT agreement.

Every nation on the planet was coerced into signing it – else trade sanctions were brought and eventually they were invaded and taken over on some pretense. By 2017, all major dictatorships, such as Haiti, Iraq, Iran, Belarus, and North Korea were overthrown.

The trade organization was in control of the entire planet, minus a few little dictatorships like Cuba, which were eventually eliminated. Each member had to contribute a certain number of military troops to keep the peace worldwide and deal with ‘terrorist threats’, who are usually freedom fighters.

These troops have been formally stationed in every U.N. member country as ‘peacekeeping troops’, since the GATT agreement was enacted. The U.N. troops were stationed outside their homeland to insure they were always foreigners with no allegiance to the people.

The Michigan militia video taped the initial invasion of America in the mid eighties, when hundreds of unmarked black helicopters flew across Lake Michigan at night. It was against the Constitution in America for foreign troops to carry out military maneuvers on American soil. It was an act of treason by those responsible in the American government, but then again, so was signing the GATT agreement!

The takeover went down without a shot fired, (well almost). With the NWO having legal authority, the President and Congress simply issued a public statement declaring the United Nations, (a trade union mind you), as the highest authority. And it was controlled by the Trilateral Commission; an organization that comprises the richest and most powerful people on the planet. It was all legally carried out, they claimed.

Only one little detail … the President and Congress had no authority to sign America’s sovereignty away and destroy their country!

What surprised the world on that day, even more than the NWO takeover, was the rebirth of the Soviet Union. It was declared in Moscow almost twelve hours after the United Nations declaration and it resounded around the planet.

The great superpower was back! The mortally wounded kingdom was reborn, (after thirty years), and people around the world wondered how this happened. It was a coup, carefully planned to coincide with the U.N. declaration. Obviously they had foreknowledge of the event. The coup simultaneously took place in every satellite country of the old Russian regime.

The Soviet communist party overthrow of the democratic governments in Asia was almost bloodless. Many Russians believed that life had been better under the Soviet rule and welcomed it. They certainly did not want to be ruled by the New World Order.

The new Soviet Union refused to join the United Nations. They recalled all their troops who were currently participating in peacekeeping activities and all the foreign troops were expelled. It was a major blow to the NWO, to lose Asia and have the old superpower again able to threaten their trade monopoly.

The American people had been betrayed and sold out along with the rest of the world, except the Russians. The traitors in government did exactly as the New World Order government told them. New laws came into immediate effect.

Curfew was implemented shortly after, when rebel militia groups of freedom fighters started fighting the foreign troops. The bureaucrats gained even more power, harassing citizens and causing hundreds of thousands to be imprisoned. Their acts of treason were not any different from those of the German Nazis of WW II.

Their claims that they were just doing their job fell on deaf ears and they became collaborators with the enemy, anti-Americans. It was not uncommon for them to be found in their homes, dead from retaliation by angry Americans whom they had committed atrocities against. With all the unconstitutional laws the fascist politicians had illegally passed, the bureaucrats became the scourge that brought about action against innocent citizens.

Citizens who stood up against the evil ones were incarcerated in secret concentration camps where all kinds of atrocities were committed against them. If one person was put in one of these camps, the entire family became a target for eventual imprisonment, -- unless they renounced their imprisoned loved ones. People simply began to disappear, never to be seen or heard from again.

There was no place to hide. Spy satellites circled the planet with Hubble-like telescopes, watching everything. There were twenty four groups of three satellites. One looked at the northern hemisphere, another was one for the southern hemisphere, and the last one was pointed at the equatorial belt. These satellites also had infrared sensors that could penetrate over three feet of solid rock.

Thousands of acres of government land were filled with computers monitoring the satellite images, phone conversations, Internet activities, television cameras, and automobile movement using the GPS system. Computer image recognition was completely accurate and everyone had a file, if not many files. The United Nations New World Order government had complete dominion over the member countries and their citizens.

Aricka Shari came into his own, on June of 2017, at the age of thirty-four, wearing a blue turbine. Born in Arabia and raised with the teachings of the Koran, he was a devout believer in Allah. Then one day, during his morning prayer, in his private chamber, it happened. Allah had come to him and blessed him, saying he would be the new prophet, and had given him powers to perform miracles, to prove that he was the prophet sent by Allah. He was to bring in a new era. Within six months, the entire Middle-East was entranced by Aricka Shari. His following was growing at an unbelievable rate.

News of the miracles he performed spread, as TV networks around the globe showed them to all. He healed the sick, fed the starving, and brought forth lightning and thunder from the sky.

The Islam religion was given a new grasp on life and it spread through Asia like a wildfire, a continent never before taken by religion. Around the world, the new prophet of Allah found followers in every city. He sent missionaries out to every country to find all of those who wished to follow Allah and to establish the Islam as the dominant religion.

Only a few European countries became Islam patrons of the prophet of Allah, for the most part. The Vatican remained, as did large pockets of Catholics and Protestants. The miracles that Aricka Shari performed, were so miracles, one could not deny them, and it produced believers in multitudes. Africa was easily taken as it was already predominantly Islamic. In fact, by 2019, it was the largest religious organization on the planet, with a membership of over three billion followers.

The prophet, Aricka Shari, announced his second encounter with his god Allah, in January of 2021. He told the world on television news.

“People of the world, may Allah bless you. I stand here today to tell you that Allah has come to me again. He has commanded me to tell the Muslim kingdoms of the world to unite and form a union, Allah’s government for the New Era.

We must be united to bring in the new era and I urge every people on the planet to have their country join the new Union of Allah. We will bring peace and prosperity to the world with Allah. All people in the world must become believers in Allah and worship him. Come, see, and believe!”

It was brief, (as news segments usually were).

Three days later seven kingdoms, including the Soviet Union, Egypt, India, and the Middle East Union formed the new ‘Union of Allah’ sitting down at a table of seven seats and no more. The new union was much stronger and what united them was their religion, -- as it has always been with the Muslims. They had the Russian nuclear missiles and were the largest superpower ever to be reckoned with, encompassing literally almost half the planet.

Being commanded by his god, Aricka Shari doubled his efforts and the number of his missionaries. He continued to travel the world and perform miracles for all to see, and most of those who did, ended up following him.

Christianity however, was rapidly becoming a religion of the past. It's following now was less than a billion, and most of them were in North and South America, Great Britain, China, and Australia. After all, a living prophet has much more appeal than one who’s been dead for two thousand years.

The New World Order trade union barely held on; as the Union of Allah had delivered them an almost deadly blow. Losing members to the new union translated to a loss of monopoly in trade, and the consequent loss of money, and power.

Chapter 2

The New City

Robert McCluney was a man of God and a follower of Jesus Christ. He had studied many philosophies and religions. Unfortunately every established religion had incorporated doctrines of man into their religious beliefs, by his estimation. Robert was well versed in the Testament of Christ, written by the Apostles; whom Jesus had given authority to write down all that had occurred in that time of Christ. Indeed, Robert fully believed with absolute surety that he was living in those times of the prophecy described by the Revelation of Jesus Christ, as given to John in a vision. Robert did not believe in the new prophet Aricka Shari, but instead believed him to be the false prophet of the prophecy. A religion that promoted war and killing as the Koran and Muslims did, must be the false religion.

Robert refused to adhere to the authority of the oppressive world government, which denounced and imprisoned any who stood up against them. He had written a pamphlet denouncing the world government and proclaiming the truth. He had become an outlaw in doing so.

In his exile, Robert lived in the mountains of Colorado, hiding in boulder caves, deep under the rock where even the satellites could not see him. He led a large group of the people; most of whom were followers of Jesus Christ who continued the work that they were required to do by the scriptures. They printed Christian leaflets and distributed them. The leaflets were spread across the Western U.S. and eventually ended up where people might find them on their doorsteps and in their cars and even on the desks that they worked at.

The leaflets did not proclaim anything but what was written in the Testament of Jesus Christ. They did not dictate anything, but prompted all to find their way through personal study of the Apostles letters, and prayer to God and Jesus. They believed as none since the time of Christ. They lived what they believed, every day of their life! Indeed the Apocalypse was upon them. The Beast had risen, the Union of Allah, and the false prophet was doing his work, just as it had been prophesied.

Robert had discovered a way to shield themselves from the satellite’s infrared sensors using cloth with layers of heat reflective material, in the early years of his exile.

But they could not go out in public for they could be stopped and required to show papers they didn’t have. Everyone had to have documents of travel permits, credit cards for purchasing goods of any sort, and identification, which included government electronic social security cards.

The entire concept was in the identification theft scam that was perpetrated upon the people in the early years of the second millennium, to convince them of its need to protect them from this theft of their ID. It was another successful propaganda con by the American government.

No one could get a job, bank account, or credit card; rent an apartment, or get government assistance without the electronic social security ID cards.

Groups of rebels were scattered throughout America, angered and saddened by the changes in their country and the subjugation of the people. Their numbers were probably only in the thousands, but nobody really knew. Slowly they had come into contact with each other while carefully concealing their locations. All meetings were at places away from where they lived and only a single person was aware of how contact was made with each group.

On this particular night, Robert was preparing to meet another leader and provide them with the printed materials. Only a few of the groups he was aware of had printing facilities, one out East and one in Texas. His group was the only other one of those. Each of the five selected members carried a backpack of leaflets. They all did their work in quiet calm.

As they approached the opening of their dwelling, a sentinel, named Jason Forting, stepped in front of them. “Wait for a bit. The eyes are still on us.” He was of course referring to the satellite. They had a powerful telescope to watch the skies and keep tabs on the satellites. They moved out only when the all clear signal came.

Robert said to them, “Okay, lets go, quickly.”

The exit was almost at a run. For the first six miles, they must maintain the utmost speed to reach cover before the next satellite came across. They traveled in complete silence, and all were trained runners. While they wore protective coverings, they could not risk being seen by the eyes in the sky. It took them almost an hour to reach the first resting cave, where they could not remove the cloak shields as it was not a deep cave.

Stacey Robinson was on her first excursion. She was only twenty two years old. She sat next to Robert. After she got her breath back she asked him, “Is there always this excitement and adrenaline?”

“I am afraid so. It is an instinctive, self-preservation mechanism. It is very dangerous for us and, thus the physical reaction.” He answered her in a whisper, “You will get used to it in time.”

After fifteen minutes, Mark Jackson leaned over saying quietly. “Time to go.” He was second in command and in charge of timing for this run. He knew the satellite schedules and patterns as if he had made them himself. He constantly monitored them when at home and studied the schedules obtained by watching with their telescope.

They stood and Robert led the way as usual, when he went. As they moved down the mountains he was continually scanning the way in front of them for any possible danger.

Generally they followed gullies and tried to stay in the trees. It would take them at least four days to reach the city, where they would trade their packages for printing supplies and medicine, and other needed items; which the other groups provided as their trade.

They only traveled at night and during the day they hid in caves and slept, which had been sought out in the early days of their exile. Robert was aware of two groups that resided in the city. They met in sub-basements which were dug solely for that purpose.

As they approached the edge of the city, they stopped in a large cave that had been expanded and hidden with mounds of the excavated dirt and planting of bushes and trees. Here they would stay while Robert went to meet the other leader. It was a safety precaution, as meetings were actually rare and dangerous. If he was caught the rest were safe, at least for a while.

The enemy used drugs to extract information and nobody was able to resist it. He carried an herb to take which would put him into a coma, as did every member on a run. He only hoped he would have time to take it before he was caught, if that day ever came.

He reached the designated meeting place without incident, a tavern in the small town suburb of Morrison. He sat in the designated booth back in the corner where privacy was best. Ordering a beer, he waited, looking around the bar at the other people there.

He felt exposed not wearing the shielded cloak, but the enemy watched for anyone not exposed by their body heat to the computer system sensors that were everywhere in the city. It was a very dangerous place to be, especially for him as he was a declared outlaw, with wanted posters in the post offices.

He was relieved when he recognized his fellow leader, seeing him come in after ten minutes. His name was Jeb Malkia. He sat down opposite Robert and they shook hands and warmly greeted each other. After the waitress had served Jeb, they relaxed.

“Well Jeb, How are things going here in the city?” Robert asked, speaking in a muted low voice. Listening devices were everywhere.

“Things have been tightening up lately. They’ve changed the curfew; it’s now from eight at night to five in the morning,” Jeb answered.

Robert whistled softly, “That’s not good. They may be trying to catch you.”

“That’s not all.” Jeb warned. “Now there’s a reward for turning in any of our pamphlets. I think they are trying to get fingerprints from them to identify the originators. We will need to be very careful in handling the paper. They know somebody is printing those leaflets. It’s illegal distribution you know.”

“Actually, we already have put measures into effect for this possibility. They will not find our fingerprints,” Robert replied with confidence, taking a drink from his beer.

Jeb smiled. “I figured you had it covered, but still it needed to be said. I moved our drop point. Simply a security measure.” He slid a paper across the table under his hand to Robert. “You will find what you need here.”

Robert did not open it, but put it in his pocket. “I expected you to change it soon. We’ve been using the current one for too long. Here is our list of needs for our next trip, next month.” He handed Jeb a folded paper under the table.

“Johnson’s group almost got exposed. Someone had infiltrated his group. They barely evaded the ambush. It is very dangerous to take on new members.” Jeb informed Robert, pocketing the list. “They are in strict hiding and will not be able to contribute for awhile, but will need our help.”

“Thank God they were not caught!” Robert exclaimed quietly.

“Robert, we also need a place for a group of nineteen people.” Jeb began. “There was an escape from the Kansas concentration camp and they need a place to hide and live. The leader, Janis Mason, pulled off the escape two weeks ago. They are on their way here. The mountains are the only place to hide them.”

Robert was quiet for a minute before finally speaking again. “We do not have room to expand at our hold. I have scouts out to the west of the Springs working on a path. I will send a runner to inform them of the need to find a new hold. We located a fairly large cave, but I think it is too close to the city for a permanent location.”

Jeb smiled. “They will not arrive here for probably more than a month. Travel is slow as you know.”

Robert finished his beer and set the bottle down. “This is a very dangerous situation for all of us. It could be a trap. Imagine what a large group of infiltrators could do! Check out this Janis Mason. I’ll send a runner to get any information you find and leave at the drop point in two weeks. Also, please provide the meeting time to pick them up. I’ll see you at the warehouse and we’ll take them from there.”

Jeb reached across the table and they shook hands. “God be with you, my friend.”

Robert replied, “You also.”

Then he stood and left the bar. Jeb would leave later, alone.

Making his way back to his people took almost an hour. Then they went to the new drop spot and exchanged packages, leaving what they had brought for Jeb’s group and taking the supplies they needed.

Their hike back home was uneventful. In the month that followed, Robert sent out more scouts to try and find a hold location for the new group. It was not till the third week that a cave was found. Actually it was not truly a cave, but a boulder field of house size boulders. The cavities between the boulders went deep underground and it was perfect, having an underground creek running through it.

Jack Engles, their resident engineer took charge. Well over seventy workers came down from the northern hold, trickling in night after night, bringing with them building supplies and tools. He had his people start building rooms in the cavities between the boulders, beginning three levels down, with the main entry room.

They dared not use the upper levels for fear of detection. Using rocks and mortar for the walls between boulders, they then covered everything with waterproof stucco.

The floors were built level with flat rocks and mortar when necessary. Although often the room already had a boulder floor that was room size and flat and was usable for the floor. Generally their homemade tile was the finished floor. As the cavities were measured and boulders were mapped, Jack designed the new hold, all drawn out on paper. Initially he focused on living quarters, the mechanical room, water, and sewer. They built apartments, storage rooms, walkways, and stairs where needed to descend to lower areas. Slowly the new hold started to look livable.

Other crafters built beds, tables, chairs, and couches for each room as it needed. Wood was painstakingly milled when needed but mostly it was all log furniture. Baths and kitchens were included in all apartments, which varied in size and number of bedrooms.

A hydrogen generator was installed for power, deep under the boulder field in the new mechanical room, which later would be used for all the utility equipment of the hold. They sometimes had to resort to theft for their needs, such as the generator. It was converted from gasoline to hydrogen since gasoline was rationed and unavailable to them, for the most part. The water pump was installed, piping water up to the top level, over ten stories up.

Animal skins with fur were put down for floor coverings in some areas. Pillows and blankets came from the other hold for beds and furniture. By the end of the sixth week the new hold was ready at a minimal level, for occupation, with five apartments ready.

Robert left for the city before the new hideout was completed, knowing it would be ready in time. His people were dedicated and hard workers. Word had come from Jeb; the newcomers were making their way through the underground system of rebel groups that were spread from sea to sea. Some of the groups were militant and carried on active sabotage against the enemy.

Janis Mason was a former air force colonel who was court martialled for disobeying direct orders, over six years ago, at the time of the takeover. Her military record, which somehow Jeb had got his hands on, had quite a few black marks during her fifteen-year career. She was outspoken when it came to right and wrong. He was surprised she had made Colonel. She was never married, interesting in itself. The new group of people would be returning with him. Robert guessed she would be a handful; in fact, he was quite sure.

There had not been any news of their capture and of course they had never heard of the escape on the news that they monitored with a short-wave radio. It was their daily link with the outside world. The enemy would never say anything about a successful escape.

They were camped under a ridge with a large overhanging rock that overlooked Denver. From here they could watch the highway traffic and see the city in the distance. He watched the traffic as it increased throughout the early morning. It was necessary to keep constant vigilance for anything that might expose them.

He had the first four-hour guard duty today and it was his favorite shift. It was a beautiful sunrise, with red-orange clouds rimmed with gold and sunrays streaking up in thin lines of bright yellow between them. The band of clouds was far in the distance and the sky was a deep blue this early in the morning. He watched it with a smile on his face, enjoying it while it lasted only a short time and then faded as the sun rose.

His thoughts wandered to the more mundane, thinking, ‘Only two more days to get there.’ This new group of people would change a lot of things. There would be a lot to teach them in order for them to survive the extreme cold winters in the Rocky Mountains and the unavailability of food.

They would need to learn to hunt with bows and arrows and to set traps for rabbits, fox, and coyotes; and how to farm without being seen. The list went on and on. His people had their work cut out for them. Blankets had to be made, food dried and canned, and meat hunted and preserved. They lived a very natural lifestyle, using animal skins for blankets and clothes, as well as leather for many tools and other miscellaneous stuff. Their new location was such that they would travel to Colorado Springs to trade for supplies with other groups. Gary would need to set up the trade arrangements, as he was the one who knew the contact there.

These people would be their closest neighbors. The only other group in the mountains on this side of the divide was located in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, far to the South. All the groups were connected in some way or another through a chain of individuals and soon, supplies would start coming in from all over for this new group. They kept in touch using runners, trained in long distance running and stealth. News like this would spread to all the groups in the state and beyond. runners also carried packs of goods to drop off points and returning with other stuff. Needs and information were normally written or printed using a complex encryption and left at the drop stations, which changed often. Direct contact was dangerous and rare.

One of their strengths was how each group was specialized in producing a few particular tools or needed items. It created a trade economy between them and promoted a good quality. His group were the printers for the entire Western U.S. and also trappers providing leather, whereas Jeb’s people were suppliers like a general store, finding whatever was needed. One of the other city groups made Id cards and travel papers, staying current with the ever-changing requirements. Finding the right niche for the new group would take some time. It would depend on their skills and the availability of raw materials, in addition to the needs of other groups.

One of the most needed items was the cloak that hid them. The reflective layer was the mineral Mica; which had to be mined and then very painstakingly hand sewn into cloth in overlapping layers such as the mythical dragon’s skin, so as to cover the stitches at the top of each piece with the next layer. The cloaks were rarely traded since they were in shortage.

His scouts had found a patch of Mica while they were searching for livable caves for the new group. It was within reasonable mining distance of the boulder field.

Recently they had learned how to build a large sheet for a roof barrier, gluing the small pieces together with a paste made from a plant root. It had taken a lot of experimentation before it succeeded in adhering to the mica. Often they needed hiding places for short times along the paths they used to get to the cities. Shallow overhangs such as this one, were dugout for this purpose. With the new roof barriers they would be able to remove the heavy cloaks, while they rested.

Robert continued watching diligently as his thoughts continued to revolve around the new group of people. Actually it would prove advantageous to have another group, small enough to add members. They were always in need of homes for new people and they would grow and be a large group soon enough.

The boulder field was huge and could be made livable for possibly hundreds of displaced persons. That large of a group would need strict discipline to survive the spy technology. On the other hand they would have enough people to set up manufacturing. Looms would need to be built so they could make cloth for their people. Self-sufficiency was the key to surviving. The less you needed from the outside world, the better your chances.

He wondered how they had escaped. She was the first to his knowledge. The concentration camps were spread across the entire country. The Michigan militia had found thirteen of them in the Midwest back in 1988. Now, there were untold numbers of them, in every state.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans had disappeared after the take-over of 2015. Of coarse all the Patriot militia groups were disbanded under the Patriot Act of 2002, although they had remained organized secretly.

Robert was a former sergeant in the army and had served in the Iraq invasion in 2002. He had not re-in-listed. He was actually relieved that the leader of the escapees was ex-military. Military training made the difference of successful leadership in these times. Strict discipline was required, especially for the leader. Sometimes hard decisions had to be made; you better be tough. The military made tough soldiers.

He was more excited about the new hold than he was willing to admit to anyone. Instead he had spoken of reservations during the council meeting.

The council was elected by popular vote, with 97 voters in his group of 131 men, women, and children. He was also elected, after bringing thirty people into the mountains during the take-over, and none had ever challenged him at the polls. Nobody wanted the job!

There were four captains who carried out his orders and those of the Council. His own powers were absolute during any mission, as were the captains. All missions were deemed military. All members of the hold, including himself, were subject to the Councils orders. They had authority to override him, except during a military situation or crisis, although it had never happened.

They were all good people and he had kept them alive now for over six years. In this time they had created comfortable living with purpose. They had running water and a sewage system; absolute needs for any sizable group.

Some became teachers for the children and crafters for the day to day living needs. Farming was a night job, which required stealth and careful movement. The crops were scattered along the creeks in small patches and were tended to regularly. Nobody went hungry and there was a bed for all. It was a free civilization hidden inside the world of the oppression. Constant vigilance was required to survive.

The thought of if they ever were caught went through his mind, making him shiver unconsciously. It would be very bad with many deaths. The responsibility for so many people was a huge one. So far the rules they had in place had kept them safe, many of which he had defined. But the thing about people was they were Human, and made human errors.

This was the most dangerous activity he had ever undertaken since their initial arrival. Setting up the new living area for the newcomers and now meeting with them was a big risk. Up to now only a few at a time had been added to the population of the hold and they had come from existing groups in the city. He would be in charge of twenty-four travelers, including his four captains. It was a dangerously large group and hard to hide. The Council had voted to proceed. He had not expected anything less. It was their duty to help and the Human thing to do.

Tomorrow they would camp in Indian Hills. There was a deep hole, an old forgotten mine; where they had installed a ladder down to a large room. It had the new sheeting on the ceiling, so they could take off their cloaks. It was stocked with bedrolls, hidden in another cavern deeper down. The only way to make use of mica sheets outside their community was to make it onsite.

They had decided on this location as it was close to the city and could house a large group of people. Additionally there were other rooms to expand into. It had not been completely explored yet. Things of this nature had low priority and were done when it was convenient.

He turned around as he heard footsteps behind him. It was Captain Matt Golding, coming to take over guard duty. “Everything is normal. Good night,” he whispered as he went inside and lay down to sleep, still wearing his cloak.

It was dusk when he was awakened by the noises around him. Breakfast was set out and camp was being packed up. Silence was the rule on missions to the city and he nodded to them as he started eating the dried venison and bread. It was their usual travel rations. By dark they were ready. They had a silent prayer before Robert led them out and down the slope. Each wore night goggles till the moon came up. They moved at the usual fast runner pace that allowed them to move between the satellites circling above them. They could cover four to eight miles at a time and the satellites were generally an hour apart. They had to stop after forty-five minutes, when they were directly overhead to avoid motion detection systems on the satellites.

The night progressed in the usual manner without incident. By dawn they had reached Indian Hills. Robert was relieved that there was no increase in surveillance on the highway they paralleled. An increase would have indicated anticipation, possibly for the arrival of this escaped group of prisoners. He slept well that day as this hideout had beds. That evening they left their backpacks behind and went down the last eight miles to the meeting place.

Stepping through the door of the unused warehouse, Robert moved slowly, staying against the wall. One by one his captains followed. He went around to the opposite corner and stopped. Hitting the floor three times with his foot, he waited for the correct response. Three came back. It took only a minute to roll the crate of bricks off the hidden entry into the basement. It was a safe room, protected from detection.

As they moved down the stairs Jeb stepped forward saying, “Hi Robert.”

Robert replied, shaking hands, “Hey Jeb.”

When the door was again closed, a light came on. Robert and his captains all removed their goggles. Jeb made the introduction. “Robert McCluney, meet Janis Mason.”

“I’m very glad to meet you Robert.” Janis Mason stepped forward and they shook hands. She was a husky looking woman, looking very fit and standing slightly shorter than his six feet. She had brown eyes and hair.

“Hello Janis,” he began. “We have to move fast. From this time onward you must agree to follow my instructions to the letter until we reach your new home. We can have discussion later.”

Janis nodded her agreement. “I understand.”

“We leave immediately.” Robert handed her a set of night goggles, as did his captains to the rest. Everyone had them on in minutes and the light was turned off before the door was opened. He then added. “We move in groups of five. Listen to what my captains say and we’ll be fine. We will meet at the mine, absolutely no talking.”

He said his goodbye to Jeb and walked up the stairs and around the wall as he had come. Slowly he opened the door and after a careful look, moved through it. Janis was right behind him, moving with obvious stealth training. He smiled as he led them out of the city. Each Captain was to wait forty-five minutes before following. Everything was timed to the satellite schedules. The last group would barely make it by dawn.

Robert had made good time and as they took off the cloaks and sat down he saw that Janis was not so husky, just well developed. He smiled at her saying quietly. “Welcome to Indian Hills. I imagine you have plenty of questions, but let me first give you a brief rundown on our situation.” He explained his community and the new one they had started for Janis and her people. He went into survival necessities and the rules they lived by to insure everyone’s survival. He told her about everything he could think of that would help her get the big picture.

When he had finished, almost forty minutes later, she was quiet for a second before saying. “Wow! That was the longest brief rundown I have ever heard. Indeed, you have answered many of my questions. I, we, don’t know how to thank you. How far apart is our new home from yours?”

“About seventy miles,” Robert answered curtly, waiting for her next question.

Janis realized he waited and quickly asked, “How many residents are there in your community?”

“There are 131, including children.”

“Wow!” She exclaimed, surprised by the large number. “How can such a large group survive?”

“Very carefully, I assure you.” Robert replied gravely. “Everyone must realize the big picture and respect the lives of all by strict observance of our rules of survival. Even our travel is controlled by the satellite schedules, as I’m sure you have learned. Every detail must be perfect.”

“So we are going first to your home?”

Robert answered with a smile. “Yes. We should all get to know each other. After all we will be close neighbors in a manner of speaking.”

“This new home … tell be more about it.”

“Well, it is huge!” Robert exclaimed. “It could easily house three or four hundred residents. We can teach you how to grow and gather food and other knowledge that you will need to survive in the high mountains. There is running water year around; it is deep underground, so while it will be cool, it will not freeze.

Pumps were installed to provide running water for bathing and other needs. The view is outrageous. You will look across a huge valley at the Continental divide mountains that reach up to fourteen thousand feet. Trees are all around the boulder field for cover and it is about sixty-five miles from Colorado Springs.”

The second group had come in, interrupting their conversation. Robert asked Jackson, “How was the run?”

“We are slightly slow, but had no problems,” Mark answered. “What shift am I?”

“You got first, starting now. I got second. Janis is taking third.” Robert winked at her with a smile.

She returned his smile and then became serious. “It was starting to look like you didn’t have watches?”

“Actually, I should have put someone on it as soon as we arrived,” Robert replied. “But there was only a few of us and I needed to explain things to you; it was only an hour. I do not know what the qualifications of your people are for such a task.”

Janis said suddenly, “We should have introductions. From the left is Marcie, Jerad, Johnny, Elizabeth, Ramon, Don, and Carrie.”

Robert continued the introduction. “Glad to meet you folks. Welcome to Colorado. That man over there is Captain Mark Jackson. For now, all you need to know is we will take you to a place you can call home. Please keep talking to a minimum and a whisper. Stealth is critical to our survival. We eat together when everyone has arrived in a few hours. I recommend you get as much sleep as you can, we will be hiking all night, uphill.” He finished and turned back to Janis.

“I have to sleep also so I can stand watch. You should do the same.” He said to Janis, as he laid down on a bedroll.

“I’ll sleep in the one next to you then, so you can wake me when it’s time.” Janis stated in a matter of fact tone and a straight face. She laid down facing away from Robert, feeling somewhat relieved that she no longer had the responsibility of leadership.

Gary woke them for dinner. Robert ate in silence as did almost everyone. Seeing all his captains present told him all was well. Then everyone lay down and went back to sleep, except him. It was his turn for guard duty.

He stood at the door to the shaft listening carefully. The ladder had been brought down, so no visible sign could be seen by a casual observer. It was believed to be one of the safest stop points on the path to Denver.

The time went by quickly. Suddenly Janis joined him, surprising him in the process, coming up so quietly he did not hear her.

“I couldn’t sleep anymore,” she explained softly. “Sides, it’s almost my turn.”

Robert replied at a whisper, “Our survival makes us night owls, but our bodies tell us we are not supposed to be that way. So tell me. What was the camp like?”

A look of horror crossed her face as she thought about it. “It was terrible Robert, killing, just like the German Nazis of World War II. Families separated, interrogations, and torture.” She pulled off her gloves for the first time. “This is what they did to me.”

Robert was aghast, “My God!” He took her hands, holding them he said so softly, “I am so sorry.”

“They broke each finger one by one trying to break me. I only made them madder as I refused to submit to them. They’re animals!” She cried out as tears came to her eyes.

Robert pulled her gently to his shoulder and let her cry, holding her with compassion. He was sure she had not done so in a long time. Eventually she quit and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Thanks, I needed that.”

“Of that I have no doubt.” Robert responded, still holding her close. He found he liked holding her and didn’t want to let go.

Janis, also liked being close to him, did not pull away, and resumed her story. “It is hard to explain, seeing all the people in the camp. There may be over five thousand in all. There were rows and rows of bunkhouses and after those filled up, tents were set up. We were forced to farm our food, do heavy labor, and work in manufacturing plants that are there. Anyone breaking the rules, dies.”

“So how did you escape?”

Janis started laughing quietly. “It was sheer luck. Wasn’t planned; none of it. We were farmers there. I didn’t like the manufacturing work and managed to get assigned to farming. One morning the truck broke down on the way to the field. There were only two guards and the driver. They all had their heads under the hood and we jumped on it with all our weight and force. It killed all three of them.

Jerad fixed the problem; a stuck float in the carburetor and off we went. We hid the truck in an abandoned barn that night. It was almost out of gas anyway, so we couldn’t use it anymore. Plus they would be looking for it. That was when an underground group found us. They saw us going in to the barn. Luck all the way!”

“I guess so.” Robert was amazed. “But maybe it was God watching over you.”

“I really don’t believe in God,” Janis replied. “The alleged omnipotent being, who created the universe, and left no proof of his existence. I need proof.”

“Well, do you have proof of the existence of luck?”

“It doesn’t require proof. Luck is simply what happens; be it good or bad,” Janis answered.

“Have you ever read the Testament of Jesus Christ?”

“No.” Janis was becoming uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going.

“You should, before saying there is no proof.” Robert tried to convince her.

“Perhaps I will, someday.” Janis attempted to change the subject. “How long before we to get to your community?”

“Three, maybe four days from here,” he answered her. “Then four days to your new home.

I should tell you, I’ve read your military record. We had to check you out as best we could. It is very high risk to trust new people. There was an infiltrator recently in one of the city groups. Anyway, I have a few questions for you.”

“I understand the need to find out who I am,” Janis replied. “Go ahead, ask away.”

“How did you make Colonel?” Robert asked. “You have too many black marks in your record.”

“You would ask me that one.” Janis groaned. “The truth is, it was a fluke. I saved a General’s daughter during the Iraq war. Years later the promotion just came through. It was a complete surprise. I made Major in the field during the Iran invasion, only because I was the only officer left after a surprise attack on the road while taking supplies in from Baghdad, I took charge and got the supplies to the base camp.”

Robert started laughing. “You know, I really don’t believe in luck, coincidence, or flukes. Everything happens for a reason, in my book. But at any rate I am glad you have military training. You will need it.”

“I have to say, I’m surprised you have gone to all this effort for us,” Janis stated quietly.

“The Council made that decision. It was decided your black marks were actually good for you. Everyone liked that you stood your ground when it mattered.” Robert answered her. “Additionally, our community, as you call it, is as big as it can get. It was time to expand and add a sister city. We call them ‘Holds’. This new one will become the largest underground hold that we know of. My other question is; do you and your people feel ready to work hard to help build the new hold?”

“I hadn’t really given it any thought,” Janis answered. “This all comes as a complete surprise. But yes, I think we can do it.”

“Don’t underestimate how hard it will be.” Robert stated seriously. “I’ve been doing this for six years. Getting people to understand how dangerous it is and thus how important it is to follow the rules strictly is an undertaking in itself. The Council deals with most of the internal problems that arise.”

“Do you have any weapons for defense?” Janis asked.

“We do not have guns. We do not support military action.” He answered. “We use bow and arrows for hunting. We will not kill in defense or offense. The enemy will find us all if any waves are made. We are family orientated, hiding is our only defense.”

“I guess you’re right. There is no way to win.” Janis admitted.

“My personal position is that we live in the times of the Apocalypse as written in the New Testament.” Robert stated with a deep conviction. “It describes these times and names the Union of Allah as the Beast of the devil. It is a war of good and evil that is brewing. We must stand for the good and not kill under any condition.”

“I see you are really into the religion stuff heavy.” Janis intoned dryly.

“Seeing the predictions coming true will make a believer out of anyone.” He answered. “I will personally provide you with a copy of it when we get home.”

“Gee, thanks,.” Janis replied sarcastically, but with a smile.

“There is one other thing.” Robert told her. “There are a couple families and other residents that have requested to move to the new hold. They will be an extraordinary asset. Many will stay temporarily to train you.”

Janis was again surprised. “That is great. We most certainly need all the help we can get.”

“We expect that eventually the people will elect a Council.” Robert added. “We are a free democratic society.”

Janis moved closer to him and whispered. “I think we’re all going to get along just fine.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Robert, unprepared for her flirting, smiled and whispered back. “I’m sure we will. I guess I’ll get some more sleep. It will be a long night of running. Good night.”

“Janis quickly replied, “Good night.”

He let go of her and walked down to the room and went to bed.

“Hmmm.” Murmured Janis to herself.

Her thoughts were on Robert McCluney, an Irishman; that translated to bullheaded and passionate. He seems a bit too serious for me. But he has kept a hundred and thirty people alive in hiding for six years! Wow! You gotta be impressed. Good looking too. I think I scared him.’ She almost laughed out loud at the thought. ‘He didn’t look like the type who would be scared of anything. Yep, me and him are going to get along just fine.’

Then she realized that she had laughed tonight for the first time in many years. Things were definitely getting better. She was suddenly part of something she hadn’t even known existed. ‘If there is a God, I thank him for getting us out of that camp.’

She had much to think about as she stood her guard duty in near absolute stillness. It did not seem that long when she heard people stirring in the room.

Soon after, Elizabeth brought her some dried fruit for breakfast with venison jerky. They sat together, eating. “Talk to me Janis.”

“They built us a city of our own. Can you believe it.” Janis told her. “Beth, there’s a hundred and thirty people living in a hidden city up there in the mountains. We’ve been invited to start a sister city. There are even some people who will join our city and help us learn how to survive. “

“Are you serious? I find it hard to believe that that many people could live together in hiding.” Elizabeth replied with obvious astonishment.

“This Robert guy seems to be pretty straight. He says this new city that they found, or hold as they call it, is huge, like big enough for hundreds of people. It’s about four days from their hold, which is three or four days from here. We still have a lot of travel in front of us.”

Elizabeth touched her shoulder saying quietly as always. “Don’t think for a minute that I didn’t see how you were looking at him.”

“Oh, give me a break!” Janis acted indignant. “I’m just sizing him up.”

Elizabeth almost choked on her food as she laughed, “Yeah, right.”

“Well, anyway, we have a lot to learn. Don’t miss any chance. Pay attention to everything you see when we get there.” Janis told her.

“Okay.” Elizabeth replied, letting the subject change back. Truth was, Janis wasn’t fooling her! They had been friends too long.

The sun had set and dusk was settling in. They finished eating and stood up. “Shall we,” Janis said. They walked down to the room. Everything had been packed up. Not a trace of their being there was left. Each Captain carried a backpack, as did Robert McCluney.

Robert spoke to everyone. “We will travel together tonight. Stay close and no talking. We must move quickly to get to each satellite hideout station. Let’s go.” Jackson and Wright had put the ladder up and stood by to help anyone needing it.

Robert led the way, taking an older path that had shorter distances between safe spots. From here on it was mostly uphill. The newcomers were not used to the altitude change and by dawn it showed as they moved sluggishly along.

There was nothing he could do but urge them on. His fear of detection had increased as the night progressed. Finally the last one was in the daytime shelter. He informed them to keep their cloaks on, as this place was not shielded well enough.

Janis had sat next to him. She reached over, took his hand, looked at him, and smiled. They were leaning against the rock and food was being passed around. They each took some and began eating. Finishing, Robert laid down and went to sleep with Janis next to him, not saying a word. She eventually laid down and fell asleep, with her back touching his.

~~~

They were awakened at sunset for dinner, which was the same food they had for breakfast. Trail rations. Again, they traveled all night and the next. The new people were exhausted by the time they reached the valley that led them to the hold. Robert saw it in their faces. After all, they had been on the run for quite a while. Over six weeks is a long time to be on the run. He was not sure they would make it tonight. They were only fifteen miles from home, but extremely rough terrain.

He waited for the signal from Mark Jackson. Janis continued to cling on to him. He was sure she just needed companionship, especially after what she had been through. He was getting used to it and did not mind her touching him. Then Mark gave him a wave, They were ready to move out.

As always Robert led the way, with Janis right behind him. He smiled to himself, thinking about her. Picking up the pace for the first run got them going early. By the third rest the new people were already getting tired. He decided to hole up for an hour long lunch and let them rest.

As they prepared to go again, he said, “I know you’re tired. We only have two more runs to go. Hang in there and we’ll be sleeping in real beds today.”

It brought some smiles anyway.

~~~

It was almost daylight when they entered their valley. They had to stop and take rock shelter as they were too slow to make the hold before the satellite came over. An extremely dangerous thing to do. He instructed them to completely cover themselves with the cloak and try to get under some rocks. “Absolute stillness,” he insisted.

Forty-five minutes later they entered the hold. Robert saw new life come into the new people’s eyes as they realized they had arrived. Soon they were all in bed after a big hot meal in the cafeteria. Janis sat with him there, as all the arrangements were made.

“Well,” she began when he was finished, “I don’t know about you but I am bone tired. Where’s your place?”

Robert smiled and got up. Taking her hand, he led her to his apartment. Pointing to the bathroom door, he said, “You can wash up in there. We have baths in every apartment.”

Janis smiled, gave him a kiss on the lips, and then went into the bathroom. She spent the better part of an hour washing up. When she came out she was only wearing the towel around her. She went to the bedroom and climbed into his bed, leaving the towel on the floor.

Then she called out to him. “Come on in here! I want the comfort of my man tonight.”

Robert was not surprised, as Janis had certainly made herself clear and he did not hesitate. She was a striking woman, certainly attractive.

She fell asleep still clinging tightly to him, shortly after they made passionate love, just as new lovers do. He lay there awake for a little while thinking about this woman who had chosen him, a totally unexpected development, before succumbing to sleep.

He woke up late, in the afternoon, the next day, with Janis still clinging to him. He carefully extracted himself, so as not to wake her. The new people would all most likely sleep very late, considering their long walk across Kansas and Colorado.

The Council would be meeting this evening with Janis, and of course he had to be there. They had questions to ask her concerning matters of security and association. Standard stuff when new people came in.

As the day turned into night, he saw the new people wandering around. They looked all over the hold, finding it different than anything they had ever seen. They were completely surprised to find a swimming pool.

Many of them had stopped to say hi to him and had thanked him for helping them. Robert was busy with preparations, writing his report to the Council, and reading reports from the new hold, right up to the meeting time. He did not see Janis till then. She made it a point to sit next him, taking his hand. Again he was not surprised and even found he wanted it that way. He smiled at her and gave her a brief kiss, before the meeting began.

He generally found the meetings boring. This one was not any different and was too long. The Council liked Janis though and voted unanimously to welcome them into their community and provide help and supplies. As they were leaving, Janis took his arm in hers. “So what’s for dinner big guy?”

Robert looked at her smiling. “You seem to have claimed me for your own. I think we’re having venison stew at the cafeteria. Dinner started at five. Pick anytime till eight.”

“I’m hungry. Let’s go now,” she said. “And yes, I have claimed you, seemed the smart thing to do. I need a big guy like you to make me feel safe.”

“I’m sure you are fully capable of taking care of yourself. I somehow doubt you need someone to make you feel safe.” He laughed.

“All women need that,” she replied defensively.

He pulled her close with a hug. “If you say so.” He led her through the hold, showing her the water treatment plant, their hydrogen power system and the central heater. He was proud of their achievements. It was shortly after seven when they settled in at the cafeteria with the plate of stew in front of each of them.

“I am totally impressed.” Janis said after a few bites. “You did all this in six years! It is almost unbelievable.”

“They’re all good, hard working people.” Robert replied. “We have innovation in our ranks. Everyone wants a decent life and is willing to work for it. This is the result.”

“So you think we can make this happen for the new hold too?” She asked.

“Why not?” Robert asked rhetorically. “In truth, you will be a part of our hold and we will all make it happen together. Just be willing to do it and trust us. Sometimes you will not understand why we do something; but there is always a reason. Be our partners and we will be yours. You see Janis, this is part of what our purpose in life has become. Helping others and building a new life.”

Janis took a few bites before responding. “I really don’t know what to say. I would not have believed it if someone had told me about this two months ago.”

“Seeing is believing,” he intoned.

Janis continued eating for a while before speaking again. “The food is even good! I will never be able to thank you enough Robert.”

“You don’t have to. Seeing you out and safe is all the thanks we need,.” he responded.

“I still wonder if I’m dreaming and I will wake up still in the concentration camp. It was a living nightmare.”

Robert said slowly. “It’s no dream. That I can promise. The nightmare is over.”

She smiled at him, finishing her last bite of food. “What’s for dessert?”

Robert stood up, picking up the homemade baked clay plates. “Wait here while I get it.” He walked off to the kitchen. Five minutes later he returned with two plates, each with a slice of chocolate cake.

Janis exclaimed. “I love chocolate! It’s been forever since I had some.”

Robert watched as she took a bite. Her eyes closed and she was somewhere else for a moment. He smiled and took a bite of his own, smaller piece.

“Oh, you wonderful man!” She exclaimed before taking another bite without hesitation.

Janis leaned over the table and kissed him when she was done. “Thank you!. That was truly wonderful.”

They got up and after putting the dishes in the wash tray, left the cafeteria. Janis had her arm around his waist, wanting to feel his body touching hers. “You will never know what it means to me, -- all you have done. I have no way to express it adequately.”

They walked down the main hall, which was more like a large corridor; fifty feet before Robert replied softly. “I think you just did.”

Janis stopped and turned to face him. There were tears in her eyes. He pulled her close, into a bear hug. When she started kissing him, he kissed her back. Then he took her to his apartment. They no longer needed words for the rest of the night, and they fell asleep in each other’s arms late in the morning.

By the sixth day, the new comers were rested and ready to go to their new home. Robert was going to take them, along with the people who wanted to move to the new hold and those coming to help. Everyone had a backpack of supplies, all thirty eight people. They would travel in five groups, with the usual sixty minute interval separating them. They left that night.

Four nights later they arrived at the new Hold. Twenty-four workers were still there, working on building the apartments.

Janis was stunned at the size of it. “I did not expect it to be so big. It has so many stories, like a high rise building. And there are already finished apartments!” She was totally excited.

They completed the tour of it and found their apartment and slept together as if it had always been so, with Janis holding him and he her. They slept late and almost missed breakfast.

As they sat eating Robert began the conversation. “I guess the first thing is to define our immediate needs.”

“You’ve already taken care of that.” She winked at him with a smile.

“Let’s be serious. I am talking about basic survival skills that everyone needs to know.”

“Well, shelter seems to be handled. I guess next is food.” Janis replied.

“I agree, except emergency shelter building is in the list also. First order of business then is a bow and arrow making class. Get your people together in the big room and I will get some supplies and meet you there.”

“So you’re the teacher?” Janis asked.

“Yes, I do this one, he answered.

“What else do you teach?”

“Hunting, tracking, and hydrogen power systems.” Robert replied. “I actually know lots of our systems and ways, but others teach them. Everyone did something before the takeover and has something to offer.”

Janis finished eating before saying. “Well, no time like now.”

They stood up together. Janis kissed him on the cheek and went to round everyone up for class. Robert went to the main entry and collected the wood that was already prepared for the task at hand. He always tried to plan ahead. It was one of those leadership qualities he had.

When he entered the meeting room, he saw each person had been given a knife. Jackson was on the ball. “Hi folks, I will be teaching you how to make bows and arrows today. Food is one of the most important necessities of surviving. Hunting is the most reliable means of achieving it. Crops can fail from drought and flood. We do not use these as weapons. We are a peaceful people.”

“Each of you is now the proud owner of a knife. You should always have it on your person as your most important survival tool. We will begin with making a bow. This is a process of removing the bark and carving the bow into a slightly flat piece of wood so it has flexibility.” Robert continued.

By the end of the day, each had made themselves a bow and ten arrows and practiced using them. After dinner six of them went out for their first hunt. Robert had explained the hunting process and stealth methods.

There would not be hiding places from the satellite. They would have to hide in their tracks, finding what cover they could, at the appropriate times to avoid detection. He had also taught them the satellite schedules, making them commit it to memory.

Now, he had to watch them like a hawk to catch any slipups. There was plenty of game in this area and it was only an hour before they came up on some deer.

The new comer, Jerad, successfully brought one down. Robert was pleased and congratulated him. They headed back to camp immediately after gutting it, saving the heart and liver.

He then showed them how to butcher the animal, saving the hide for other uses. Nothing was wasted. They did not get to bed till almost midnight.

Classes continued into fall as winter was approaching and preparations were at their height. Supplies were sent up from both cities, including cotton, used clothing, and medicine, both herbal and manufactured.

They had made contact with the Springs group the first month at the new hold. Four people had joined, leaving the city groups, bringing additional skills with them. Everybody had learned many different skills during the summer.

Fishing parties went down into the valley. They fished at night in the reservoirs for a few days before returning with their catch of Rainbow trout. Native Brooke trout were caught in beaver ponds scattered throughout the mountains. The important thing was to not fish them out so that they would keep producing.

Wood had to be gathered and cut. It was a job designated for the men, but Janis was a strong woman and insisted on helping. It was a night job. Robert noticed she preferred physical work and not house chores. She also preferred to work along-side him. The gossip was, they were inseparable.

Janis was never too tired. She surprised him with her stamina and her need. When he asked her, she had said, “I need a lot of love to make up for the terror, I think. I need to be held at night, to take away the fear, so I can sleep without nightmares. I need to feel safe in your arms. The loneliness of that place was inescapable. Five years is a long time to live in terror.”

Robert never refused her needs, what ever they were, for he had found that he loved her deeply.

Food was dried and preserved. The new comers learned to make jerky and pemmican, and how to can fruit and vegetables.

The herbalists spent every day out teaching small groups of the new comers what wild foods were edible and what was medicinal. It was one of the most important jobs in the community. The herbalist was also the doctor. Health is high on the list of survival needs. If you are sick, you cannot gather food or wood for heat; which were both critical needs in the winter.

Winters lasted six to eight months in the high mountains and the only way to survive was to be completely prepared. Travel almost came to a stop in winter. It was too dangerous to leave tracks in the snow. Hunting was allowed only during a snowstorm, challenging them to brave some of Mother Nature’s harshest winter weather conditions. It could snow four feet overnight. Sometimes it snowed every day for weeks on end with drifts piling up to twenty feet high.

As the end of October came, so did winter. Robert and Janis were married in November. I was a grand affair the entire hold turned out for. There was dancing and wine and brandy. There were some good musicians at the hold. Robert would be staying at the new hold this winter, as would quite a few others as well. The holidays passed and the new year arrived.

They were actually well prepared, simply because of timing-- when the escape happened, it was spring. In all, there were fifty-three people living in the new hold, while close to forty had left to go home. There was still so much to teach the new people. Winter was the time for crafts, making quilts, pottery for dishes, tanning leather for belts, packs, and many other items.

A loom was built to make cloth for the new dwellers. Coats, shirts and dresses were sewn from the cloth it produced. The only fiber available in large amounts, was hemp, grown for cloth and rope. Wool was only available when a Big Horn sheep was hunted. It was used for long underwear. They had to purchase cotton fabric when they wanted it.

The builders continued to add rooms and facilities to the hold. Robert had been waiting for the hot tub, it was good medicine for him. The day it became operational, both he and Janis went down to enjoy it. If fact, they could be found there every evening after that. It became well known among the new hold residents, to not go into the hot tub during that time. It was a sign of respect that everyone had for them.

Work continued all winter, nonstop. While the pace was slower, much was accomplished. Janis became pregnant, as did three other women that winter. By spring, it was showing. But then, spring was a very short season in the high mountains where winter bit into it substantially.

Chapter 3

The Militia

Tim Walters was an American Patriot living in the state of Washington. He was the commander of a secret militia of forty-five soldiers. They had carried out training operations since 2000, when he had formed the organization. They could not train in broad daylight after that fascist Patriot Act of 2002 was enacted.

The Constitution gave them the authority to exist and carry arms, but the traitors in government had managed to make it illegal, claiming it was terrorist activity. In actuality the Patriot Act was an attack on the Constitution of the United States by Congress and the President, a declaration of war against America. Those responsible were guilty of treason, in his opinion!

After that, they trained after dark to avoid detection. In some ways it had proven advantageous, forcing them to learn to hide their activities.

They stocked up on night vision gear; scopes, binoculars, and goggles. Their stockpiles of ammunition continued to grow as they produced the bullets they needed for the automatic weapons they may need to use, some day.

For training they used high powered air rifles, readily available at gun stores before the takeover. Crossbows, both small arm and full size, were also a part of the arsenal they built up, and making their own arrows became part of the training exercises. The men in his troop were all good men who believed the government had betrayed them and had violated the Constitution, denying them their second Amendment right to bear arms.

They all lead normal lives during the day, having jobs, and many had families. Most of the time, they were weekend warriors, reloading bullets, making arrows in the day, and training for military operations at night.

When the takeover of 2015 went down, they were prepared. Most of them were veterans of the Gulf War, and the Iraq and Iran invasions. Tim had retired from military service after twenty years in the Marine Special Forces, with the rank of Colonel.

Now, seven years after the takeover, they still fought the war against the New World Order, the enemy, the terrorist organization of the United Nations. While continuing normal lives, if it could be called that after the takeover, the troop was serious in their efforts to save America and destroy the enemy.

Their ammunition depot was a cave located in the mountains, in the northern part of the state, near their location in Spokane. They had connections with numerous other militia groups including the Idaho and Oregon troops. In fact Tim was the Commander of all these militia troops, as he held the highest military rank in the Northwest area. Occasionally they coordinated their operations, striking NWO headquarters in complete silence, using the air guns and crossbows. Stealth was the only successful approach in these times.

Tonight in the drizzling rain, the troop was preparing to cross the border into Canada where the New World Order had a large military base. They crossed the Columbia River in canoes, spread out over five miles, shielding themselves from infrared detection using three layers of space blankets, sewed into their camouflaged coats and hats. Beaching the canoe, they then hid it in the tree branches, thick with the bright green new growth of early summer. Tim led the men upstream to the meeting place, leaving a guard behind.

Everyone knew the rules and they moved in complete silence using hand signals when necessary. As they approached a soldier stepped out, his rifle pointed at them and accosted them. Receiving the proper hand signal he lowered his gun and allowed them to pass. Within the hour, all the members of the foray had arrived. Slowly they proceeded North for almost two hours before reaching the target. Tim motioned his second in command to move out, sending half of them to the opposite side of the fenced in compound.

Fifteen minutes later everyone was in position for the attack. Brock Mayston crawled to the fence and cut a hole in it, large enough for them to get through and went in. He barely made it to the first building when the sentry came strolling by, smoking a cigarette. Brock came up behind him and slit his throat, carefully dragging him back to the side of the building. He then took his position, replacing the sentinel so nothing appeared amiss.

The rest of the troop funneled through and into the compound. Slowly they worked their way over to the munitions building, marked with warning signs of explosive materials. Ten men entered the building and started filling backpacks with ammunition, grenades, and missiles with launchers.

The remaining ten moved on to the motor pool garage, cutting the lock and going in. Their job was to sabotage the vehicles, dumping sugar into every fuel tank.

On the other side of the base, Marshal Quade, second in command, sent another man to cut the fence for them to get in. Again a sentry was killed and removed, and a militia soldier took his place also.

They all crawled in, moving in single file. They proceeded to the area where tanks, trucks, and jeeps were parked outside in long rows, eliminating all the enemy soldiers on guard. Then they duplicated the sabotage efforts in the motor pool, putting sugar into every one of the fuel tanks. Even with twenty men it took close to an hour to accomplish the mission.

Finished, they carefully went out the way they had come in, taking the dead soldiers with them to bury outside the compound to hide the evidence of their intrusion. The fence was wired back together so the opening could not be seen with a casual look. It was almost daylight when they reached the cave, storing the weapons and munitions they had stolen and changing back into civilian clothes.

Tim addressed the men, standing at attention. “We did a good job tonight. We hurt the enemy and increased our supplies. I have no doubt they will be out looking for us as soon as they figure it out. Their overconfidence is our advantage, but they will be more careful in the future. We will have to lay low for at least three or four months before meeting again.” He saluted them and it was returned by the forty-five militia soldiers.

Marshal Quade, standing next to the assembled men then spoke. “Company dismissed.” They were fully military in their troop, observing all the usual conventions of command.

Then they dispersed to their camps, spread out over four campgrounds in the national forest, returning the canoes they had borrowed for the raid. They had gone camping with their families at lakes nearby, a perfect cover for their operation.

It was a month after the Canadian foray in Spokane, when the NWO began searching for the militia that had attacked their base. They were very systematic and went house to house looking for anything that might lead them to the group of freedom fighters.

In all, it took them over two months to search the entire city. Over fifty people were arrested and jailed in the local jail where they had set up their search operation base. No one in the troop was arrested. They were extremely careful to have nothing illegal or incriminating in any of their homes.

The innocent prisoners were given truth drugs, but of course could not provide any information about the militia group. Some were released, depending on what the NWO military peacekeepers had found in their homes. Guns had been outlawed at the onset of the takeover, although many Americans refused to hand them over to the occupation forces and instead had hidden them. Those who had been caught with weapons were sent to prison camps.

As a result of their failure to find anything, roadblocks were set up around the city and all incoming and outgoing travelers were searched. This event was duplicated in all the cities and towns around the base that was attacked. The militia lay low, waiting for the enemy to tire of its siege that produced no results.

The occupation continued, but Tim knew it was only a matter of time before the NWO gave up and then they could resume their activities. After four months, all the roadblocks were removed, and the additional foreign troops left. The militiamen in Spokane all relaxed, knowing they were in the clear.

Chapter 4

A New Life

. The snow did not completely melt off the new hold until mid-June. Once again, teachers came down to the new city to continue teaching survival skills. The farming at the hold had begun with clearing ground along creeks and adding topsoil, it was a very physical job and took careful planning.

Robert and Janis worked on this project all summer, along with others, creating patches of farms, placing many of them next to trees so as to hide them from satellite discovery. Some were placed under South facing rock overhangs; but these, the water had to be carried farther usually.

They had learned that there was never enough farm space years ago. Almost everyone took part in the farming process. Watering was a rotating job for the residents in the community.

Mining started for the mica, a very tedious job, as all traces of it had to be hidden. The mine went underground through a hidden entrance and tunneled over to the mica formation, leaving the top untouched.

The dirt removed was painstakingly carried away to create small dams on the creeks in strategic locations for watering crops, hidden from satellite detection. The mica was good quality and was in good quantity.

The Council had decided it was time to name their holds. Everyone voted on it during the annual election, from a list of choices. Safe Hold was given to the original community and Strong Hold to the new hold. Robert had again been nominated as the Leader and received a unanimous vote.

A new Council for the new hold was also elected, and Janis was on it. The people had additionally passed a referendum declaring the leader position to be over both holds. He was to appoint a captain in-charge for each hold. Even while Robert maintained his Safe Hold residence, everyone knew he was a permanent member of Strong Hold, with Janis pregnant and him not about to leave her side. More new members came up from the cities as the two leaders of the city groups knew of the new city in the mountains.

By the end of August, Janis was too pregnant and was required to stop working. She started to make baby clothes, for something to keep her busy.

Robert, having to be close by, started keeping the new city books. It was a tedious job, tracking work, monitoring food stores and firewood, and logging all activities. Historical record keeping was important for estimating the next years needs, based on population changes and usage of supplies.

He also started monitoring the satellites and teaching a few others how to do it. A telescope had arrived in late July from the Springs, along with another couple, Jack and Rhonda, who were young but eager. Jack was one of those to learn how to use the telescope. The population of Strong Hold was up to seventy-eight for the upcoming winter. Safe Hold was holding at one hundred ten. The new city was filling up fast.

Janis gave birth to a baby girl on September twenty first. Named Lydia Anne, she was the first baby born in the new city. The next evening, everyone celebrated; wine was served and presents given. They finally said goodnight to the last guest and sat on the couch, looking at their sleeping baby girl. Janis had a look of complete joy and satisfaction on her face, holding little Lydia.

“You look radiantly beautiful tonight.” Robert told her, holding her close, as she liked.

Janis smiled at him as only a woman in love and birth. “I did not think I would ever be a mother. I could not be happier. I have the man I love and a baby girl to hold. My life has completely changed. I again have hope for the future and a life worth living.”

“It is a terrible world that we bring this baby into. I fear for her.” Robert said softly.

“Don’t worry Robert, my love. We will make it a good life and shelter our child from the outside world.” Janis replied, unafraid. “We will teach Lydia the value of freedom and the pleasure of self sufficiency.”

Robert smiled at his wife. “You will make a great mother.”

“And you a great father, I am sure.”

~~~

In late October, some members of one of the city groups were arrested in Colorado Springs. All travel was suspended and power usage was cut to minimum levels in both Safe Hold and Strong Hold. All talking was kept to whispers. It was a level one alert. The guard was tripled. All the upper levels became off limits. Special heat barrier doors were closed to keep the heat from escaping the city. They were also used during snow storms in the winter.

Nobody could resist the truth drug that the New World Order government used. If they had information and the right question was asked, the answer was provided. Strict policies of contact provided a fairly safe buffer. But, given time, the enemy could possibly arrest more and get additional information and even find out about the mountain holds, theoretically.

Deep under each city, they had an electronics equipment room, completely shielded with very thick mica sheets as was the utility room. From here they monitored the outside world. There were three computers, a stereo system that had speaker jacks in all the apartments, a television, a short-wave radio, a CB radio base-station, and a phone that was connected to an abandoned house, twenty miles away, through three wireless relays. It was a simple thing to turn the phone on and off at the junction box. They rarely used it as phones were monitored.

Their security was excellent at both cities. They had two wireless cameras hidden inside a hollow tree, capable of one hundred and eighty degree rotation, that watched the entire surface area. One computer was dedicated to the camera system, displaying both live images on a split screen. The cameras were shielded heavily with four inches of mica and were only used during a crisis and shut down during satellite schedule time.

They even had a two-way satellite dish at Safe Hold, hidden on the surface, which allowed them to send a worldwide signal, bouncing it off communication satellites. It had only been used once, when they were testing it during it’s setup. It was a masterpiece disguise, with a large bush on a rolling platform shielded with mica, covering the dish. The dish sat down in a hole with an extending scissor-platform, which raised it up after the bush rolled away. They could point it in any direction.

Robert sat listening to newscasts around the world, regularly. Somebody was always on duty monitoring the short-wave radio. They had found that by getting multiple viewpoints they could almost piece the real story together. The short-wave radio antenna was located on the surface, buried three inches underground and over a hundred feet long. They could even hear satellite transmissions with it and had been working on de-scrambling them for a long time.

The bureaucrats were bragging they had caught three terrorists. There were no details provided, but interrogations were continuing. Five days later, two more people were arrested. Robert was extremely concerned, even scared. This was the first time that a group was exposed in Colorado. They would eventually kill these people during their torture process.

There was nothing anyone could do, except pray, which many people did every day. Their policy of peace and no killing did not give them leeway to rescue anyone caught. The few had to be sacrificed for the survival of the many. They were supposed to take the comatose herbs when caught, to avoid the truth drug. Any attempted rescue would result in an intensive military sweep through the city, searching every home and building. It would be bad for every inhabitant of the city. Almost everyone has something to hide.

Two weeks passed. There were no more arrests. Robert started to breathe again. The news did not bring up the arrests again. He kept level one restrictions in place for another month, just to be sure.

There were no new satellites in their sky and none of the schedules had changed for the ones they watched. Scouts did not see any police or military excursions come up the mountain. He had put scouts watching the highways with binoculars since the first arrest. His scouts were all ex-military, as were his captains; trained in stealth and extreme survival.

Everyone was relieved when he rescinded the level one alert. During the alert, winter had arrived. Travel did not resume between the holds, except for the word to Safe Hold that all was clear. They dared not have radio communications between the hidden cities. Hiding within a totalitarian society dictated a rigid set of rules for the survival of all.

As normal life resumed, Lydia Anne became more central to Robert’s life. They were well prepared for winter and everyone was relaxing into the holiday season. He spent more time at home with Janis, helping her care for their baby girl. Thanksgiving came and went and soon it was Christmas Eve. The entire population would come out for the Christmas tree decorating and lighting party. Robert and Janis took their four month old Lydia with them, not wanting to miss such a big social event.

It was a family affair. The tree was a fifteen foot tall Douglas Fir standing in the middle of the meeting room. The decorating had started already when they arrived. Everyone contributed handmade decorations made in their spare time.

Elizabeth and Gary came up to them as they walked in. “Merry Christmas,” they said together.

Robert and Janis replied in like, “Merry Christmas.”

“She’s a beauty this year!” Exclaimed Gary, looking at the tree.

“Yes it is,” echoed Janis. “They must have played hell getting it down here.”

“Most certainly,” answered Robert. He knew since he had helped.

“We’ll go hang the decorations,” said Elizabeth, taking Janis by the arm and pulling her toward the tree. Each had a bag of stuff. “The nativity scene that Paul Weber carved is simply excellent.”

“I did not realize that you were religious.” Janis replied and started putting up her decorations.

“I’m not real hard core, but I believe in God and Jesus.” Elizabeth answered, putting an angel up that she had made. “Besides, how else can you explain us being here?”

“Good luck.”

“Oh pooh, luck schmuck.” Elizabeth spewed out and then added. “I think we have a guardian angel.”

“Maybe,” was all Janis would admit to. “Robert wants me to read the New Testament.”

“Maybe you should, can’t hurt.” Elizabeth replied.

“Seems pretty boring.” Janis continued hanging decorations. “I’ve never been a religious person. My parents never went to church.”

“I don’t know. Twelve different views, or recollections of a single event in history. It was an event that our time period is based on. An event that has been proven to have occurred by the Dead Sea scrolls; the carbon-dating showed the time period accurate.” Beth expounded. “As you know I am a history enthusiast, how else could I teach it.”

“So you’ve read it?”

“Of course,” Elizabeth answered. “It happens to be very old written history. In fact it is some of the earliest written history that has survived the ages.”

As they stepped back, both done, Janis mused. “Maybe I will read it this winter.”

Robert and Gary walked up to them, at that moment. “The tree’s starting to look more like Christmas.” Gary announced.

Janis stepped over next to Robert, taking Lydia from him. “She is so beautiful.” Elizabeth stated, almost with envy.

Janis replied with a smile, still looking at her baby. “Thanks.”

Robert started moving toward the deserts set out on the tables. Janis automatically moved with him. “Excuse us.” She said in parting.

He took a plate and began to fill it. “Oh, I want some of that.” Janis pointed to a crème filled chocolate cake. He put it on the plate. They sat down with their booty after putting Lydia in a high chair, and began eating the most delicious treats they had tasted in some time.

Lydia apparently liked chocolate and made a mess of it, not only on herself but the chair as well. They watched as ladders were brought out to reach the higher parts of the tree and the Star was placed on top.

The LED Christmas lights had been put on before the gathering. Within the hour it was finished and everyone clapped. The lights came on and they continued clapping for a few minutes.

As it became quiet, Robert got up and stepped out in front of the tree, facing the residents. “Friends and neighbors, another Christmas is upon us, another year of freedom has blessed us. Strong Hold has done well. I want to thank all of you for your hard work that made this happen. Tonight we celebrate the birth of our Christ, the savior. It is he who insists that we live in peace and help those who are in need. As most of you know, I am not a longwinded speaker, so Merry Christmas, God bless you all.”

The band started playing as the applause died down. Robert turned and going to his wife, said. “First dance is mine.”

Handing Lydia to Elizabeth, she allowed Robert to pull her out onto the dance floor. Elizabeth did not mind watching Lydia. She and Gary were not much at dancing, but were much amazed at Robert and Janis.

“I’m not much of a dancer.” Janis whispered in his ear. She always said it to him, since their first dance a year ago.

“You’ll get the hang of it.” He whispered back his usual answer, as he swung her around the dance floor with the grace of a professional.

Janis was so caught up in it that she stared dreamily into his eyes the entire time, literally swept off her feet. Seven or eight songs passed before Robert took her back to their seats, ready for a drink and break. He went for drinks at the bar, getting a vodka and orange juice for each of them. The oranges had came up from the city before the scare and some had been stored away. Returning to Janis, she smiled up at him and took one of the drinks. “Thanks babe.”

“Anything always,” he replied with a twinkle in his eyes. “Drink up. The dance floor calls us. I don’t get many chances to dance with the most beautiful woman in the hold.”

“We’ll just have to fix that won’t we? Janis smiled mischievously, taking a big drink from her screwdriver, feeling the strong homemade vodka warm her insides. Potatoes grew well in the mountains and vodka was the only alcohol besides wine and brandy that they made.

Robert drank his empty first, with a smile at his wife. She quickly finished her own and stood up. She loved dancing with Robert. He made it so special for her. She had never seen a man who could dance so well. She felt like Cinderella when he swept her off her feet at these dances. She wanted it to last forever. They danced the night away, oblivious to everything around them.

The alcohol flowed freely that night for most of the residents. Christmas was always the biggest celebration for them. Everyone was getting tipsy and enjoying the evening. The band played past midnight and the dance floor was almost always full. Slowly everyone went home saying their good-byes and Merry Christmases.

~~~

Robert and Janis slept late Christmas day as did most of the residents of Strong Hold. Neither of them wanted to get up. Lydia, of course, demanded it. Robert did the honors and brought her back to their bed, laying her between them. They lay for some time googling with her before getting up.

Janis made breakfast while Robert showered; chopped venison in scrambled eggs with mushrooms. She had been amazed that chickens and goats could live underground the first time she saw them. They got some sun in the summer when they were herded outside two or three times a week. It was a little risky if anyone saw the satellite images and realized they were farm animals. But the computers that monitored the satellite images would simply see them as wild animals.

When Robert came out of the bathroom, Janis came up to him and kissed him before saying. “Breakfast is ready, love.” They sat down at the dining table. Lydia, of course had a plate of the meat-vegetable mix that Janis had made for her in the blender. It was a community appliance that each mother was provided and it was used as long as needed before another mother received it.

“Ah, a feast has been prepared.” Robert swooned Janis with a compliment. He was hungry and ate half his portion before speaking again. “Delicious my love, just the way I like it.”

“Only for you,” Janis replied, smiling at him as she ate and fed Lydia some of the baby food.

They finished eating and Robert washed the dishes while Janis breast-fed Lydia, making sure she got some of mama’s milk. When he finished, he sat down next to them.

“Robert,” Janis began, “I told Elizabeth we would come to dinner this afternoon.”

“Oh. I thought we were going to the Christmas play.”

“We can eat and all go together.” She answered.

“That’s fine.” He said, unconcerned with the minor change of social plans. But he wanted to see the play. “So when do you want to go?”

“Around three,” Janis replied.

Right then there was a knock on the door. Robert got up and opened it. Matt Golding, one of his captains, was standing there. “Come in, Matt.”

“Thanks Robert,” Matt said as he came in. “Hi, Janis!. I just came from monitoring and got some big news. There has been an attack on a concentration camp in Missouri. The news is claiming that hundreds have escaped. They are warning everyone not to harbor the fugitive criminals.”

Robert started putting on his shoes. “This is the biggest thing to happen since the takeover. I’ll be down shortly. Start recording the news immediately.”

Matt left to carry out his orders. “Robert, this is serious. It could turn really nasty,” Janis said in a muted voice. She was definitely worried.

“Yes dear,” Robert answered. “All we can do is watch and wait. I’ll be back in time for dinner.”

He kissed her and headed for the security room. Ten minutes later he was sitting down to watch the news as it unfolded on the TV. They only used it under special conditions such as this, to see events on the news. It was a surprise that they had broadcasted it. Matt already had the VCR recording the news for future replay and analysis. They showed the attack on the camp, which began at nine that morning.

It was like a war had started. Missiles had been fired at the headquarters and troop bunks. It appeared that a large number of men, maybe as many as a hundred and fifty were involved as they rushed in after the missiles exploded, using machine guns and grenades, they were literally wiping out the enemy soldiers. It was doubtful if any survived. The surprise attack was just as successful as George Washington’s famous Christmas attack at the Valley Forge in 1773. Within thirty minutes, the obviously well planned attack was over.

As it quieted down people started coming out of the prisoner bunkers, most carrying blankets. It was a wild scene with prisoners running everywhere in the confusion. The attackers were all trying to get people together in small groups of about twenty or thirty, which left in all directions, led by a camouflaged attacker.

As the camp emptied out, the news video stopped playing and the news people started their usual propaganda.

Matt spoke first. “Unbelievable!”

“Indeed it is. This is going to create a situation of increased security across the country. We are officially on level one alert. Notify everyone, he instructed Matt.

He continued to monitor the news after Matt had gone. Now he was worried. Where could this many people escape to? He knew they would be shot on site. He also guessed some of them could find their way to Colorado. They would have to prepare for that eventuality.

He started making a mental list of priority needs beginning with cloaks. Many would have to stay in hiding without a cloak to shield them unless they had some other method. It would require traveling through the snow all the way to the Springs to get them out to other groups.

Next on his list was more housing. They currently only had two empty apartments. While they had plenty of food for themselves, a large influx of residents would create a shortage. He decided to risk hunting; the only source of food in the winter, and added it to his list.

Janis came in as he sat pondering their situation. She explained her presence, “I couldn’t sit and wait.” “I dropped Lydia off at Elizabeth’s.”

Robert told her all that had occurred. He could tell she was scared and wondered if she would ever fully recover from her time in the prison camp. He stood up and gave her a hug; then realizing she was trembling he said. “Don’t worry love, we’re a long ways from there. I doubt it will affect us until survivors arrive.”

“I can’t help it.” Janis replied, not letting go of him. “I guess you’re right, some will make it, just like we did,”

“I’ve already started planning for it.” He told her. “We’ll be needing apartments and food. I’ve decided to start sending out hunters so we can feed them when they arrive. So much for an easy winter.”

“What did you see?” Janis asked.

“A hundred and forty or so attackers right before daybreak. They had missiles, machine guns, and grenades; in what looked like a slaughter. I can only assume they have temporary hiding places for these people nearby. At most they have a six hour lead.” Robert answered her.

Matt returned as they stood there. “Everyone’s been notified sir.” He reported as he sat down.

“Okay. Keep the tapes rolling,” Robert said. “I’m sure there will be a Council meeting tomorrow, and they will want to see this.”

“Yes sir.” Matt acknowledged formally since they were on military alert.

Robert took Janis home where he made passionate love to her in his effort to make her feel safe and stop the fear and trembling. He had limited success. At three, they left for Elizabeth’s apartment. Janis held his hand tightly, but was not trembling anymore.

Gary answered the door. “Come on in. Beth’s in the kitchen. Have a seat.” Then he said loudly toward the kitchen. “Beth, Robert and Janis are here.”

Janis let go of Robert and went to her baby, in the playpen. She picked her up and held her close. They all sat down in the living room.

Beth came out of the kitchen and went and sat next to Janis. She did not look any better than Janis. The fear was in both of their faces. Robert gave Gary a look of concern; who nodded his understanding.

Then he said. “Now you two don’t need to panic. It’s a long ways to Missouri.’

Elizabeth replied. “You know damn well there will be retaliation and stepped up surveillance.”

“We are safe here. We’re hidden. There will be no action against us.” Gary stated to the two women.

Janis tried to explain. “We can’t help but be scared to death, even knowing we are safe for the most part. They’re animals and will probably kill anyone they catch. Every home around there will be searched. We do not just fear for ourselves, but for all those people.”

“We have to trust that this militant group planned well enough that the escape will succeed.” Robert said to Janis and Beth. “We have to focus on preparations for those who I’m sure will arrive.”

Both women smiled slightly. “I’ll finish dinner.” Beth got up and went back to the kitchen. Janis wasn’t moving from Robert’s side, needing to feel him next to her. She was trying hard not to start trembling again. It all brought back memories of torture, executions, and rape that she had seen while in the concentration camp.

Robert kept his arm around his wife, trying to comfort her as much as he could. He knew things had happened in that camp that Janis had not told him. Her need of closeness had convinced him of that. He started telling Gary the plans for the next day, he was his captain in-charge for Strong Hold.

“I want a Council meeting first thing in the morning. Start sending out hunting parties tomorrow. We’re going to need more food. Additionally, we will need to begin working on more cloaks in case they’re needed and start sending them out.”

Gary replied. “Yes sir. We have to send a runner to Safe Hold as soon as it’s dusk I assume.”

“Yes. Send Jenkins, he has severe winter survival training. I’ll have my orders written for him to take.” Robert answered. “Also tell the builders to pick it up, we’re going to need more living space.”

Janis sat quietly thinking. Her man was a born leader, rising to every challenge without fear. It is no wonder these people continued to vote him as their leader for so many years. He was compassionate and insisted on helping all he could; always working, side by side with everyone. Her pride welled up inside, listening to him taking charge of the situation. Her fear lessened to some degree.

Robert continued. “Is the sled finished?”

“No, but almost, I’ll get Weber on it.” Gary answered.

Beth called from the kitchen. “Come and eat.”

They all went to the dining table and sat down. Elizabeth had the food already out. Janis was the first to say anything. “It smells delicious Beth.”

Robert prayed before they started eating, as always. It was an outstanding meal of venison steak, sautéed wild mushrooms with onions, biscuits, and mashed potatoes with gravy. Robert complimented Beth after he ate half the food on his plate. “Elizabeth, this is excellent.” Gary seconded the compliment.

She smiled. “Thanks.”

After dinner they retired to the living room with drinks. Finishing his drink, Robert said. “I need to write up orders for Safe Hold, if you will excuse me. I’ll see you at the play. And thanks for dinner Beth.” He kissed Janis and left. She knew he needed the time and refrained from going with him, with difficulty.

Elizabeth moved and sat next to her, knowing she needed some companionship. Beth was a stronger woman, but not a leader like Janis. It had really been both of them leading the others here. They were closer than sisters.

Gary also excused himself. “I have things to attend to also girls. I expect to be back before the play, but if not I’ll see you there.” He kissed Beth and walked out.

“Beth, I’m scared. This seems like the start of an uprising.” Janis said quietly. “If successful, more will follow and things could become very dangerous for everyone in the country.”

“I’m afraid so, also,” Elizabeth replied. “But I think we are very safe here in Strong Hold.”

Lydia was suckling at her breast, unaware of her fear as Janis spoke. “I can only hope things will be better for my baby when she grows up.”

“Don’t count on it,” Elizabeth asserted. “This New World Order has been in the making for over one hundred years, if my information is correct. Besides, it’s pretty darn good here, compared to the rest of the planet.”

“Yes it is,“ Janis acknowledged. “To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t have much without Robert. I love that man so much. He is my knight in shining armor.”

“Gary is a good man too,” Beth stated with confidence. “We are both very lucky to have them and to be here. And Janis, I think I’m pregnant.”

Janis, completely surprised, smiled big. “That’s wonderful Beth. I’m so happy for you.”

“Don’t say anything.” Elizabeth told her. “I haven’t said anything to Gary yet. I will wait one more month to be sure.”

“So what do you want, boy or girl?” Janis asked.

“I don’t have a preference, but Gary wants a boy.” Beth answered. “I just want a baby. Watching Lydia for you has really made me want one of my own.”

“I think it fulfills an instinctive female drive to have children.” Janis remarked.

“You may be right.” Beth agreed. “Another drink?”

“Yes I will,” Janis answered. “It helps calm me down.”

While Elizabeth made the drinks, Lydia finished her suckling. Janis burped her and then held her in her arms, thinking. She was such a good baby, hardly ever crying.

Beth came back with drinks and again sat next to Janis. “You know what amazes me the most, is how we can live up here in these mountains without being a part of the outside world. It is hard to believe we live so well under these conditions.”

“It is strange, with all that is going on around us, yet not really affecting us that much.” Janis replied.

“Yeah, it’s like living in a bubble,” Beth remarked.

“Robert told me it was really hard in the beginning.” Janis stated. “For us everything was already figured out.”

“Indeed.” Elizabeth agreed. “We better drink up, it is almost time to go to the play.”

Gary came in, just in time. “Hi Beth; Janis. Are you ready to go?”

They both finished their drinks and got up. “Yes we are ready.” Elizabeth answered him with a smile.

The meeting room was full when they got there. The stage was set up in front of the Christmas tree. Curtains made of hemp were drawn and Christmas music was playing. They sat down near the back, where there was room, with an extra chair for Robert.

Jake and Martha were sitting in front of them and greeted them. “Hi all,” Martha said. “You barely made it in time. Where’s Robert?”

Janis answered her,“ He should be here any minute.”

“Busy, busy, huh?” Martha, held the rank of captain. She held her baby, Thomas, born two weeks after Lydia. “It looks like the outside world has gone crazy once again.”

Gary answered her. “It has for sure. We’re going to be real busy this winter.”

Jake, one of the new comers, asked, “So what’s the plan?”

“Robert’s working on that. Be at the Council meeting tomorrow morning,” Janis answered, wishing Robert would get there.

Her wish was immediately granted as he came in. He looked around and saw Janis and went over to her and sat down. She smiled happily. “You barely made it in time. I was starting to really miss you.”

He leaned over and gave her a kiss. “Sorry love, but sometimes duty calls.” He then handed Gary his written orders and recommendations for Safe Hold. “Give this to John to take to Safe Hold. When is he leaving?”

Gary answered, “He wants to see the play and will leave right after it.”

“Good enough.” Robert replied as the stage curtains opened and the nativity play began.

The play lasted well over an hour and received a big applause at the end. Everyone enjoyed it. Theater was a main entertainment for them. Robert and Janis finally got home after he answered many questions that people had about the situation, at the end of the play.

The next day, everyone went to the Council meeting. The Council approved Robert’s plans and work began in preparation for new residents. Fortunately they had mined a large amount of mica and had plenty of hemp for the cloaks.

At three, Jared informed Robert that the satellites were moving to different orbits and the schedule was changing. Robert was not surprised. He sent another runner out at dusk with the new schedule to meet John Jenkins before he came back using the old schedule, which would have exposed him to motion detection. There was a good chance that Safe Hold telescope watchers would inform him of the changes, but better safe than sorry.

Weber finished the sled by New Year’s Eve. It was designed to be pulled, pushed, or ridden on the downhill slopes. It came with a steering rudder so it could be controlled. When they tested it, it sped down the hill at a very high rate and the steering worked quite well. It was very lightweight for the pull up the mountains and also had a foot brake. Everyone complimented Paul on the excellent job he did. He was a humble man and profusely thankful for the compliments.

By mid-January, they had thirty cloaks ready to send out. They were loaded onto the sled and Gary and Ramon made the run to the Springs. They were gone for almost three weeks, returning with some food, clothes, LED light bulbs, and four rolls of cotton fabric. Elizabeth was relieved that her husband had finally returned safely. She informed him she was pregnant that night.

The trip was a big success. Two men had done the job of ten using the sled. The hold also had grown and now had six available apartments for any new comers from the escape. The news had become quiet on the events following the attack at Christmas. They continued with their preparations. Food stores increased substantially as hunters brought in meat while others froze, dried, salted, and canned it. Winter hunting was restricted to the bucks and bulls as they did not want to kill a pregnant doe or cow elk. They carefully monitored the herds to insure they did not reduce the numbers too much. This summer would require them to travel farther out for their meat supplies to compensate for the increased hunting.

In late March, word came that there were two groups of escaped people that were in Colorado, heading for Denver and the Springs. Robert sent a runner to Safe Hold with orders to leave the Denver group a message, that they were ready to take the new people.

Word came on April third that there was a group of twenty-nine escapees, two days from the Springs. It would take Robert and his men at least five days to get there. It was a madhouse at Strong Hold as they raced to prepare and leave as soon as they could. It was still winter in the mountains and travel was slower in winter and very dangerous.

Janis clung to Robert as he was about to lead the team out. “Come back to me my love.” She whispered and kissed him good-bye, with tears in her eyes.

“We’ll be fine. I love you.” He whispered back to her and turned and headed out to the surface. Gary, John Jenkins, and Don Wilner followed him out.

The four of them cross-country skied for five nights, before reaching Manitou Springs, never failing to observe the new satellite schedule. Hiding their skis in the forest, they walked down to the designated pickup location.

The sky was getting light as they walked into the motel room, and saw a group of scared looking people. The leader stepped forward. “I’m Lieutenant Jim Bart. I am a member of the militia group who attacked the prison.”

Robert shook his hand. “I’m Robert McCluney. I saw the satellite images of the attack when they broadcasted it. If you wish to return to your troop I can take these people from here.”

“The plan is to start new militia troops and continue the war against the New World Order.” He answered.

“We’re family people and not interested in militant activities that would put our families at risk.” Robert told him emphatically. “I would guess most of these people you have so heroically saved are probably family people also. At any rate I will take you up to our home and we can figure things out there. I am in command from this point on, Lieutenant. Do you agree?”

“Very well sir. May I ask your rank?” Jim inquired.

“I am the elected leader of over two hundred people in our community. I have absolute authority in these matters.”

“Yes sir.” Bart answered with a look of skepticism on his face.

Robert turned to the group of people “We are still in winter conditions. This will be a difficult trip that will take seven or more days of uphill travel in the snow. We will travel in smaller groups, each led by one of my people. We know how to survive in winter and will get you to safety. We travel in strict silence and follow a satellite schedule to avoid detection.

We offer residency in our community for those who wish to stay. When we arrive you will be provided living quarters, to bath, rest, and relax. We have plenty of food, and a good cook! But we live in peace and in hiding.

We cannot condone any militant activities that would endanger the community. I recommend you get as much sleep as you can. We leave at dusk.” Robert ended his speech, brought on by Jim Bart. He waited for a bit before finding a place to lay down and slept uneasily.

Gary had the last watch and woke Robert at dusk. Robert ate and took off with Jim Bart and seven others. Travel was hard and they barely made the rest stops to hide in time. Bart was mostly quiet, and followed his orders. He had been very concerned about cooperation from the man, and was relieved there was no conflict. By the end of the seventh night, they were up to the rim and travel was slightly easier.

Robert had a few conversations with Jim about the attack, finding out it had been planned for over a year. Supplies had been stashed at hiding places, close enough to get to from the prison camp. They knew to follow the satellite schedule to avoid detection and did not wear cloaks. Instead they had on some other type of infrared resistant coats. He would have to check it out later.

The first group arrived in Strong Hold at midnight on the eighth day. Janis almost ran to find her man. After two weeks, she really missed Robert. He was getting people settled in as she came up to him. A smile came to his face when he saw her come in. He stopped and gave her a big kiss and hug. “I missed you, sweetheart.”

She allowed him to finish giving orders to take care of the people. Then she took him back to the apartment, where they made intense, passionate love. He held her close for the rest of the night, as usual, and she clung tightly to him in her need to feel him next to her, after so long apart.

~~~

As usual, the new comers were amazed as they saw all that Strong Hold was, the next afternoon, as they began waking up from the first good sleep in months. In all, thirty-three new people had entered the hold over the coarse of the night. The builders were working overtime to get more apartments ready. For the time being, the new people were sharing the ten available ones. One question that almost all new comers asked was about the way they named the cities as holds. Robert always told them that the word ‘hold’ in the dictionary had numerous definitions, including; to keep, maintain, occupy, accommodate, fortify, safeguard, hide, defend, and even shut out. All of which applied to their hidden cities.

That evening, the Council offered the new comers residency in the hold. They made it clear that this was a family orientated community and did not allow weapons and did not carry out military activities. Jim Bart had stood up during the meeting and addressed the group he had led from the prison. He told them they could choose to stay or leave with him to form a militia troop. The Council had warned him that he would have to travel far from their location to preserve the safety of the hold. At any rate, level one alert remained in effect and nobody was allowed to travel out of the hold. Nobody would be leaving until the snow melted at any rate.

Two weeks later, word came from Mark Jackson at Safe Hold by runner, that they had retrieved the group from Denver and would be bringing them to Strong Hold when the snow melted. They all needed time to recover from the four-month escape. When they did arrive in late May, twenty-nine in all, the hold was bustling with people. Strong Hold was now bigger than Safe Hold with over one hundred and forty residents. Six had stayed at Safe Hold from the new people who came up from Denver.

~~~

During the weeks that followed, most of the new comer’s joined Strong Hold and began survival training, as usual for all new residents. With such a large increase in the population, fifty-one more residents in all, production would increase substantially. Ten of the new comer’s had chosen to continue with Jim Bart.

By the end of June, the group in the San Louis Valley Sangre De Cristo mountains had been contacted concerning Jim and his followers. They agreed to take them and stated that they carried out militia activities regularly and always needed new recruits.

Matt Golding and John Jenkins took them to the top of the pass at the north end of the valley. Robert had requested them not to talk about the holds, and keep it secret for the safety of all the people in the community.

It took them only six days to reach the pass. All the members of Jim Bart’s group were young single men and they traveled quickly. The prison camp had made them angry and they wanted revenge and their freedom back. In their minds it was war.

Matt and John were relieved to be done with them. Both of them had tired of the talk of war by Bart and his followers. They began the trip back as they had been ordered. Robert wanted some exploration in the mountains north of the Arkansas River and another hold location found. The preference was a southern exposure, and within two days distance of Strong Hold. Not just any boulder field would do. The boulders had to be house size to get the large cavities. They spent three weeks traversing the ridges and valleys searching for a boulder field before they found one.

They were exploring it for the next four days, attempting to determine what size it was. Boulder field caves were perfect for their need to be deep underground to avoid detection of the power and heat generators that they used.

The new location was almost as big as Safe Hold and went eight levels down. They returned to Strong Hold with the good news.

Work continued at Strong Hold; building more apartments and preparing for the next winter. Farming was expanded considerably, with the increase in population. Elizabeth had twins, a boy and girl, naming them Jack and Jill, much to everyone’s amusement. The hold was thriving.

Wood supplies were stocked by August. The heat system was a hybrid of wood and hydrogen that was one hundred percent efficient and produced no smoke. By the time the exhaust vented, it was cooled to outside temperatures, warming the hold.

It was a homemade system that injected a spray of the gases produced by electrolysis of water, into the large firebox, made with concrete. The wood maintained the flame for the gases to use for burning and re-combining into water, producing heat and steam. Water was heated in the firebox and pumped through pipes to radiators in the apartments.

They did have a few shortages including eggs and milk, which was the primary use of the goats and chickens they kept. The animal population did not grow as fast as the human’s had. The barn portion of the hold was off to the side of the boulder field, separated from the hold. The animals could get to the top cave for sunlight in winter. It was fenced with field fencing to keep out predators.

In September, work began at the new location, designated Southern Hold. Builders were sent to start the setup of the initial systems, water, sewer, power, and heat.

They would only prepare a few apartments as winter was rapidly approaching. All work was suspended and everyone home by the end of October, including those who came from Safe Hold to help with the new hold and training of the new residents.

Chapter 5

Covert Activities

“Attention!” Marshal Quade bellowed out to the company as Colonel Tim Walters came into the barn. Quade turned to Tim, saluted and said, “Ready for inspection sir.”

Tim returned the salute before he walked up and then down the three rows of soldiers standing at attention. It was more of a formality than a real inspection, but he properly went through the motions. Then nodding to Quade, he walked to the center.

“At ease,” Captain Quade told the men. They relaxed into the usual stance.

“Men, it’s been an honor to serve with all of you. Over the years we have successfully sabotaged the enemy many times. Our losses have been minimal. All of the previous missions have prepared you for bigger ones on the horizon. We will not simply continue to harass the enemy, we will take back what is ours!” Tim began his address.

“To do this we must begin to prepare now. We need to be able to talk like them to deceive them. From now on, at each monthly meeting I will specify a foreign language that we will speak and with the proper accent at the following meeting. The next meeting will be Mexican Spanish.” Tim told the men and then nodded to Quade. The captain handed a stack of papers to the men, who each took a copy of the five-page handout.

Tim waited ‘til everyone had a handout and then continued. “This is the list of military words, statements, and responses that you will need to know by next month. Study it and commit it to memory. I recommend you check out books at the library for more study on each language and pass the books around. There will be a test the month after, on each language, both written and spoken.

Ramon Garcia will tutor anyone needing it for Spanish, be sure you keep it to a minimum. In addition, we will learn French, German, and Norwegian. This comprises most of the foreign troops in America. Also we will learn to imitate the British, Irish, and other European accents for English. Once we learn the basics we will move on to more interactive conversation, such as we might have on the radio with NWO, Main Command.

This is the beginning of a long term plan that I’ve been thinking about for some time now.” Tim proceeded. “I have sent these orders to every militia group in the northwest. When we take back our country, we must do so without the NWO knowing about it. But first, we will test the enemy and see how they respond to serious aggressive military action.

I need to know more about them; how fast they respond and with what and how many men. What are their tactics and resources? So far, we have only been a pain in their ass and they have not taken any serious action, except to try to find us. Which they have failed to do, I might add.”

Tim waited for the laughter to die down. “Major Greg Karuso will be heading up the new intelligence division and will begin teaching intelligence gathering techniques and methods. He has many years of experience in this profession. Some of you will find your way into his special group of spies. This is a very dangerous job, don’t even think James Bond.

All of you will be called on to take vacation time from November seventh to December fifteenth next year for the next upcoming mission. So don’t be using your vacation days, as you will need five weeks of them.

We will participate in a coordinated attack on the D.O.E. Hanford prison and air base. The Yakima troop will provide us with support, both with a diversionary attack and prisoner escape support. This will be the biggest operation that we as a troop have ever undertaken. For all intents and purposes, we will be declaring war on the New World Order. We will no longer just be a thorn in their side.”

Tim looked over his men and continued. “I expect a full scale retaliation. You will all be putting your lives on the line during this operation and from that day forward. During their retaliation and occupation, we will cease all operations, but we will engage in collecting intelligence. When the time is right, we will take the Northwest from them. We now boast a militia of over nine thousand men in the Northwest area. We can do this!” He nodded to Marshal that he was done.

“Fall out. Everybody pair up and start practicing the Spanish from the handouts. When you’re done fall back in line. One time through for each of you,” Quade gave the men their orders. He then walked up to his commanding officer.

Tim spoke first. “Well, Captain, I guess we should study this stuff also. I’ll take the Spanish side first. You say the English and I reply in Spanish.”

“Yes, sir,” he began. “Good morning.”

“Buenos dias.” Tim said back. They went through the three pages and swapped languages, and then repeated the script.

When all the men were back in line, Major Karuso stepped forward and turned to face the men. “I need everyone to participate in a survey. Take your time and answer honestly.” He then handed a stack of papers to one of the men. “Take one and pass it on. The stack was split and went in both directions and soon it was totally quiet as everyone worked on the survey, including Tim. It took almost two hours for the survey to be finished and the last one collected.

Again the men fell back into line. Tim again addressed them. “At this time I want Captain Marshal Quade to step forward.” Quade stepped forward and stood at attention facing Tim.

Sergeant Hillroy then said, “Attention!”

“Mr. Quade, I am hereby promoting you to Major, along with all the benefits and responsibilities of that rank.” Tim extended his hand.

Major Marshal Quade shook his hand and said. “Thank you, sir.”

Sergeant Hillroy then said, “At ease.”

The rest of the men all clapped. After Quade had stepped back into line, Tim continued. “Sergeant Hillroy will be assuming normal troop taskmaster duties. Sergeant?”

Hillroy stepped forward and loudly said, “Company dismissed.”

The men all fell out of line and started talking. Many congratulated Marshal on his promotion. They did not linger long since they had to return home before daylight. Tim had ordered all meetings to be attended on foot three months ago, providing a regular stealth training exercise. It would keep them on their toes.

The militiamen across the northwest studied each of the foreign languages, becoming fluent in basic conversation in the year that followed. All militant activities were brought to a stop. They were fully stocked up on ammunition and missiles, and therefore did not require any more missions to acquire them. Tim patiently waited, allowing the enemy to become complacent.

Major Karuso spent all his spare time instructing his ten chosen spy candidates, the brightest in the troop. They learned about spying devices, how to deactivate and reactivate security systems, and to pick locks.

As their training became more advanced they learned photography of documents, taking fingerprints, and the art of disguise.

The list of studies went on and on for the new spies of the militia; forensics, logic, computer programming and hacking, basic electronics, phone tapping, spy-ware detection, and encryption, to name a few. The Major was a man of many talents and by the end of a year, the men under him had come to respect him in a new way. He had told them stories of a few of his escapades while in the service. He was a real military spy with all the training behind him, doing what he loved to do. Greg Karuso was in heaven.

It was the fourth of July, 2024, that the NWO announced its trade agreement with the Union of Allah and the new identification system. It was a bio-chip to be implanted on the back side of the right hand, in the surface skin. It would be needed to buy or sell anything and to travel anywhere. A computer scanned it to identify the person, and also it had GIS tracking capability. The bio-chip had been used in animals for many years and was already proven technology. Every person on the planet was required to report for implantation during the course of the next year. They had no choice unless they wanted to go to prison.

Colonel Tim Walters was worried about this development. It would effectively stop the militia from carrying out any further military operations. He wasted no time and immediately requested information on the bio-chip, on the Internet. He needed to know if it could be altered or duplicated. He figured if they could disable the GIS part of the chip without it being detected, they could continue with their usual activities.

Responses began coming in a few weeks later. It turned out that it could easily be duplicated, but each chip had an id number and it needed to be assigned to the person who carried it, in the computer system. This was almost impossible. The NWO had the most sophisticated security system for their computer network that was in existence. While there might be some hacker who could break into it, it was not feasible for all the militiamen in the country to be setup in this manner. Decidedly, they would have to let the NWO insert it and assign it, they would have to remove it to modify the GIS tracking.

Tim discussed it with Marshal Quade. “Well Marshal, we will need to find someone to modify them for us.”

Quade sat thinking for a minute before replying. “Maybe we don’t need to modify it. What if we simply remove it when we don’t want to be detected?”

Tim answered. “Now that’s an idea. Take it out and put it in at will. That might work.”

Marshal was still thinking. “Or maybe we can hide the chip with gloves that block the signal.”

“Oh, I like that better.” Tim replied with a smiled. “There could be infection problems with constantly putting the chip in and out and skin problems as well.”

Marshal smiled and said. “I’ll go in and get one implanted and begin working on it. I’m sure we can block the GIS signal.”

“Do it.” Tim told him.

Marshal, an electronics hobbyist, started by locating the GPS signal, that the chip sent out. It was a low band frequency, which surprised him because they have only short distance capability.

Further investigation revealed it worked using the cell tower stations and relaying the information to the communication satellites.

Two weeks later Marshal had found a way to hide the signal the chip emitted. After trying many ways to shield it, he successfully had used a thin piece of lead plate to eliminate the signal and attached it to the outside of the glove, for testing purposes. The only problem he found was the signal came through if he turned his hand over, and lead was toxic.

He continued experimenting with metallic fabrics, finally finding that thin copper screen did the trick. Separating the right hand glove at the seam, he inserted the copper screen into the lining, all around the palm of the glove where the chip was placed. Then he put the glove on and tested it and indeed he could turn his hand in any direction and the signal did not show up. Sewing the glove back up took only a little time.

Contacting Colonel Walters, Marshal informed him of his success. Tim ordered all his men to modify their right hand glove using the copper screen. It was one more obstacle to overcome. He wondered what would be next.