Editing Game Log - Raphael (section)

==CHAPTER FOUR: THE JOB==
*Michael James Watson

Sleep comes easy but there is something dreamy to it. Memories of games. Old books. Gandalf fighting the balrog.
Waking up he sees Slugger and the dogs are outside.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I wipe the sleep from my eyes and rise slowly. I put my laptop away in the backpack, finish my journal entry from last night, then put the journal away in my pack.

Then I grab my rolled up field jacket and my weapons belts off the table and I head outside. I set all my gear on the ground and begin stretching the night's kinks out of my body.

"Good morning Slugger" I say while stretching. "How did you sleep?"

I begin doing some calisthenics, about five minutes worth, to get my heart pumping. Then I sit down and do 20 crunches, flip over and do 20 pushups, then rise to my feet and do a little more stretching. Then I put on my weapon's belts and make sure everything thing is secure.

*Michael James Watson

"I slept good.. But hard... One of those Arco boys came by a few minutes ago said they would be leaving at dusk. We slept for a whole day and a half. I was deaming of that ring movie with wizards and the monster on the bridge. That was dad's favorite part. YOu know that part? all the fire and stuff.. Then he is in the next movie all white...and he makes that guy on fire jump off the cliff building. and that creepy midget bites the other midget's finger off and falls in the fire....Thats a good move... Did you see that movie? Oh,, three movies! Did you see them?"

A thought comes to him. He was concerned that it was Slugger that brought them to this world. But she wouldn't know Shadowrun. A stray thought about an old shadowrun game during 6 hours on the road might have brought them here. It certainly cut the dive time from Tuscon to Colorado down by a huge chunk. But she has a Mesob Medallion and she does know Lord of the Rings. Apparently really well......

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"We slept for a day and a half?! Wow! Guess we really needed the sleep! And yes, I saw that movie, all of those movies in fact. And I love them too. And yes, I had dreams like that too. I also dreamt about Gandalf fighting the balrog. Strange... We both had the same dream."

I look Slugger up and down, wondering what powers she has already acquired from The Medallion.

"So, there are a couple of important things we need to talk about. The first being that the Arco Boys have asked me to join them on a gas run. They said that it could be dangerous and that I will be gone for a couple of days. So, I know your Uncle Buck said not to leave my side, but he also said you need to do what I tell you. So, because this is going to be a dangerous run and I don't want you to get hurt or killed, I would like you to remain behind to keep an eye on the poodles and the cat. I'm sure I can get Rodak to keep an eye on you while I'm gone."

"Secondly, we need to talk about that invisible tattoo that you have on your hand and your forehead, and the new powers you may be gaining. So, answer this for me please... when did you find the foot shaped medallion? And what strange things have you figured out that you can do?"

*Michael James Watson

"You're leaving me behind? But...but.....He said to stay with you....You are leaving and leaving the dogs too? Buck said you wouldn't do that...."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Oooohhhh, Slugger, I'm not leaving you behind" I say as I kneel down and give her a hug. "I'm just... going to work... for a few days; I'm coming back..." I trail off.

~But what if you don't?"~ I think to myself, still hugging Slugger. ~What if for some reason you can't get back here? Then Slugger would be alone and you would have broken your promise. Besides, Adventurer's Rule Number One: Never split up the Party.~ I release the hug and look Slugger in the eyes.

"Okay, Slugger, change of plans; you're coming with me; overall I think you'll be safest with me. But this is not a 'road trip' or a 'vacation', this is a Job. So you're going work too, as my Backup. Okay? Now, let's go talk to Rodak about this Job and then go get some food. We will talk about the Magic Medallion later. And just like we don't talk about where we came from with other people, we also don't talk about our Magic with other people. Okay?"

*Michael James Watson

She jumps up, "Ok!" She runs inside the trailer and grabs her Molly rig, clipping it in place. SHe seems ready to go in moments, as if she had planned it. The dogs can be left in the trailer but the cat seems intent on following. 

Walking over to the Rodak's he sees morning business going on in what must be normal for here. He sees 3 tanker trucks, painted, with a number of dwarves moving around them. Wrecker and Rodak are inspecting the lead vehicle.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I raise an eyebrow at Slugger's sudden mood change, but smile inwardly at her readiness to go. I put on my jacket then grab the AK from inside the door and sling it over my right shoulder, then order the Poodle Boys inside, then tell them "Dog Brothers; Garden Kill." then I close and lock the door before leaving for the Arco Station.

I look over the three tanker rigs as I approach Rodak and Wrecker.

"Mornin' Gents" I say with a smile and a jovial tone. "Love the paint jobs! So, I'm interested... but if I'm going to be involved in this Run, I would like some information... like... how many tankers are going, how many escorts, who's drivin' what, who's packin' what, what route we're takin', alternate routes, possible hostiles, possible ambush sites, what my part in all of this is, and what I'm drivin'... yours or mine?" I flash a friendly smile. "Please and thank you."

*Michael James Watson

Rodak looks to him, "Morning Flasher. Well, Fitz here is the leader."

A well groomed Dwarf with a pipes approaches. He looks R over and looks at slugger.

"You trying to out small us? Is everything ready?" He looks to Rodak

He nods, "Just getting Flasher up to speed. We got three rigs, empty. Two in the rig, one bike assigned to guard each one. Ive a hog with a sidecar if you don't want to risk yours but yours is in far batter shape then mine. We will go over the maps. Take the 160 to the 25 north. 3 hour drive. Not much in the way of alternate routes. The problem is that we have to go through Pueblo. Taking 285 would be nice but the Arkensaw river flooded a few years back and the Department of Transportation never got around to fixing it. After the Change a fucking whalloping lake grew up. The road don't go through and we don't want to pay to get us across the lake."

"Pueblo is an Indian town. We might glide through. We might have to pay a toll. They might try and take it. Our last run we paid a toll. It depends how many of the locals are Elven Indians, American Indians, or Orcish Indians. Or just how many fucking orcs there are. We heard a Big group of the White hand are there.. But we are damn near out of gas and our guy is in Denver."

Fitz says, "as for gunnery. We got a shitload of AR15s. Lots of handguns. I was going to tell you, Rodak , I got 3 of Junior's elves on a deal. They have bows and are fucking deadly; I'll put one on each trailer. So, Flasher, I hear we are taking you as far as Colorado Springs. Shitton of Feds there. Or are you going there and back here?"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I smile at the first mention of my new nickname. I listen to the intel, I am mostly familiar with the route. I address Fitz first.

"Pretty sure Slugger and I will be going all the way to Denver and back with y'all on this one... but there is a chance we may stop off at The Springs... if so, then we'll pick back up with y'all on your way back through."

I turn to Rodak with a smile.

"I'll take you up on that offer of the hog with sidecar. How bad of shape is it in? I'm a fair mechanic... but might need to borrow some tools."

*Michael James Watson

Rodak and Fitz chuckle, but Rodak says, "We mech for a living, brother. I wouldn't put you on the road on something questionable. Its got a little left balance issue but with Slugger her in it i doubt there will be an issue. If someone jumps in IM sure the cat can take care of them. I hear he is hell on orcs."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I nod my head at Rodak's assessment of the hog.

"Okay. Fair enough. I mean, I don't know you guys... yet, and I don't know how well you take care of your vehicles. I had to ask. But thank you for the loner and by all means put it on my tab. You know I can afford it." I chuckle.

"And Flasher? Really? You're going to make me sound like some sort of pervert in a trench coat." I laugh, knowing full well that that is not the meaning of the new nickname I have acquired.

"So, anything else I should know before you show me the hog and I started gearing it up for the road?"

*Michael James Watson

"We shoot for knees. Might mean they get another shot off but I'd rather bust a knee then a noggin. I wasn't a pycho before the Change. Disable vehicles rather then take kill shots. But i won't complain if you kill them if they are attacking. Truth is its a short trip and running empty we shouldn't have trouble. Its coming back heavy thats trouble. We ride open, flushing the bandits if we can. Keep them away from the tankers. You'll ride tail so you don't have to start anything and can pitch in on a running fight we started. I don't know about Slugger on the run but i get not wanting to be seperated. The sidecar is armored. Have her tuck inside to stay safe."

He walks to wear the group is forming up. Points to the yellow harley

"We go in a couple hours."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Okay... so I'll be bringing up the rear, shoot to incapacitate not kill and disable vehicles. Got it. And Slugger is tougher and more capable than her size and age might indicate."

When he points out the Harley I let out a low whistle.

"Well, helloooooh beautiful. Where have you been all my life? An armored sidecar? Oohh... Nice! Ya know Rodak, when we get back from this run I'm gonna want to talk to you about a trade. I think this Badboy is the type of vehicle I'm going to be needing for my travels. And that armored sidecar is EXACTLY what I need to keep Slugger and the animals safe."

*Michael James Watson

"Really? I was thinking that trike was set up pretty good for a small group. Well. Take her out, take a few laps around the town to get used to her When your done we'll top off the tank and go. I've got 4 mayors coming over soon to talk their end of the ride. "

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Oh, the trike is a nice rig, for sure..." I say, not taking my eyes from the Harley. I walk around it, looking it over, looking inside the sidecar. "But it's loaded with electronic parts, and if one of over a half dozen of those parts fries out, I'm fucked. Electronic parts are hard to come by on the road and off the beaten path... even more so now. However, this Bad Boy was made before all that unnecessary electronic crap became standard. THIS bike I can keep running easily enough. Plus, the armored sidecar is perfect to keep my precious cargo safe from stray or intended bullets." I turn to look at Rodak. "Yeah, let's talk when we get back."

I turn to Slugger. "Ok, Slugger, get in. You too, Curious." I say to the cat. I hop on and start it up. Once Slugger and Curious are aboard, I put it in gear and head out, slowly at first.

As I make my 'laps around town', I don't just 'get the feel for the bike', but I also check all the important parts; clutch, brakes, shifter, accelerator... I also check the operations of them; smooth, rough, sticky, etc. Once I get the feel for it and have a better understanding of it's quirks, I open it up and really give it a work out on the last lap and finish at Woody's at my rented RV.

I let the dogs out and tell them to pee. I tell Slugger to grab anything important, just in case something happens and we can't get back here. I go inside and grab my backpack, Buck's Helmet, my katana, the throw away guns and spare ammo and my 30.06. I leave the nearly full case of Pappy, nearly full case of hand grenades and all the other foodstuffs and assorted supplies I had scrounged in the RV. I lock the door behind me.

I slide the 30.06 down inside the sidecar, barrel first, on the side closest to me, then put the katana next to the rifle. I strap the throw away guns on the bike and inside the sidecar in easy reach of me or Slugger, except the .50 caliber Desert Eagle, which I slip under my wide leather weapons belt near my navel. I give the spare ammo to Slugger and tell her she may have to reload for me at some point. I pull a protective facemask that looks like a skull from my pack and hang it on the handlebars, secure the pack, put the pack on my back and snug it down, then pull on the mask but leave it hanging around my neck for now, then the helmet, then pull on my heavy leather gloves.

"Slugger, while we're on the road, you need to stay focused on watching for bad guys and paying attention to where we are going, not thinking about movies or someplace else. It's really important. Okay? Now, everyone load up. It's time to hit the road."

Once Slugger, the Poodle Boys and Curious are loaded in the sidecar, I start it up and head back over to the Arco Station.

*Michael James Watson

Gathering at the east gate is a bit of a crowd.  Rodak is arguing with a heavyset man sweating in a tshirt despite the cool weather.  He has a molle rig packed with things that R identifies as things bought because the guy thought he was being manly before the change.  He and Rodak are arguing away from everyone.  On one side is  the three tankers, the dwarves on bikes, 3 guys dressed like road bike riders with what look like heavy recurve bows.

On the other is a Hummer h1 with modified gun ports and 6 guys who look dressed to kill.  They are packed heavy and armored but at a glance R can tell they were the overweight, out of shape, poorly trained, heavily armed, military wannabes who gave gun owners a bad name.  
As he pulls up to Wrecker and Fitz he is introduced to the other Arco Boys making the trip.  

Wrecker says, "Rodak is arguing with Duffy Drummen.  He led a milita group in Fort Garland before the change.  Half his group became orcs.  Two of the guys over there are orcs.  They have been running "patrols"  He is insisting to join our caravan. His crew is going to Fort Collins. Wants to join up to push through Pueblo.  Says there are a couple of the tribes there and it won't be a walk or Tax.  I hate the fucker and if a spare round lightly grazed him in the hippocampus I wouldn't be sad.. But if two tribes are in Pueblo now he might not be wrong.  No one will think poorly of you if you back out.  But we got about three days of gas left and so we have to go."

Rodak walks over with Duffy.

"Ok, Duffy and his boys are taking lead. We may have no choice but to fight our way through Pueblo. Form up. Ready to roll in 5 minutes. Its 3 hours to Pueblo. Flasher, lets take a minute. "

Leading R aside as other load up he says, "This won't be a cake walk. there are maybe 40 warriors of two tribes in Pueblo and they are raiding not taxing. One of Duffy's patrols was hit. 3 of 6 dead and he is hot as hell to hit back. Duffy gives batshit crazy knuckleheads a bad name but a lot of people in the town support him. If you want out, its ok. If you make the ride, I give ya three things. We hadn't really talked pay. First, take the bike. Second, i'll squish the Flasher nic and we can negotiate a new one. Lastly, I'll give you a Arco cut. Skip right over prospect. You get a fair share."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"That all sounds more than fair... but I still gotta make it back alive... maybe I shoulda brought the rest of those grenades..." I pause a moment, thinking about how quickly I could get back to Woody's then back here. "The Militia Meatheads in the lead is perfect; they got the armor and firepower, let 'em do their thang, less for me and the Arco Boys to worry about."

*Michael James Watson

When the group gathers it looks like quite an entorage., The millitia guys have two motorcycle guys with the hummer and a Pinto station wagon pulls in behind. A hole in the roof has a crude ring around it for a guy to stand. The sides are armored but as they climb in R sees wood crates packing the interior.

Behind them the 3 tankers each with its escort cycle. Last he and his pack. slugger sitting up in the sidecar.

As the gate east opens R realizes this isn't cosplay. They really have a mad max thing going on and he may have to kill.

An hour out, coming around a corner a collection of Indians on motorcycles are in a turn out. One of theirs is near the highwway. The Hummer pulls over put a guy pops up out of the top looking to Fitz.

Fitz and the tankers stop.. Fitz walks out and shakes a few hands. Then the Indians push their bikes over and Fitz sees them filled up. He talks to the leader for a few minutes. He then talks to Duffyy. Then talks to each driver before coming to R.

He says, "Those are the Walsenburg Rangers. Utes. They confirm that Pueblo is full of raiders. Close to a hundred. We'll fight our way through. Duffy is excited and thats not good. He isn't big on being rational. But we have to get through. Our only other choice is to go to Wiley. Take the 287 up to Cope, and come into Denver from the east. 6 to 9 hours and its across the the whole range the raiders live in. So its up and in at Pueblo. We will get help but not till Pueblo. The rangers will start fires east of Pueblo and hope it pulls some of the heat but whats there is there. Load heavy: Shoot to kill"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

As the gate opens and the realization, the fear, hits, I take a deep breath and calm my mind; I will do what I must do. I was trained by the Army to kill, I have shot firearms nearly my entire life, I knew one day I might have to take a life living in the ghetto that I did...
I keep my mind on the here and now; I stay sharp and watch the surrounding and think about how I will react if something happens. I check on Slugger and make sure she is also paying attention to our surrounding.

When we slow then stop, I get off the Harley and I unstrap the AK47 strapped across the handlebars, I look around for ambush. When Fitz comes my way I lower the AK and listen up.

"Shoot to kill; got it. We got you covered back here. I got a couple grenades, for when things get really ugly. But the AK should do the trick til then."

I give it to Slugger. "I'm gonna want that back soon, so don't stash it away... or get too attached to it." I give her a smile and a wink.
"Ready to go at your order, Fitz."

I know this is real. I am scared. My heart is racing.

Courage is not the absence of fear, it's facing fear and doing what must be done anyway.

So, my courage will be tested again.

*Michael James Watson

Fitz nods, "Ya, gitcha. Don't waste ammo though. If something gets back this far it survived the rest of us. If we are attacked from behind some of the boys will come back"

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"I rarely waste ammo; my philosophy is: one mind, one shot, one kill. And if anyone survives all the way back to us, Slugger and I will make sure they don't survive beyond us."

I sit back down on the Harley, grab the AK from Slugger, set the butt of the rifle between my legs and rest the barrel on the handlebars.

*Michael James Watson

Pushing on beyond the turnout the caravan approaches Pueblo. Ahead is a checkpoint of cars stacked.

The Fort Garland militia boys accelerate immediately with a pair of people hanging out the windows laying down fire. The road block people are firing back. Getting an angle R sees the hood of the Hummer flip to cover the windows in a manner that looks like its been gerry rigged to do it.

Fitz's cursing can be heard over the gunfire.

Coming up the sides are a half dozen bikes on both sides bikes with three people on each. they parallel the tankers and two from each leap up on the sides

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

At the sight of the Militia Meatheads laying down fire, I yell over the roar of the engine and the wind and gunfire to Slugger.
"SLUGGER! Watch behind us! NOW!!! Shoot anyone you can! Shoot to kill!"

Seeing the people jump onto the tankers, I calm my breathing.

One Mind. I reach down with my left hand, grabbing the upper wooden rest beneath the barrel of the AK47 and lift it upwards, my right hand releasing the throttle, knowing it sticks slightly, and grabs the wooden pistol grip and brings the butt to my right shoulder and the barrel in line with the person farthest to the left on the tanker in front of me who my eye has been on since my hand touched the AK.

One Shot. When he is in my sights, headshot or center mast body shot. I pause just long enough to squeeze the trigger.

One Kill. Then move on to the next person to the right. And repeat the process as quickly as I can, until all are gone from the tanker in front of me.

I rely on my Army Training, my familiarity and my experience with firearms, and all the shooter games I played in the arcades that had actual gun shaped controls to shoot the enemies, to get me through this. And my sheer force of will. I was told I could do anything I wanted, if I put my mind to it.

*Michael James Watson

He has one easy target and it quickly falls away after he fires. Seeing him fall its very real.

The second guy is a bit out of angly but he suddenly falls back, two arrows in his eyes. The elf then looks behind and draws arrows firing behind R.

He feels Slugger stand up in the side car. Turning to look behind he sees two spidery dune buggies coming up fast behind. Looking at her he sees a hand grenade in each of her hands. She thumbs out the pin rings out and tosses them underhand. They arch out gently as the buggies follow, each landing in the floor of the two person vehicles. They fumble on the ground till they explode, sending the vehicles off the road.

She slips down, pulling wehrmacht helmet over her head. The Arco logo is painted on the side.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I would have turned to my right to see what Slugger was doing and to see the dune buggies behind us, releasing the stock of the AK with my left hand, gripping the pistol grip tighter with my right hand to hold up the weight of the weapon as I bring it up and around over Slugger's head.
Seeing her release the grenades I laugh beneath my Skull Mask and as she sits back down I bring my attention back forward, seeing the motorcyclist on the right near the back of the tanker ahead of me, I swing the barrel in his direction... one handed. One Mind. One Shot. One Kill. I squeeze the trigger. (if unsuccessful I will try again.)

My left hand grips the left handle bar grip, my attention back on the road ahead. My right hand places the AK back between my legs then grabs the throttle. I accelerate to keep up with the tanker. I glance to the left, looking for the other motorcyclist on that side, simultaneously drawing the Desert Eagle XIX 50AE from my belt with my left hand.

*Michael James Watson

 he sees the Hummer and the knucklehead's pinto stationwagon turn into right, into the blockade guards. THey flee with the knuckleheads on their tail.

A tanker swerves as it looks like its had a flat on the rig. R sees a Pueblo man hanging shooting at tires on the far side. His angle is good and he takes the shot as trained. the guy flops and hangs. Two... two... life has changed so much with two raiders.

One of the arco boys rides down and signals to him.

"Those assholes are going for the barracks. Fitz says Fuck em. Ride hard for Denver. We have a flat on the rig but can't all stop to change it here without risking the lot. You follow the other two. Some of us will stay and change the tire,"

He rides over to the stopped rig. R sees Wrecker, the driver leaping out to change the tire.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

When I see Wrecker get out of the rig I pull over and stop. I call out to him.

"Wrecker! I've been told to continue on with the Convoy. But I could stay for a couple minutes to give you cover fire if you need it."

*Michael James Watson

"Hang back a bit, give me a couple minutes to flip the tires. If no one jumps me in the next couple minutes I'll be clearThey got more trouble with those asshats attacking their barracks. I swear im going to shove a granade up his.. "

He jumps down and helps the elf work on the tires.

Slugger says, "They got a drone up there!" Pointing up in the air."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

Looking up in the direction Slugger is pointing I search the sky for the Drone. My intention is to shoot it out of the sky. If it's low enough I simply grab the AK from between my legs and pop off a round. If it seems further away I reach inside the sidecar and grab the 30.06 with the scope, take aim then shoot it out of the sky.

*Michael James Watson

The Drone is a good distance up and weaving about. R chooses the AK. Spraying bullets in a burst clips it and the handler guides it quickly out of danger.

Wrecker jumps into changing the tires. gives cover but he notices that Wrecker grips a lug nut with two fingers and twists it free.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

At the sight of Wrecker removing a lug nut with his fingers, my first instinct is to make a funny or smart-assed comment... then I hear the voice of one of my Drill Sergeants from Basic Training screaming in my head:

~'This is not the time for jokes or distractions! Keep your mouth closed, your eyes open, your head on a swivel and your mind focused!'~

So I did exactly that. I keep my back to Wrecker watching for approaching enemies, looking for snipers in the places I would sit to snipe. The butt of the AK held to my shoulder, the barrel up and level following the movement of my head and upper body as I scan left and right, finger inside the trigger guard but not resting on the trigger.

I feel the adrenaline coursing through my system; the fear and the thrill, the fight and the flight. I let them wash over me like water. I control my breathing, keeping it even, slow deep inhales, slow controlled exhales. I keep my mind focused on what I am doing, not allowing my mind to wander. Keep watch. Look for enemies. Be prepared for attack at any moment.

Periodically I look upwards in the sky, also periodically I look over to Wrecker to check his progress.

*Michael James Watson

Looking south 3heavily armed technical trucks are diving up around the curve at extreme range.

They fade off the road making straight for the barracks . They look to be mounting .50cals, a driver and a gunner.

Slugger yells, "They are going after those asshole guys! "

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Wrecker, you just about done?" I ask as I head for the Harley. "The Militia Meatheads are about to taste .50 caliber with their assholes. Three of 'em mounted on small trucks."

I mount up and place the AK between my legs, barrel on the handlebars. I rev the engine, having left it idling when I stopped.

"We should help or hit the road soon; they'll be coming for us soon enough."

*Michael James Watson

"30 seconds! If they turn to us shoot. If not the knucklehead wanted a fight so they get the whole magazine."

Watching the 3 bounce over the prairie R hears a high pitched engine coming quick from the west. Looking up he sees something outlandish...but his game knowledge itches making it familiar. A dwarf on a small engined gyrocopter flying a couple hundred feet above.it swings around to look down at the escort bike who waves him off. It continues east several hundred yards then hovers.

Wrecker leaps in the cab and the thing is moving before his butt hits the seat. It makes off north.

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

Though I felt bad for the Meatheads, Wrecker was right; they only came on looking for a fight and they got one. I know I could help, some, but I wasn't working for the Militia, I was working for the Arco Boys, and they were headed to Denver.

The Dwarf on the Gyrocopter struck me more as Warhammer than ShadowRun, but what the hell, he was on our side, or so it seemed, so what did it matter. Cool, regardless.

"Keep your eyes open and your mind focused, Slugger. Watch the sides and rear. Great job with those grenades, by the way."

I let the tanker get rolling then I fall in behind, watching the sides of the road for trouble and checking the mirrors for pursuit. Ready to do what must be done.

I wonder briefly if I'm even going to bother to slow down, let alone stop, as we pass through The Springs... really doesn't seem there's much of a point anymore... especially not here, on this world.

I turn my full attention the tanker ahead of me, the road we travel and the potential dangers laying in wait around the next turn.

*Michael James Watson

Driving on they pass the dust up at the roadblock. The dwarves are gone north but the milita guys are deep in it. There seems to be a lot of hiding and shooting over cars.

R takes a moment in passing to note the terrible placement and tactics of both sides. Sloppy fire patterns, wasteful use of ammunition. A barracks with big windows all shot to pieces. Neither side looks to have a pip of warfare between them.

Heading after the others it take half an hour to catch up. Fitz hanging back races back and waves, eyeballs, then brings Wrecker into the group.

An hour goes by till they pull over at a place with a two M1 Abrhams, a couple of m113, a Armored Bus as a command center. There is a flag pole with three flags on it.

The caravan stops. Fitz rides forward talking to the duty officer.  Wrecker hopes down, walks up to R.

"I owe you for hanging back. I won't forget it. We should talk. "  Looks up ahead at the flags.  "Been a couple months since we were up this way. The flags are new but I know what they mean. The top is the national flag of Colorado. 5 stars for 5 states. The next is the state flag of Denver. The bottom is the Bronco Banner that the military of Colorado uses. Watchout..If you are un aligned the Army will push to enlist you. I hear there are press gangs. Feel free to say you are a Fort Garland guy and with the Arcos."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"You don't owe me anything Wrecker. I was just doing my job. Rear guard stays at the rear, stays with anyone lagging behind and stays with anyone that falls out. And rescues them if necessary. But, still happy to sit and talk with you, when time permits. And thanks for filling me in on the who's who and what's what. I'm not sure if Rodak told you but I've been away from people and civilization for quite a while. You could almost say it was like I was living in another world."

I chuckle then I go to the Sidecar and let the dogs out.

"Poodle Boys. Stay close. Go pee."

I keep an eye on them as they go about their business.

"How you holdin' up, Slugger?"

*Michael James Watson

Curious slips out of the very tip of the interior of the sidecar and herds the dogs out, waiting till they pee before doing so himself. Her then nuzzles the dogs till they take a squat for business, after which he does. He then herds the dogs back to the side car.

Slugger says, "That was scary. I am down two softballs."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

“Softballs?” I snort in mirth. “More like a Hardball.” I smile at my own joke. “Well, I got two in each side pocket of my field jacket here. If you need one, just reach in and grab it, carefully. And yeah, that was pretty scary. I was scared too. But you handled yourself extremely well, Slugger. Good job on taking out those buggies; excellent double toss there, kiddo. And good job on keeping focused on what's going on around us and alerting me to it and on taking care of the animals while we travel.”

I pause a moment to let her feel good about her accomplishments.

“But it's going to be even scarier on the way back, because our tankers will be full of gas and all the bad guys are going to want to take it. And they will to do what ever they can to get it, even if it means killing all the Arco Boys and us too. And they know we're coming, and how many of us there are and what we're drivin' and packin'. So I need you to be just as focused and alert, and even more careful. Okay? I'll see what I can do about getting' us some fast grub and a place to pee before we head back. I don't know about you, but I'm a little hungry.”

I turn to Wrecker. “Any possibility of getting some grub before we head back? Even something for the road?”

*Michael James Watson

Wrecker nods. "We'll pig out. We'll probably stay the night after that pueblo business. We are in safe territory now."

The caravan is let passed the barricade and drives off nearly an hour till it pulls over. Fitz takes the crew off from the road.

He says "Ok we are good into Denver. Our contract has been picked up by the state gov. That's good for us... but... the problem is going home."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Is this a good news, bad news situation? Or a bad news, bad news situation, Sir?"

I am not making a joke or being snarky. My tone is serious and I am being respectful.

*Michael James Watson

Tapping out his pipe and refilling it while talking he says, "Its the wild wild west. The old federal government has stabilized and Colorado isn't part of it. Neither are Texas, the Pacific states, Mexico, or western Canada. The Fed can't do much west of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers except fly over them and humans don't control the sky since the Change. They control everything east of the rivers up to Winnipeg and South of Hudson Bay. The general at that Border crossing tells me that Fort Garland is either the east border of Pacifica, the northern border of Aztlan, Northwest Texas, or Southern Colorado."

Puffing his pipe furiously to light he goes on.

"They are happy to see us, will help us fill our tankers, then escort us back to the FG for our own safety. Good or bad, I would hate to be one of our mayors. Cell service is down, or being jammed, so I can't tell Rodak what's a coming down on him. So....into Denver, fill up, rest two days while they assemble our escort, then home."

As R hears the tale he thinks that he left a dying disease-filled world and went into a world deeply transformed by the emergence of magic that lost at least a third, maybe half, of the world's previous population. What did such powerful magic have in mind to summon two traveling Mesobians here?

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

As Fitz begins speaking and fiddling with his pipe, I pull a cigarette from the nearly empty pack in the right breast pocket of my field jacket. I realize there is no lighter there because it died the other night and I never bothered to replace it with one from my backpack. So, I light it up with a fire finger cantrip, not really worrying if anyone sees. After all, this is a magical world now. I take a few drags while I think over what Fitz has relayed to us and wonder why Slugger and I ended up in this particular world. Was it random? Was it my stray thoughts? Or was there something guiding us with a purpose?

"Ya know Fitz, if it's important enough, you could send someone out ahead after we clear Pueblo to let Rodak and the mayors know what's coming their way. Or... You could send someone on the alternate route, the one with the lake crossing, to avoid Pueblo and get back to Fort Garland well ahead of the convoy. I'll volunteer for that mission, if you deem it vital."

*Michael James Watson

Fitz nods, "I appreciate that but I'm going to send Candy. You have a menagerie to put at risk. She is fast, agile, and not suffering from testosterone poisoning. She'll make the run in a couple hours. Look, we'll be in Denver in about 15 minutes. If you want to head on North things should be safe. If you stay with us, we'll be at the Park Meadows on the Bronco's dime. Then we will be going south. Its likely to get very messy. You've been here a couple days. You don't owe us anything. But if you come back, well... its your call."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I smile at Fitz's concern for my companions and I nod my head at his decision to send someone, most likely, more capable than I.

"I'll be staying on and heading back with y'all to Fort Garland, if that's ok with you. Things have changed and I no longer have a need to visit The Springs, or anywhere else local for that matter. And Fort Garland seems as good a place as any for me and Slugger to figure some things out. Plus, you Arco Boys have treated me and mine fairly... more than fairly, and I feel I should do what I can to help y'all out. And my menagerie is more capable then they look; as scarred up Orcs and destroyed dune buggies will attest."

I smile and give Slugger a look of approval and a nod of my head.

"And I knew the risks coming into this, including a more dangerous return trip. But maybe I can pickup a bulletproof vest in the Mile High City, might help when things get messy."

*Michael James Watson

He nods, "Pay cash for armor. The Broncos will be eager to supply us and we are already getting free gas, but they will want credit for the free bees when they get to FG. I suspect we can get almost anything while we are here. Everyone, go shop. There is s favorable exchange rate of Colo-dollars to gold. I am going to trade 100 sovereigns for Colos. That'll run us a tab of around 50k colos. Look for body armor, ammo, seeds, kitchenware, medicine. Cell phones, target systems, needles. Things that might get scares if we have to start making it ourselves."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

"Well, to be honest Fitz, I don't want to owe the Broncos anything. Or anyone else for that matter. So I will definitely be paying for everything out of my own pocket."

I turn to look at Wrecker.

"And I'll try not to 'flash' more than necessary."

I give him a playful wink and laugh then turn back to Fitz.

"Now, you said it's safe here, Fitz, but every place has it's dangers... So what should I be wary of or watchful for in Denver?"

*Michael James Watson

"Be wary of Broncos buying drinks. The bastards will press ya. We will be passing Colorado Springs. There is supposed to be a Federal District. Not sure now. What used to be the city of Castle Rock is now the border of the city and state of Denver. Guys, i know its been a scary ride, but if you drink too much you'll wake up a Bronco. Stay safe. Stay south of Willow Creek. Stay in the 470/25 commercial area...2 days and we are out of here."

*Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.

I give Slugger a playful shove.

"You hear that Slugger? No drinking. So I guess you're going to have to curb your alcoholic ways for a couple of days."

I give her a playful smile and a wink, then I turn back to Fitz.

"Good advice. We'll heed your warnings."

I take a last drag off my cigarette and drop the butt to the ground, snuffing it under my boot heel. I pull my skull riding mask back into place.

"Ready when you are, boss."

*Michael James Watson

Slugger snickers, "I will if you will!" She pulls the helmet over her brow.

A motorcyclist comes over and speaks briefly to Fitz. Fits yells, "Mount up"