The Pathways were giving a hugh sigh of relief as the holiday season was coming to a close. The children and grandchildren had a wonderful time, but the goodbye's were exchanged and the cleanup was complete. Shilo had just settled back in his recliner with remote in hand. Carrie was snuggled up with her coffee and puter. The evening was planned as the NFL playoffs were about to begin and there was lots of e-mail to read and respond to.
The solitude and silence was broken as Carrie shouted "Shite", and sat at attention facing the monitor. Shilo muted the game and came to Carrie's side to view the e-mail that was opened. It was from Palyn, Shilo's younger sister, and seemed to have something to do with a chip found in a.....deer? As they read on, the reason for the excitement became clearer;
.....as R was skinning the beautiful 16 point buck he had shot this morning, a small computer chip fell to the ground. At first R didn't think anything of it, other than it being odd to be embedded in the hip of the deer. Upon looking closer, he saw the marking of the canning company where I worked. When he brought it in to me, I realized it was coded with the government contract script. The government seldom used our canning plant. But listen to this, the plant burned down during the past 12 hours, and all the company computers had been taken to the parking lot and smashed to bits, as if someone was looking for something. I'm afraid and desperately want to chat with you. Please meet me at the regular time in the same chat room where we planned our vacation. Love Palyn
Carrie and Shilo glanced at one another with concern. Palyn seldom let things bother her, and her being alarmed made the message even more urgent! She had even used the reference to the chat room, not wanting to disclose the location. There would be a 2 hour wait to meet Palyn, and numerous questions to ask.
The Pathways began making notes on the information at hand, the chip, the markings on the chip, and the location where the chip was found. Shilo thought it was odd that R had finally killed a buck, much less a trophy buck. Carrie gave him the "look", until he explained that the deer must have actually been captured, had the chip embedded into its hip, then turned loose. Hmmmmm...Interresting. The fact that the plant had not only caught on fire, but that the heat was so intense to burn it to the ground, and why were the computers taken to the parking lot, if someone had wanted something why didn't they just download the information? Lots of questions...hope Palyn has some answers. All of this thinking was making Shilo hungry and there was leftover turkey in the icebox! Carrie only rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the puter. She continued brain storming the issue at hand...a rare government contract, the government marking on the chip, hmmmm. Carrie loved a good mystery and this had the makings of a dandy!
Hughes was shaken, he had just driven past the plant where he worked, and there was nothing left. At first his thoughts turned towards his job and providing for his family. Just as quickly he reviewed the events of the past several days. Startled by the policeman directing traffic, he was careful not to stop and stare at the ashes, but satisfied to drive by slowly and observe the events at hand. He didn't want to go home, sure that his wife would pick up on his distress. He drove aimlessly, this thoughts a whirlwind. He didn't give a notion to going by his sister's house, Palyn. Instead finally decided to go by his mother's on the other end of town. Mother Sweet would calm him down enough to place his thoughts in order. Hughes had so much to share, but wasn't ready yet to open up to anyone. A quick meal, and a walk with Mom's dog would do the trick, at least temporarily.
Carrie began her research on different "chips" placed into computers. She loved to work on the net and going through the search engines, especially to follow through on a mystery, excited her. The internet industry and computers were growing and changing so quickly! Carrie thrived on the knowledge of computer use. It was something in which she excelled. Shilo, on the other hand, was more of a mover and shaker. He moved from site to site and enjoyed e-mailing the friends and acquaintances he met along the way. Carrie discovered that independant chips were common for specific tasks that needed privacy. These chips were of the Pentiun IV group, not available for the casual user, but commonly employed for discrete information via major companies, the government, etc.. So a customer of the plant had requested a seperate chip for some reason, was this common place in this industry? Carrie didn't know, but she would find out! As Shilo took time to play a game of Clue with the grand daughters Lynn,
Dawn, and Danielle, Carrie worked on solving a real life mystery, and her clues were sparse! It was still an hour away from meeting Palyn in the chat room, and Carrie would study and probe until then. It seemed like yesterday adventure and mystery had followed the family on their vacation to the Outer Banks. The time off between the holidays and tax season would be filled with.....something, soon she would find out what!
Palyn came on line right on time..something that was unusual for her. Carrie was just as anxious as her sister-in-law! Palyn brought sis up to speed on what was happening. The discussion soon focused on the deer, how the chip would derive from such a location, and Shilo's off the cuff thought that something must have been wrong with the deer for R to actually kill it. R had tried for years to slay the mighty buck, but with no success. Then all of the sudden a trophy buck comes walking by him, right by the house? Hmmmmm...the thought that the deer had been drugged, then the chip placed, was given some credibility by the two sleuths. Palyn agreed to have the fresh meat tested for any sign of tampering. Carrie shared the information she had uncovered concerning the chip, and the markings of the U. S. Government upon it. The government code was to be investigated futher by Carrie, through a cyber friend she had met on the net by the name of LeRon Sands
LeRon and his wife May had played many games of spades in the Den within the Game Zone. The Mays and the Pathways exchanged ICQ numbers and the contacts between the two families had grown. The families had shared the excitement of sharing discoveries together as well as the burdens of family lows. Strength was drawn from one another over the course of their friendship, and a trust had been developed. LeRon had shared the position he held with the government with very few people, and Carrie was one of them. Who would have thought his position as stock analizist with the local computer distributor would be called upon for information. The Sands would be contacted, and the codes upon the chip interpreted.
The next topic in their sights would be who would take the chip from the computers at the plant...and why? And then go to the trouble to place it into the hip of a buck? It was thought that the job would have to be carried out by someone within the plant, after all some knowledge of the chip and the workings of the plant along with the computer system employed would be needed. Was the chip taken and hidden to keep it from whom ever destroyed the facility. The fact that the computers were seperated from the building prior to the fire only to be destroyed in the parking lot indicated that someone was searching for something. Was it the Chip? It was agreed that each would investigate futher with a meeting planned for later that night in the same chat room.
The Sands were happy to share anything they knew with Carrie reguarding the net, but this request seemed odd. Information concerning codes on a computer chip? After a lenghtly discussion, LeRon agreed to look into it, as most of the information requested was availible via the internet if one knew the right locations to search. Following a brief chat with May, LeRon came back online to share what he had found. The code was for a simple aerosal can, one that was used by the military to spray the equivilent of cooking oil upon cooking utensils. A common order that was coded; as usual, by the government. Who would want such a code, or chip? The military was requesting only that the chip, if found be sent to another distributor to complete the order requested. The fact that the order had been placed with the small plant in West Virginia was credited to Senator Rockerfeller. The Senator was known to help guide funding in whatever way back to his home state. Salutations were exchanged by all, and a promise of sharing whatever was discovered with the Sands was promised. Although they lived in Florida, and had only viewed one another via scanned photos, the relationship that had grown between the two families seemed to bond tighter with every message shared, and family news discussed.
Deep inside the North Mountain Ridge along the Shenandoah River, a meeting was about to take place among the officers of the RWB Militia (RWB standing for Red White Blue). Captain Chance, the self appointed leader of the twenty some men who formed this group, had the floor. The group was made up mostly of men in their fourties, and dressed in blue jeans and fatigue jackets. The plan being discussed was designed and implemented by Captain Chance. Where the small anti-government group had come across a pint of anthrax (a common known chemical developed and stock piled by Iraq, despite U N efforts to expose the development of such known poisons) was a mystery to most in the room. They were blinded in their hate of the American Government. They felt their country was becoming a second class nation, wiping the noses of governments world wide. The prevailing feeling was if the nation would become engaged in a war that was backed fully by every American, we as a nation would regain our place as the superior nation on earth. The RWB Militia felt the natons of the world should be as territories of the United States. That Arab nations inparticular should be brought to their knees, and their leaders beheaded pubicly. To achieve this goal it was agreed to bring the nation to their feet demanding a violent attack upon the Arab nations, Iraq specifically, destroying then as a nation and as a race of people. To do this there had to be an event happen that would be so horrible that all citizens, even the biggest cupcake pacifist, would rally to the call! The disappearance of the government chip was a major set back. In their first violent act as a militia, the building was burned, and the computers torn apart, but the chip with the military script was not be be found.
Capt. Chance felt he had the perfect plan, but without the chip the posession of the anthrax proved to be a problem instead of an answer to one. The one responsible for the leak in the group had to be brought to justice, pay the price in a way that would deter another weak link in the group. Then another method of dispersing the deadly chemical would have to be found. But whatever went wrong in the Martinsburg plant would have to be made right! The power of the United States must be felt world wide, and for a supposedly just cause supported by all Americans, even the noodle-back liberials!
R arrived home about the time Carrie and Palyn were entering the chat room. R shared his news of the deer meat he had checked, and Carrie followed by explaining the code on the chip, as provided by LeRon. Some of the pieces were coming together, but why the need for someone to have the chip, and how the heck did it get into the deer? There were pieces missing from this puzzle, and all in the room were stumped. The sound of steps coming across the porch startled the Berkeleys....causing Palyn to shut the power off to her puter. Carrie on the other end, feared the worse and the "shite" call again filled the air causing Shilo to scramble from the kitchen to the puter room.
When Hughes entered the room the Berkeleys didn't know whether to breathe easy, or choke the fire out of him! Hughes was coming to share a burden, and it seemed as if he was creating a greater one by just being there. When things calmed down, Palyn offered coffee around and listened with disbelief as the story being told was almost as unbelievable as some of Shilo's tales.
Hughes began by explaining the conversation he had over heard on the loading dock at work. It was hard for him to believe as he told the story. Of how a militia group was going to access the government order for spray cans, and as the cans would come across the line, they would be laced with anthrax, a deadly poison. The idea was to poison American troops with a commonly known deadly gas tied to Iraq, with the onset of vast American deaths caused by a nation known for terriorism, the people of America would have a call to arms
unlike any in the history of mankind! Mass retaliation would be the response with all means available! Then, Arab nations would take sides, along with every nation large and small, the thought was that America would be left standing among the ashes of nations. Taking its place as the world power.
Silence was the only response.......heads were spinning, Hughes went on to explain that he went into the computers at work, removing the chip. He fled so quickly he ran into a hugh 16 point buck on Rt 9. Rushing to the stag's aide and realizing it was still alive and kicking, he slipped the chip into a minor cut in the deer's hip. Just as quickly, the buck jumped up and struggled into the wooded area near by. R began shaking his head, revealing that this would explain the buck's dazed actions prior to being shot. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! is all Payln could say. I must tell Shilo and Carrie!! This would explain quite a bit, if they believe it. Hughes went into the bathroom and began to vomit, one way to take pressure off his nerves! As R began pulling the venison from the freezer, Palyn headed for the puter, a thought hit everyone at once, did anyone see Hughes? And would whoever this was try to follow through with their plans by other means?
The picture on the front page told more than the article that followed. Hughes rushed to the phone to call Payln, she had seen the picture of the man tied to a local loading dock, and what was left of him after an 18 wheeler backed into him. Hughes shared the rest of the story, the man crushed was the one he over heard discussing the plans for the chip. The byline mentioned that he belonged to a little known group named the RWB Militia. It seemed as if answers were falling into place. When the news of the death on the docks made its way to the Pathways of Whip-Poor-Will farm, it was decided that David should be brought into the fold. David was Shilo and Carrie's youngest son stationed at Ft. Campbell, Ky.
David and his new bride Renee rushed to the farm to hear first hand of the events as they were unfolding. David, a member of Air Assault 326th Engn. Bat. was trained in the handling of anthrax, and terriorism. He along with "Chopper Bob", "Brusin Brian", and "Wild Bill" formed a specialized assault team. Renee had been employed to coordinate the transmissions of the team with those of the 101st Screaming Eagles. Little was known of the RWB Militia, but investigations were taking place.
After receiving the ok from the Sands of Florida, it was decided that a plan was in the works to bait the Militia into following up with their original plan. It was made public knowledge that the government order for the air aerosol cans would be filled at a plant in Grantsville, West Virginia. This sight was chosen by design due to its location in the remote mountains of Grant County where the sunshine is brought in the hollow in buckets. The chip itself was reproduced, as to not draw attention to Hughes or the Berkeleys.
While the RWB were making plans, the special team assembled at Whip-Poor-Will were making their own. David, Chopper Bob, and Brian arrived at the farm just prior to the Black Hawks return from Ft. Bragg with Wild Bill. Renee would arrive at the docks at the same time as a lost hiker to distract the driver of the truck. With the team of Screaming Eagles in place with gas mask in hand, the handling of the anthrax was the #1 concern. If all else failed, the anthrax must be contained. The newely hired watchman would be replaced by R, this was his chance to regain some of the pride he had lost in the deer hunting scam. His training with the Air Guard and his framiliarity with the canning plant specs would make him a vaulable member of the team. Carrie and Palyn would wait outside the gate with a humvee to rush away Renee should events take a turn for the worse! Shilo and Russell, his oldest son, would stand by with a lead lined, air tight truck in which the anthrax would be deposited.
The weather was clear, and the night was still. With the sound of the approaching truck, R took a collective sigh and prepared himself. There was the driver and at least one other in the front of the truck. R met the two as they finished backing the truck in and hopped from the cab of the Freightliner tractor. The paper work was handed over, and with a slap on the back, the trio made their way to the dock. The door to the truck clattered as it was pulled up, and three men dressed in red, white and blue, stepped out with a small package in hand. It was then that a member of the arriving team realized the guard was not a member of the Militia....R responded by informing the arrivials that the watchman had taken sick, and he was a silent member of the RWB and only requested a chance to prove himself. As the men assessed the situation, Renee stumbled from the woods with flashlight in hand. The smile on her face was contagious, and helped to break the tention at hand. The driver of the truck began helping her, but not in a way that was welcomed. David could watch no more from his place in the wooden area where he had been following the turn of events by using the NVG. The team boarded the awaiting Black Hawks and the roar of the motors and wind from the props took all by suprise. R made a dive for Renee escorting her from the platform, making like he was rushing her away as unwanted, but really heading in the direction of the humvee. The hummer sprang into action and as Renee and R leaped into the back, Carrie roared the machine down an old logging road with Palyn armed with Pap's old 12 gauge covering their escape.
The 5 men that remained, uncovered their weapons and took up defensive positions about the truck and loading dock! One was assigned to the anthrax, and as he placed a protective suit on which hung in the back of the truck, he gently put the container within a protective holder. The choppers moved in quickly...the RWB members in the surrounding woods broke in a run looking for a path of escape. Not heeding the warnings of the Screaming Eagles support team, a militia member dropped with each burst of M16 round spent! The ground was quickly covered with the blood of the twisted bodies of the misslead members of the RWB.
As the special team dropped into place from the choppers, Chopper Bob took out two with the "saw" he carried at his side. All attention was given to the location of the anthrax. Soon the positions of the two remaining militia members were exposed by their fire at the ends of the barrels of their weapons. Brusin Brian took out one with the speed of an Eagle, moving in for the kill. David chose to use his knife to seperate the other terriorist from his soul. The last remaining RWB was in his suit with anthrax in hand, standing in the back of the truck, everyone froze in place.
Shilo and Russell brought the engine of the Cat to life and the tractor leaped in air as it headed towards the truck holding the gift of death for all. As Russell rammed the bumper into the rear of the evil truck, the anthrax was seperated from the host, Brusin Brian punctured the protective suit with a weapon of death from which it could not protect. David made a dive for the deadly container, using his 4.5 speed, making a catch bigger than any game winner! All special members of the team converged upon the balancing anthrax, and skillfully placed it into the special container in Russell's truck. Wild Bill, though following the action, kept his eye on an odd shaped figure just over the tree tops. Upon realizing it was a balloon, he climbed up the rope from whence he came and gave orders to track down the last of the Militia!
With Wild Bill grasping the rope, the M16 fell from his hand. The force from the Black Hawk was tremendous! The speed with which the Hawk closed in on the Balloon was as if a lion was ready to feed on a gazell. He free fell onto the top of the balloon, and slid into the basket below! Captain Chance met the young soldier as he entered and ran his dagger into Wild Bill's thigh, with a scream of pain, Bill sank his teeth into the jugular on Captain Chance's neck. The blood pulsated from between Wild Bill's teeth, as he refused to let go! Even after the gushing ceased, and the body beneath his went limp, he held the terrorist with his deadly grip. Finally, when realizing the balloon was free floating, he tossed the rope over the side and slid his wounded body towards earth. Carrie, seeing the event taking place, met him as he touched down, Palyn and Renee provided first aid enroute to the hospital.
The Screaming Eagles mopped up the scene at the docks, and the body count was taken. The RWB Militia was to be no more! As the clean up continued, CNN arrived, and soon the world would know how close we came to tragedy!
With leave coming to the men of the 326th, and everyone involved exhausted, a bon fire and bb-q out was held at Whip-Poor-Will. With Russell grilling the venison, R couldn't bring himself to get rid of it all. The Sands from Florida were able to finally meet the Pathways, Berkeleys, and extended families. Shilo and Carrie simply smiled, and relaxed into the recliners, looking for a quiet evening at home.