Author: Derek
Monday Fiction – Zombie Strike Part 11 Chapter 112
Southern outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri; 31 December, 2011, 0730 hours local; Countdown: 16 hours, 30 minutes
Mateo Cortez ducked as the gollum swung its axe. He felt the obsidian blade whistle over his head. Mateo tried to bring his M4 up. The added weight of the underslung shotgun made him slow. Suddenly, Quentin was standing next to him. The big man caught the axe on his reinforced forearm armor. A hammer blow to the hip drove the gollum to the ground. Mateo saw his chance and fired. The 5.56mm round shattered the gollum’s stone medallion – and its mystical protection. Its unearthly scream was cut short as Quentin decapitated it with a single blow.
"Thanks," Mateo said. Two rifle cracks told him Sissy and Jess were keeping those minions’ heads down. Stahl, The Steve, and Sport were dealing with the small horde of zombies drawn by the crash of the tilt-rotor. Tredegar was talking into a radio with Evan standing over him. Billy had disappeared, chasing after the other gollum. Mateo moved next to Sissy behind the wreckage of the tilt-rotor.
"Any luck?" Mateo asked.
"Jess may have gotten a piece of hers," Sissy stated calmly, her eyes never coming off her scope. "Mine seems to have learned from his friend." Mateo peeked over the shattered wing. The first minion was lying dead. He’d been the leader of the Truth team sent to collect Zombie Strike. From the way the minion stormed into the crashed tilt-rotor, he expected to find the team knocked out. Mateo’s shotgun blast threw the minion out of the cargo compartment and sent his force scurrying.
"Well back to the original plan before those gollums interrupted us," Mateo said. "Tredegar, quit playing with that radio and get over here!" The FBI special agent scowled, but complied. Evan trotted behind Tredegar.
"As soon as I give you the word, I want you to run to that drugstore. Jess and Sissy’ll cover you," Mateo said, pointing at the building maybe a hundred yards from the tilt-rotor’s crash site. "Evan, you stay with Quentin and me."
"What do you want me to do when I get there?" Tredegar asked, clearly unsure of Mateo’s plan.
"You’ll know when you get there," Mateo said. Tredegar cautiously moved to the edge of the wreckage. With a weak smile, the FBI special agent gave Mateo a thumbs-up. Mateo and Quentin readied grenades. Mateo took one last look at the small wall the two remaining minions were using for cover.
"Now!" Mateo said. Tredegar sprinted out as Mateo and Quentin tossed their grenades. Quentin’s grenade started spewing bright blue smoke, blanketing the area. Mateo’s arched over the wall and detonated. His was a concussion grenade. Mateo, Quentin, and Evan stormed the wall. One of the minions stood up to attack the trio. A rifle cracked, and the minion’s head exploded into red mist. Quentin vaulted the low wall as Evan and Mateo brought their weapons over. Mateo swore. The last minion must have been too close to the concussion grenade. The side of his head looked like Quentin hit it with his hammer. Mateo wanted the last one alive. He needed intelligence.
"Why did you have me run towards the drugstore if you were going to just assault them?" Tredegar asked as the FBI agent rejoined the team.
"Because he was using you as a decoy," Sissy answered with a caustic tone. She shot Mateo an accusing glare. Tredegar just looked hurt and surprised.
"Sissy, in case you missed it, we’re trying to stop the end of the world," Mateo said. "I’m going to try and get us out of here alive, but I’ll spend your lives if I feel it necessary."
"Of course you will," Sissy said in a biting tone. She walked off to help the rest of the team finish off the zombies. Mateo swore under his breath.
"Tredegar, see if you can find us some vehicles. The minions would have to transport us in something," Mateo ordered. Quentin stood next to Mateo as Tredegar and Evan started their search.
"You could have handled that better, Matt," Quentin said.
"Maybe, but something about that woman," Mateo said, unable to say what was going through his mind. Ever since Sissy rejoined the team, she was like a splinter under Mateo’s skin.
"Just try to keep that infamous temper of your under control," Quentin said. "I’d like to see the New Year."
St. Louis, Missouri; 31 December, 2011, 0800 hours local; Countdown: 16 hours
Castle nearly shot the television. It was bad enough to watch Zombie Strike casually pick off Mikhail’s hand-picked retrieval team. Listening to Collin laugh as each of his Champions fell was maddening. If he didn’t need the ebony Brit, Castle would have put a bullet into that smiling face.
"Well that didn’t go as planned?" Collin said as Zombie Struck piled into the two cars the Champions brought to bring in the prisoners. "Be glad the ladies didn’t notice your boy with the camcorder. You’d have another of your boys in a body bag." Castle shot up from the chair and stormed over to where Mikhail was talking with another of his Champions.
"Your chosen team failed," Castle said his voice cold.
"No, they are still in place and following the Zombie Strike team," Mikhail said, turning to Castle. "Now, please go sit down until it’s time for the Golden Ritual."
"What did you say?" Castle demanded.
"You are letting your hatred of Zombie Strike affect your thinking," Mikhail said, his voice a careful neutral, "The last time we tried to capture Zombie Strike, they nearly killed you. Better to let them think they’re running free while keeping them under surveillance."
"Hate to admit it, but Giant’s right," Collin said, joining the two. "If you want Mateo, you’re going to need to let him come to you." Castle bit down the angry retort. Mikhail was his senior subordinate and ally. The Great Champion had already seen some of the path. He knew what would happen if they succeeded, and if they failed. Mikhail would not jeopardize the path the Truth had been walking for these many years.
"Mikhail continue your surveillance, but try to winnow off some of them." Castle said, not willing to fully relent against his need for revenge. Mikhail graciously accepted his partial victory with a slight bow.
"We shall do as ordered."
Friday Quote – Jordan Petersen
The proper way to fix the world isn’t to fix the world. There’s no reason to assume that you’re even up to such a task. But you can fix yourself. You’ll do no one any harm by doing so, and in that manner at least, you will make the world a better place.
Myths of Ukraine
“The Wheel of Time turns, and ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legends fade to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.” – Robert Jordan, Wheel of Time
As we watch Russia’s blitzkrieg into Ukraine, stories have come out. Most will likely turn out not to be true, but it is these kinds of stories that national myths are built upon.
- Ghost of Kyiv – An unknown pilot who reportedly shot down six Russian aircraft to become the first ace over European skies since WWII.
- Snake Island – Russian warship demands surrender of thirteen soldiers protecting critical island. They respond with “Go fuck yourself.” And unfortunately pay the ultimate price.
- Ukranian Marine Sacrifices Himself to Blow A Bridge – Ukrainian Marine battalion engineer Vitaly Skakun Volodymyrovych blew himself up on a bridge to stop the Russians from advancing in Ukraine.
- Old Woman Hands Out Seeds To Russian Troops So That Their Bodies Will Feed New Flowers – There are psy-ops, and then there’s psy-ops. There’s just something about a woman confidently handing armed men seeds telling them at least their bodies will feed some beauty.
5.Ukranian Couple Get Hitched And Then Go Collect Weapons – They were planning to get married in May, but unsure of their future the couple married early. Instead of a honeymoon, they went out to gather weapons to defend their country.
- Need a Tow? – Ukranian man comes across a tank that’s broken down. He offers to tow it back to Russia.
There will be many stories of heroism. And unfortunately tragedy. Because war is war. See video below for explanation.
EDC Post 2022
Another in my series of seeing how things change year over year. I tend to carry a lot of stuff. Here are my previous posts:
2018 post.
2019 post.
2020 post.
2021 post.
For 2022, there’s been significant changes to my EDC. Shortly after my 2021 post, I had trouble finding the cargo jeans that I normally wore. Plus, they weren’t holding up to my normal wear and tear. So after much discussion with The Wife, I decided to go from carrying a bunch of stuff in various pockets, I started carrying a bag with many of the items. Further, after nearly two years of full-time telework, I don’t go out as much. So, most days, I’m just walking around my house.
Just Around The House
This is the EDC I will carry most days that I don’t go outside the house.
Phone
I’m using an iPhone 12. I have the 128 GB model. I used to need to have all teh space, but since I work from home, I can manage more under Wi-Fi and need less space. I use a simple case that has the texture of a MagPul P-MAG.
Earbuds
I’ve recently switched to a pair of Jabra Elite 75t earbuds. They’re still in the “testing” phase. If these don’t work, I’ll probably go back to my Apple AirPods Pro. I particularly like Apple’s “transparent” mode which allows more of the outside sound through. I’ve been having battery issues with them though. which prompted the switch to the Jabra’s.
Pocketknife
I carry a Leatherman Skeletool for just around the house. Much to The Wife’s chagrin, I’ve found I need a knife or one of the myriad of little tools far too often.
Flashlight
For walking around the house, I carry an older Streamlight ProTac. It’s good for quickly looking in shadowed and/or darkened areas. Like under the bed. It’s also surprisingly good at finding where one of the cat’s decided to mark its territory.
Watch
I’m using a 44mm Series 5 Apple Watch. I like the always on feature.
Going Out Of The House – On Person
Additional stuff when I’m going out.
Wallet
I use a Saddleback Large Leather wallet.. I keep a Tool Logic Credit Card inside it. It’s not that I use it that much. Mostly, it’s because I’ve had the damn thing for probably twenty-five years, and my wallet feels empty without it.
Keys
My brother picked me up a Lifelong Ring 300 key ring system. I mainly use the main big ring and have all of my keys on the wire key rings. In addition to my keys, I have:
-
Kingston 32GB Flash Drive – Because you never know when someone has a file they want to give you
-
Gerber Artifact – I’m not sure if Gerber is still selling these, but their Shard would be a good substitute
-
Surefire Sidekick – Of course, I have to have another flashlight. It doesn’t get used as much as it did when I was commuting in the dark early morning, but it’s still come in handy a couple of times.
Pocketknife
If I’m out of the house, the Leatherman gets switched out for a Kershaw-Emerson CQC-10.
Flashlight
For going out of the house, I carry a Streamlight ProTac 750 lumen flashlight. It’s too big to really be a pocket flashlight, so I carry it in one of my IWB spare magazine holders.
Pepper Spray
I carry a small Sabre Pepper Spray for when I need something between strong words and deadly force.
Pen
I carry around a CRKT tactical pen.
Sidearm
Unless I’m going to someplace I’m not legally allowed to carry, I generally have my Smith and Wesson M&P9 (First Gen) equipped with a Streamlight TLR-1 and Trijicon night sights. I keep it and the spare magazine loaded with 124-grain Speer Gold Dots (since that’s what the local cops use). I’ve switched to using a Bravo Concealment kydex IWB holster after the leather on my hybrid started folding over and preventing good holstering. I’ve started using a pair of IWB kydex magazine holders for a spare magazine and my flashlight. When I can finally do some test firing, I’ll be switching out my sidearm to an M&P9 M&P2.0. The new one has an upgraded TLR-1 (all the lumenz!).
Going Out – The Bag
After much discussion with The Wife, I switched to carrying a 5.11 LV10 Sling Pack for carrying all the bits and bobs I normally carried in the pockets of my cargo jeans. Since I switched out to the bag, some of the items I normally carried were switched out for bigger items.
Electronics Support
In addition to the spare batteries for all my various items, I make sure I have the needed cords for all my devices. For charging, I use an Anker PowerCore I also keep a spare set of Apple Earpods in case my wireless earbuds aren’t working or out of power.
First Aid Stuff
-
The “Boo-Boo” First Aid Kit – Coleman Mini First Aid Kit– This handles handles minor emergencies, and I like the tin as a container. It generally has band-aids, disinfecting wipes, and small antibiotics.
-
The “Oh-Shit” First Aid Kit – ResQue 1st Trauma Kit – It’s a small kit that has QuikClot, gauze, tape, bits and bobs, and a spare tourniquet. I’ve supplemented with scissors and tweezers and additional bandages.
-
Tourniquet Right the Fuck Now – Phlster Flatpack with CAT Tourniquet – I picked the CAT because that’s what I was trained to use.
-
Spare Meds – I generally keep small bottles of ibuprofen and Pepcid AC. Because that’s generally what I need to deal with the aches and pains of going outside.
Tools
-
Bic disposal lighter – Must Have Fire
-
Gerber Dime – This is a good little multi-tool for quick jobs. And the purple one I have is just cute.
-
Leatherman Skeletool – This is not the one I carry around the house. This is another that I happened to have. It lives in my bag since this one came with all the little bits Leathermen made to fit into the modular screwdriver.
-
Mini Tape Measure – I think mine is actually from Tractor Supply, but running around with The Wife necessitates having a tape measure when she finds stuff for the house.
-
Reusable twist ties
-
Smith and Wesson M&P tactical pen – Because writing. And tactical. And there may be more than one.
-
Streamlight Polytac X Flashlight – Yes, I have another flashlight. Don’t judge. I like this one because it has a rechargeable battery, but will also run on a couple of CR123’s.
Odds and Ends
-
Amazon Microfiber Cloth – These are really handy for cleaning my eyeglasses and my electronics’ screens.
-
Handkerchief – General purpose cotton handkerchief. This may get switched out for a shema (I can never remember how to spell that).
-
Hand Sanitizer – I prefer the small little bottles from Bath and Bodyworks.
-
Post-It Notes – Because you never know when you’ll need to write something down or leave a note for someone. I like the vibrant colors in case I need my note to draw attention.
-
Travel Pack Tissues – Because allergies. And occasional cleaning.
-
More magazines – Since I had the space, I figured I could keep a couple more spare magazines in a Blackhawk Double Magazine Pouch. Yes, the likelihood I’ll need these is very low. It’s still comforting to have another thirty-four rounds available.
-
Emergency cash – No, I’m not going to say how much
Monday Fiction – Zombie Strike Part 11 Chapter 111
Fort Deadhead, Festus, Missouri; 31 December, 2011, 0600 hours local; Countdown: 18 hours
Mateo Cortez had barely fallen asleep when he was shaken awake by a thunder clap. Then another jarred him completely awake. What in God’s name was going on? Was the Truth calling down lightning on the base? Out of reflex, Mateo started pulling on his gear. Then, his tired mind finally realized that the Army was unleashing a furious artillery barrage. Now Mateo understood why General Allen looked so amused when Mateo said he was going to try and get some sleep.
"Yep, thought so," Chief Stahl said as he entered Mateo’s room. He shoved a cup of steaming coffee into Mateo’s hands. "Figured the arty would have woken you up. Drink up. I’ve got the team in the prep area."
"We aren’t scheduled to go until noon," Mateo observed.
"Better to have everything ready in case we need to move up the insert," the chief said, "With what the General’s committing to the attack, our window might just come early. Sooner on the ground, the sooner we can start killing Truth bad guys." Mateo nodded and tossed back the scalding liquid. He could feel the burn course down him.
"Okay, let’s do this," Mateo said. He finished buckling on his armor and followed the chief outside. His team was waiting near the MacKenzie and Winston tilt-rotor that would take them into St. Louis. As he looked over his team, Mateo was suddenly struck with the realization there was a good chance that none of them would be coming out of the city alive. He’d known that on an intellectual basis. For some reason, the emotional gut punch of it finally hit him.
"Hey boss, you look terrible," The Steve said, noticing Mateo. The team medic’s face was lit with his almost trademark smile. He was busily stuffing medical supplies and ammo into various pouches on his armor.
"Didn’t sleep much, and then the army started trying to imitate an earthquake," Mateo said. The Steve chuckled at the half-hearted joke.
"You want me to give you some-," the medic’s words were cut-off by a howling scream. The Steve’s eyes went wide. He grabbed Mateo and shoved his team leader to the ground. Before Mateo could ask what was going on, he felt the ground buck while heat and ear-splitting noise wash over him.
"Mortar!" someone screamed. "We’re under mortar fire!" Soldiers were dashing across the fort’s open areas. Some were desperately trying to find cover. Others were busily hunting for their assailants. A dozen of the soldiers disappeared in a geyser of flame, dirt, and concrete.
"Let me up," Mateo ordered, "We need to find who’s dropping those bombs on us." The Steve pushed Mateo back down.
"No, that’s the soldiers’ job. We have to stay good until it’s time," The Steve said. Anger flashed through Mateo, but he could see that The Steve was right.
"Get in the chopper!" yelled a familiar voice, "The base is under attack! We need to get airborne now!" Mateo shrugged off his medic and looked up. Special Agent Tredegar in ill-fitting army field gear was sprinting towards the team. Evan Torrelli was running behind the FBI agent.
"Where’s the Army soldiers we’re supposed to have?" Mateo asked. The general agreed to provide Zombie Strike with some people who could direct air support, artillery, and resupply.
"Busy trying to protect the base. I’m taking over for them," Tredegar said impatiently, "Now get on the bird before they drop a mortar bomb on it!" Most of Zombie Strike was already strapping in as Mateo, The Steve, Tredegar, and Evan bounded up the cargo ramp. Mateo was barely seated when the aircraft leapt into the sky. The team was thrown against their restraints as the tilt-rotor twisted and jinked. The craft vibrated as the engines roared, the pilot clawing for every bit of airspeed he could generate.
"Dear God," Quentin said, barely audible in the cargo hold. Mateo looked where the big man was staring and swore. Thirty of the ten-foot tall Red Gollum monsters were charging into Fort Deadhead. Slain soldiers were scattered everywhere. Outside the walls, Mateo could see the Truth soldiers lobbing mortars and exchanging fire with the base guards. More hideous monsters easily climbed the walls and tore soldiers apart. Cold calculation told Mateo that Fort Deadhead would be overrun in less than two hours.
"At least we’re airborne," Stahl said, as he observed the onslaught. Mateo gave the chief a withering look, but it had no effect on the veteran soldier.
"We can still accomplish our mission," the chief said, "That’s all that really matters."
St. Louis, Missouri, 31 December 2011, 0620 hours local; Countdown: 17 hours, 40 minutes
Castle watched as Mikhail, the leader of the Truth’s Champions, walked across the deserted department store’s floor. Castle read Mikhail’s body language and decided his second-in-command must have good news. Castle forced himself to be patient and leaned back in the leather recliner. Now he understood why the Americans loved these chairs.
"The attack on the American base went off without a hitch," Mikhail said, "The Americans never suspected a thing until things started exploding."
"And Zombie Strike?" Castle asked.
"Their helicopter got airborne as expected," Mikhail reported, "We don’t know who was aboard or who may have been killed in the attack."
"We’ll know soon enough," Castle said, trying to sound calm and collected. "Are your people in place?"
"Yes, my lord," Mikhail answered, "As soon as their helicopter is in range, my Champions will take it down. Then we’ll seize Zombie Strike and have everything we’ll need for the ritual. Poor fools will never see what’s coming."
Friday Quote – Wyatt Earp
Fast is fine, but accuracy is final. You must learn to be slow in a hurry.
The Wards Go To The State Fair
This past weekend, The Wife and I took her mother to the Florida State Fair. It was the first time MIL had been to the fair. On the whole, we enjoyed it. Cracker Country was its normal charming self. Expo Hall was its normal riot of booths of established firms, wild entrepreneurs, and MLMs. The Arts and Crafts hall was more sparse, but The Wife found a booth she managed to find some home decor.
And we came home with fudge!
Broken Education
I was listening to the Unregistered podcast, and Corey DeAngelis was being interviewed. If you don’t know, DeAngelis is one of the leading advocates of school choice. The interview brought up all the problems I have with how we do grade school education in the country. How badly we serve some of our children with how inefficiently we use tax dollars in government schools.
Yes, I will admit in “Derek’s Grand View,” all education would be privatized. I don’t think the government has the correct incentives to run modern education systems appropriately. Particularly when we look at how they have responded in the last two years with the pandemic. However, that’s not the world we actually live in. There is a national interest in ensuring a minimally educated populace, plus we have built our economic structures on government run daycare that will provide some education. Some schools do provide great education, while others are little more than holding pens for children.
So, what can we do? My option for continuing with government schools is “backpack funding” of schools. Essentially, the dollars follow the students. To get the most out of this will require letting the students go to any school within the district, regardless of where they currently live. It will also require allowing the school leadership make hiring/firing/payroll decisions as well as setting local school policies and goals. This would allow for schools to cater to the parents to attract students. Will there still be holding pen schools? Probably. Malfeasance and corruption happen everywhere, but I think there will at least be more accountability in this method. I also think this would help reward high performing teachers and innovative education models.