October 28, 2024 10:00 A.M.

The Task Force people have been streaming into the Congregationalist Church building for half an hour. Daryl called all the TV and newspaper people earlier and misdirected them to a different venue

There are four FBI men, one of which is Mickens. Coluvis knew enough not to come. Just before the doors are shut, the four patriots enter, having shot two of the FBI men in their cars using noise suppressed pistols. The other two agents reach for their guns. Karl kills one. The other is Mickens, who freezes. Daryl says,

”Well, isn’t it splendid to see you again”

Mickens scowls.

The task force people are waiting nervously to see what is going to happen. Walter had a last minute thought yesterday ebening, and brought a special police type paddle lock with him. Now he speaks to each of the operatives quietly in turn, and then faces the group,

“Ladies and gentlemen, sorry about the unpleasantness with the trigger happy agent. There has been a clerical mix-up leading to a change in plans. We are American patriots and have reserved this venue for a meeting of our own. We ask you to please be patient, and let us show you to a waiting room, somewhat devoid of amenities I will admit, but adequate to this occasion, since our meeting will only take about twenty minutes, half an hour at the most. Let me thank you for your forbearance”

Mickens is grumbling angrily to himself. The four operatives, without incident, usher the Task Force to a small empty storage room. Karl notices a beautiful blonde Caucasian woman among the group and thinks what a pity it is that she was subverted at such a young age. Then he notices her hand caress that of a young Negro man next to her, and feels a renewed sense of propriety.

The Task Force people are all in the room and feel quite outmatched by the three rifles pointing at them. Mickens tries to bolt, but Daryl skewers his liver with an Arkansas Toothpick pulled from a sheath under his coat. He rinses the blade under a water fountain, and wipes it dry on Mickens jacket.

Walter quickly uncaps and tosses two canisters of gas into the room, gently closes the door, pulls the padlock out of his pocket, and secures the door. In such a small room, the gas works very quickly, so the suffering is minimal. The clamor stops within ninety seconds.

With that tremendous sense of wellbeing that comes from fine achievement, the four American heroes emerge into the bracing October morning air. The two waiting drivers look confused for a moment until the situation is explained. There are no other people around and the patriots head back to Mosley’s junkyard to park their undefiled vehicles for future use if duty demands.

October 29, 2024 7:20 A.M.

Daryl answers his kitchen door. It’s Special Agent Coluvis.

“Howdy, exactly ten minutes earlier than last time. You’re okay, buddy.” says Daryl in friendly greeting.

“Thought you might like to know. Your governor is declaring martial law for a house to house search.”

“For what? Most country men are going to have at least a small gun collection.”

‘Evidence of any kind, but with an outspoken patriot like you, keep an eye on them, be careful they don’t manufacture it.”

“What would ithat be?” asks Daryl

Usually shell casings or DNA they plant.”

“Jesus! This is World War III finally starting here, isn’t it?”

“Had to happen sooner or later.”

Daryl isn’t worried. He and Bonnie will watch them carefully, no casings because no shots were fired, and he has the Mickens toothpick stored off property.