.338 Lapua will derail a small switch engine. Originally developed as an elephant round, it was discovered that with the right rifling it can kill at one mile. Never fired one... but reports from those who have leave me drooling. Will POWDER an engine block. Can penetrate earlier Soviet Tank armor without special projectiles. Will cost you teeth and bones if not shouldered right. Can be heard at 25 miles in a rainstorm.
I want one.
Doing it right...
Moderators: Bookworm, starkruzr, MrFireDragon, PrettyPrincess, Wapsi
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Sgt. Howard
- Posts: 3384
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:54 pm
- Location: Malott, Washington
Re: Doing it right...
Rule 17 of the Bombay Golf Course- "You shall play the ball where the monkey drops it,"
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
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Just Old Al
- Posts: 1693
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:43 am
- Location: Wilderness of Massachusetts
- Contact:
Re: Doing it right...
Ya think ya used enough dynamite, there Butch?
"The Empire was founded on cups of tea, mate, and if you think I am going to war without one you are sadly mistaken."
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jwhouk
- Posts: 6053
- Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2012 7:58 am
- Location: The Valley of the Sun, Arizona
- Contact:
Re: Doing it right...
Gregory Howard, everyone. He'll be here all week. Try the veal.
With an assist from Al, of course.
---
As they pulled the Land Rover onto US 12 to head back towards Wayzata, Brian noticed something.
"Were you guys having a barbecue on the estate this morning?"
"Uh, why do you ask?" Rowdy shot a nervous glance into the back seat at Justin and Shelly.
"Dunno, just smelled like BBQ chicken."
With an assist from Al, of course.
---
As they pulled the Land Rover onto US 12 to head back towards Wayzata, Brian noticed something.
"Were you guys having a barbecue on the estate this morning?"
"Uh, why do you ask?" Rowdy shot a nervous glance into the back seat at Justin and Shelly.
"Dunno, just smelled like BBQ chicken."
"Character is what you are in the dark." - D.L. Moody
"You should never run from the voices in your head. That's how you give them power." - Jin
"You should never run from the voices in your head. That's how you give them power." - Jin
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DinkyInky
- Posts: 2382
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:38 am
- Location: Where there's more than Corn.
- Contact:
Re: Doing it right...
Safyr saw weapons raised to kill, and...moved.
Hands glowing violet, she touched the Yuan Ti, and it let loose a death rattle, shuddered, and lay still. A pale blue glow enveloped her, Emerauld, Phix, and the Golems.
"Aphyon chu kissa whol l'jaed, l dosst phlithus quortek skiki cos wun l'charnagurl pits d'la'xero."
"Ka'lith ulu dos, vel'uss belbaus naust."
With that, Emerauld chanted an incantation, and with a wave of her hand, set the corpses in the clearing ablaze. All that remained in the pale light of the glowstone was ash, which she scattered with a summoned wind.
"Death comes swiftly for the ignorant, may your hated soul rot in the deepest pits of torment."
"Mercy to you, who gave none."
With that, Emerauld turned and shaking her boots in the dirt of the enemy, vanished in the shadows.
Hands glowing violet, she touched the Yuan Ti, and it let loose a death rattle, shuddered, and lay still. A pale blue glow enveloped her, Emerauld, Phix, and the Golems.
"Aphyon chu kissa whol l'jaed, l dosst phlithus quortek skiki cos wun l'charnagurl pits d'la'xero."
"Ka'lith ulu dos, vel'uss belbaus naust."
With that, Emerauld chanted an incantation, and with a wave of her hand, set the corpses in the clearing ablaze. All that remained in the pale light of the glowstone was ash, which she scattered with a summoned wind.
"Death comes swiftly for the ignorant, may your hated soul rot in the deepest pits of torment."
"Mercy to you, who gave none."
With that, Emerauld turned and shaking her boots in the dirt of the enemy, vanished in the shadows.
Yanno how some people have Angels/Devils for a conscience? I have a Dark Elf ShadowKnight and a Half Elf Ranger for mine. The really bad part is when they agree on something.
Aphyon chu kissa whol l'jaed.
--Safyr Drathmir
Aphyon chu kissa whol l'jaed.
--Safyr Drathmir
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Just Old Al
- Posts: 1693
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:43 am
- Location: Wilderness of Massachusetts
- Contact:
Re: Doing it right...
"All right, lads and lasses...looks like the show is over. HOWEVER, just in case that thing was not alone - let us be cautious on the way back to the residence, please. Form up. Ladies, would you lead us home, please? Greg, by me and be careful with that wretched cannon...odds and sods "HEY!" after that, and Jin and Neil providing rear cover please"
WIth that, my proud little squad and I headed back toward the manor house. There were a very large number of questions to be answered, I thought, and here and now was not the time to ask them. This thing, whatever it was, was quite paranormal - the elves knew of it, though it wasn't in anyone else's playbook. Personally, i did not want to see another of them if it was as dangerous as it seemed.
Keeping to patrol discipline, no one talked all the way back to the house, and until we reached the safety of indoors. Weapons were rendered safe and put away, though I noticed Greg didn't doff his .45. I will confess to keeping my Webley at my side - it was a comfort, though it would have been useless.
"Sarge, let Glytch know that he can come down off DEFCON1. And on that note, my general, I turn the troop back over to you."
Neil nodded, somewhat lost in thought. I think my thoughts ran across similar lines - if the baddies had things like that to throw at us life was about to get very interesting. The human drug scum were annoyance enough - the thought of powerful, unscrupulous paranormals was enough to put me off my tea and biscuits rather permanently.
Neil roused from his thoughts, motioned to me and to Greg, and pulled us aside. Once he did he announced to the room - "OK, people - it's been a busy night and a very long day. Everyone sack out, and get a full eight hours. Lastly, Twin Cities Irregulars - you performed well - we are proud of you. DIsmissed."
One by one or two by two, folks trickled off to bed. We three waited for the room to clear and the others to be out of earshot, then we looked at each other with a small feeling of helplessness. We three had been useless in this fight - the only thing that saved us was the high-level paranormals and the golems. Without them, we'd have all been dead.
"Look, we're all tired. The after-action report can wait till tomorrow - right now I hear Phix calling me to bed, and no doubt Miss Annie awaits you in a serious case of worry, Greg."
It occured to me suddenly - where had the centaurs been all this time? Oh, Bugger...where were they?
I walked over to the old-fashioned house phone, and dialed Daisy's room in the centaur residence. The phone rang, once, twice, three times...and a very sleepy voice answered "Whayouwan'?"
"Daisy - are you all OK?"
"Sure enough - everyone's asleep here. Why?"
We had an intruder on the property tonight. It was a nasty, but the elves got it with the help of Stanley and Tina. The golems and the troupe went out for moral support, but we weren't really needed."
"WHAT! YOU DID WHAT?!"
"Daisy, relax. I will explain everything in the morning. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. Tomorrow morning I will get Stan or Glytch or both to extend the alert systems to the centaur quarters."
Greg and the General looked at me as I held the phone, mutely asking "Well?"
"Damn centaurs slept right through it. No alarms there, and they never knew anything was up."
Sounding shaken and inquiring several times as to everyone's health Daisy was a bit difficult to get off the phone. She didn't sound well - I was worried about her. She needed to spend more time as a centaur, I thought. My bed would be very lonely, though. I didn't want to think about the long-term implications of this - it frightened me a bit.
Waling to my room to get changed, I realized that no one had seen Stan or Tina once we returned. Feeling a bit concerned I walked to the stairs of the tower, and walked up to the first landing. Looking further up I could see their room door was open - not likely if they were in bed asleep. The bath door was closed, and the light was on - but silence reigned.
I knocked - quietly, then a bit louder. "Stan? Tina? You guys in there?" Knock, knock. KNOCK, KNOCK. THUD.THUD.
Oh, dear. It occurred to me both of them had been hit with the poison...maybe they were sick. Bracing myself against a flood of invective I opened the door a crack, then more, calling their names. With the door open the full import of the scene became evident - a thoroughly asleep Stan, submerged in a tub of water, cuddled by an equally submerged and comatose TIna.
Averting my eyes, I sidled across the room to the tub, grabbed a loofah stick, and tapped on the side of the tub. "Wakey, wakey lovebirds! Time to go to bed and sleep properly!"
With a start both of them awoke and within the confines of a tub performed the maddest scramble it was ever my pleasure to hear and not see. Splashes, slips, "OUCH"es and general scrambling finally resulted in two wet, drippping figures covered at a basic modesty level with towels.
"What happened?" Stan asked, still not completely awake but aware of what we'd dealt with. Nothing, I said - the elves had it under control - we interrogated it then it was lights out for the nasty, scaly bugger. Other than that, business as usual.
"You two get a decent night's sleep - we'll debrief over breakfast. Till then, all is well. Stan - one thing got pointed out tonight - we have no alarm system in place in the centaur quarters - you need to extend the alerts for your search setup and find a way we can issue a general alarm. Tonight was a scramble and we got lucky - we need to tighten this up."
"No problem. I'm shot now - we'll talk in the morning, OK?" I nodded - it was obvious both of them were done in.
I left them to towel themselves off, and went back down to my room. I changed, secured my weapons, and turned out the light...alone.
WIth that, my proud little squad and I headed back toward the manor house. There were a very large number of questions to be answered, I thought, and here and now was not the time to ask them. This thing, whatever it was, was quite paranormal - the elves knew of it, though it wasn't in anyone else's playbook. Personally, i did not want to see another of them if it was as dangerous as it seemed.
Keeping to patrol discipline, no one talked all the way back to the house, and until we reached the safety of indoors. Weapons were rendered safe and put away, though I noticed Greg didn't doff his .45. I will confess to keeping my Webley at my side - it was a comfort, though it would have been useless.
"Sarge, let Glytch know that he can come down off DEFCON1. And on that note, my general, I turn the troop back over to you."
Neil nodded, somewhat lost in thought. I think my thoughts ran across similar lines - if the baddies had things like that to throw at us life was about to get very interesting. The human drug scum were annoyance enough - the thought of powerful, unscrupulous paranormals was enough to put me off my tea and biscuits rather permanently.
Neil roused from his thoughts, motioned to me and to Greg, and pulled us aside. Once he did he announced to the room - "OK, people - it's been a busy night and a very long day. Everyone sack out, and get a full eight hours. Lastly, Twin Cities Irregulars - you performed well - we are proud of you. DIsmissed."
One by one or two by two, folks trickled off to bed. We three waited for the room to clear and the others to be out of earshot, then we looked at each other with a small feeling of helplessness. We three had been useless in this fight - the only thing that saved us was the high-level paranormals and the golems. Without them, we'd have all been dead.
"Look, we're all tired. The after-action report can wait till tomorrow - right now I hear Phix calling me to bed, and no doubt Miss Annie awaits you in a serious case of worry, Greg."
It occured to me suddenly - where had the centaurs been all this time? Oh, Bugger...where were they?
I walked over to the old-fashioned house phone, and dialed Daisy's room in the centaur residence. The phone rang, once, twice, three times...and a very sleepy voice answered "Whayouwan'?"
"Daisy - are you all OK?"
"Sure enough - everyone's asleep here. Why?"
We had an intruder on the property tonight. It was a nasty, but the elves got it with the help of Stanley and Tina. The golems and the troupe went out for moral support, but we weren't really needed."
"WHAT! YOU DID WHAT?!"
"Daisy, relax. I will explain everything in the morning. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. Tomorrow morning I will get Stan or Glytch or both to extend the alert systems to the centaur quarters."
Greg and the General looked at me as I held the phone, mutely asking "Well?"
"Damn centaurs slept right through it. No alarms there, and they never knew anything was up."
Sounding shaken and inquiring several times as to everyone's health Daisy was a bit difficult to get off the phone. She didn't sound well - I was worried about her. She needed to spend more time as a centaur, I thought. My bed would be very lonely, though. I didn't want to think about the long-term implications of this - it frightened me a bit.
Waling to my room to get changed, I realized that no one had seen Stan or Tina once we returned. Feeling a bit concerned I walked to the stairs of the tower, and walked up to the first landing. Looking further up I could see their room door was open - not likely if they were in bed asleep. The bath door was closed, and the light was on - but silence reigned.
I knocked - quietly, then a bit louder. "Stan? Tina? You guys in there?" Knock, knock. KNOCK, KNOCK. THUD.THUD.
Oh, dear. It occurred to me both of them had been hit with the poison...maybe they were sick. Bracing myself against a flood of invective I opened the door a crack, then more, calling their names. With the door open the full import of the scene became evident - a thoroughly asleep Stan, submerged in a tub of water, cuddled by an equally submerged and comatose TIna.
Averting my eyes, I sidled across the room to the tub, grabbed a loofah stick, and tapped on the side of the tub. "Wakey, wakey lovebirds! Time to go to bed and sleep properly!"
With a start both of them awoke and within the confines of a tub performed the maddest scramble it was ever my pleasure to hear and not see. Splashes, slips, "OUCH"es and general scrambling finally resulted in two wet, drippping figures covered at a basic modesty level with towels.
"What happened?" Stan asked, still not completely awake but aware of what we'd dealt with. Nothing, I said - the elves had it under control - we interrogated it then it was lights out for the nasty, scaly bugger. Other than that, business as usual.
"You two get a decent night's sleep - we'll debrief over breakfast. Till then, all is well. Stan - one thing got pointed out tonight - we have no alarm system in place in the centaur quarters - you need to extend the alerts for your search setup and find a way we can issue a general alarm. Tonight was a scramble and we got lucky - we need to tighten this up."
"No problem. I'm shot now - we'll talk in the morning, OK?" I nodded - it was obvious both of them were done in.
I left them to towel themselves off, and went back down to my room. I changed, secured my weapons, and turned out the light...alone.
Last edited by Just Old Al on Wed Nov 11, 2015 5:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
"The Empire was founded on cups of tea, mate, and if you think I am going to war without one you are sadly mistaken."
Re: Doing it right...
You're saying "Really Noisy Cricket", I guess?Sgt. Howard wrote:.338 Lapua will derail a small switch engine. Originally developed as an elephant round, it was discovered that with the right rifling it can kill at one mile. Never fired one... but reports from those who have leave me drooling. Will POWDER an engine block. Can penetrate earlier Soviet Tank armor without special projectiles. Will cost you teeth and bones if not shouldered right. Can be heard at 25 miles in a rainstorm.
I want one.
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lake_wrangler
- Posts: 4300
- Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2012 8:16 am
- Location: Laval, Québec, Canada
Re: Doing it right...
He would be good at it... after all, he wrote the book on the subject: How to be noticed when making an entrance, by Gregory Howard. Copyright... 2021 ?!? Um, Sarge? What exactly is going on, here?GlytchMeister wrote:Way to make an entrance, Sarge.Sgt. Howard wrote:"FALL IN!! FALL IN!! FALL IN!! WE HAVE INTRUDER ON THE GROUNDS! AL!!! BUD!!! BRANDY!!! MAY!!! NEIL!!! BOOTS AND SADDLES, LOCK AND LOAD!!! WEAPONS AND AMMO ONLY!!!" bellowing at the top of his lungs, "ALAN, JIN, KEVIN, SHELLY, JUSTIN, PHIX- ALL FRONT AND CENTER- WEAPONS AND AMMO ONLY,"Welcome back. I missed you
Anyway... That entrance, with the exception of the specific names, was taken right out of Chapter 7: Make a scene, and make it loud!
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Sgt. Howard
- Posts: 3384
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:54 pm
- Location: Malott, Washington
Re: Doing it right...
Wearing stripes is not the same thing as using stripeslake_wrangler wrote:He would be good at it... after all, he wrote the book on the subject: How to be noticed when making an entrance, by Gregory Howard. Copyright... 2021 ?!? Um, Sarge? What exactly is going on, here?GlytchMeister wrote:Way to make an entrance, Sarge.Sgt. Howard wrote:"FALL IN!! FALL IN!! FALL IN!! WE HAVE INTRUDER ON THE GROUNDS! AL!!! BUD!!! BRANDY!!! MAY!!! NEIL!!! BOOTS AND SADDLES, LOCK AND LOAD!!! WEAPONS AND AMMO ONLY!!!" bellowing at the top of his lungs, "ALAN, JIN, KEVIN, SHELLY, JUSTIN, PHIX- ALL FRONT AND CENTER- WEAPONS AND AMMO ONLY,"
Anyway... That entrance, with the exception of the specific names, was taken right out of Chapter 7: Make a scene, and make it loud!
Rule 17 of the Bombay Golf Course- "You shall play the ball where the monkey drops it,"
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
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Sgt. Howard
- Posts: 3384
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:54 pm
- Location: Malott, Washington
Re: Doing it right...
... could be... y'know, I've never had a situation where I had too much bullet...Just Old Al wrote:Ya think ya used enough dynamite, there Butch?
Rule 17 of the Bombay Golf Course- "You shall play the ball where the monkey drops it,"
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
Re: Doing it right...
Didn't your lady want to be able to live in the house after you killed that spider?Sgt. Howard wrote:... could be... y'know, I've never had a situation where I had too much bullet...Just Old Al wrote:Ya think ya used enough dynamite, there Butch?
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Sgt. Howard
- Posts: 3384
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:54 pm
- Location: Malott, Washington
Re: Doing it right...
... it really wasn't that big of a repair...Warrl wrote:Didn't your lady want to be able to live in the house after you killed that spider?Sgt. Howard wrote:... could be... y'know, I've never had a situation where I had too much bullet...Just Old Al wrote:Ya think ya used enough dynamite, there Butch?
Rule 17 of the Bombay Golf Course- "You shall play the ball where the monkey drops it,"
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
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lake_wrangler
- Posts: 4300
- Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2012 8:16 am
- Location: Laval, Québec, Canada
Re: Doing it right...
I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, by that... Is that a cultural reference of some sort?Sgt. Howard wrote:Wearing stripes is not the same thing as using stripes
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Sgt. Howard
- Posts: 3384
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:54 pm
- Location: Malott, Washington
Re: Doing it right...
When Greg was informed of an intruder, he rallied the troops-lake_wrangler wrote:I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, by that... Is that a cultural reference of some sort?Sgt. Howard wrote:Wearing stripes is not the same thing as using stripes
FALL IN- Git your mangy goat smelling ass out here right now!
BOOTS AND SADDLES- fatigue uniform with belt and LBE (Load Bearing Equipment), IE, combat wear
LOCK AND LOAD- lock one magazine, load one round, place safety- the only thing left to open fire is flipping off the safety and pulling the trigger
WEAPONS AND AMMO ONLY- if it don't go bang, leave it
-put it al together, it means the shit has hit the fan and you'd best be ready for it
the three stripes worn by a sergeant are the rank of command- anybody can wear a uniform with three stripes on it, but only a true Sergeant knows how to use them. I can motivate the laziest, most cowardly or ignorant individual almost entirely by the power of my voice. I can install confidence, motivation, determination and courage the same way. Give me two months to train ANY 100 fellows, regardless of background, and I will produce about 25 to 30 soldiers in that time. The rest will wash- but those who complete the course will attack Hell itself and win.
This is leadership. The civilian world has no equivalent. The closest you will get might be professional sports
Rule 17 of the Bombay Golf Course- "You shall play the ball where the monkey drops it,"
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
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lake_wrangler
- Posts: 4300
- Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2012 8:16 am
- Location: Laval, Québec, Canada
Re: Doing it right...
Ah. I understand, now. And I see that my memory must be faulty, in that that entrance must then have either come from Chapter 6: You're In The Army Now, Act Like It of the same book (How to be noticed when making an entrance, by Gregory Howard. Copyright... 2021), or out of your next book: Don't SIR me, I WORK for a living! - Memoirs of a Drill Sargeant, by Gregory Howard, Copyright 2025...Sgt. Howard wrote:When Greg was informed of an intruder, he rallied the troops-lake_wrangler wrote:I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, by that... Is that a cultural reference of some sort?Sgt. Howard wrote:Wearing stripes is not the same thing as using stripes
FALL IN- Git your mangy goat smelling ass out here right now!
BOOTS AND SADDLES- fatigue uniform with belt and LBE (Load Bearing Equipment), IE, combat wear
LOCK AND LOAD- lock one magazine, load one round, place safety- the only thing left to open fire is flipping off the safety and pulling the trigger
WEAPONS AND AMMO ONLY- if it don't go bang, leave it
-put it al together, it means the shit has hit the fan and you'd best be ready for it
the three stripes worn by a sergeant are the rank of command- anybody can wear a uniform with three stripes on it, but only a true Sergeant knows how to use them. I can motivate the laziest, most cowardly or ignorant individual almost entirely by the power of my voice. I can install confidence, motivation, determination and courage the same way. Give me two months to train ANY 100 fellows, regardless of background, and I will produce about 25 to 30 soldiers in that time. The rest will wash- but those who complete the course will attack Hell itself and win.
This is leadership. The civilian world has no equivalent. The closest you will get might be professional sports
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Just Old Al
- Posts: 1693
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:43 am
- Location: Wilderness of Massachusetts
- Contact:
Re: Doing it right...
{Author's note: Salutation to all veterans today - and thank you!}
Breakfast the next morning was a rather subdued affair, with very heavy demands on the coffee supply. Poor Rosalita was forced to dig out the coffeemaker normally used for functions and press it into service - and the quality of the coffee suffered for it.
"This coffee is awful" Al thought, draining his third half-liter mug. He thought dreamily of the wonderful Kona, extra strong with demara and cream that Tina used to prepare for him, and realize that the disruption in his coffee routine was the worst thing about this whole annoyance. He really needed to track down where Tina was setting up and get some real coffee.
""AL...AL!" Neil shook his shoulder and the old soldier refocused on the conversation.
"Last night was a debacle. I won't say this too loud in front of the troops but the fact that the scaly bastard was caught was down to sheer happenstance. We need to integrate the security systems and provide some kind of an alert setup - if it hadn't been for Stan out tweaking his security system and Glytch off for a bit of target practice our goose would have been cooked.
Al - get with Stan and Glytch before he goes off to play with that Dr. Strangelove gadget of his and have all the house cellphones set up with an alarm and people told to carry them at all times. Knowing Glytch he can knock that out in a couple of minutes - he'll just need to integrate with the security system and Stan's additions to it. He also needs to deal with that spider's web of cables in the office - it made things too hard for Sarge to respond effectively last night."
"Greg - turnout drills. You know the ropes on that, but I think the TCI needs a bit of practice. I know we're dealing with a bunch of civilians here despite the training but they should have been in lock and load and ready to go in less time than it took them. I think we need a couple of practical demonstrations on up, dressed and go from a soldier who understands it too well.
They can shoot, but they need more of the practicalities. This war is getting rougher, and we need to be more vigilant."
Both sergeants nodded - they well knew what last night had been. The holes needed to be patched and quickly.
The usual pandemonium was muted, but not altogether gone. Dixie was still making happy or upset noises as she chose, and people were comparing notes on what had happened. Stan, looking haggard, was working his way through a third helping of breakfast before heading off to his classes. He still was not back up to speed after his near-poisoning last night, but with Tina up and out to deal with the caffeine needs of the paranormal world he doggedly insisted on going to his own responsibilities.
Glytch, head down over his meal, had been thinking over last night's action as well. The fact that his bow and quiver of arrows had actually been his bulwark against a messy death pointed out to him how serious this situation was. This wasn't a game, despite the fantastic elements of it - paranormals, immortals, monsters, elves... it was all coming home in a big way. This wasn't just pushing buttons anymore - it was real.
This same thought was an undercurrent of the mood at the table. The folks there had taken the training and all of the skills needed and learned them - but last night they'd learned what they were intended for.
Breakfast the next morning was a rather subdued affair, with very heavy demands on the coffee supply. Poor Rosalita was forced to dig out the coffeemaker normally used for functions and press it into service - and the quality of the coffee suffered for it.
"This coffee is awful" Al thought, draining his third half-liter mug. He thought dreamily of the wonderful Kona, extra strong with demara and cream that Tina used to prepare for him, and realize that the disruption in his coffee routine was the worst thing about this whole annoyance. He really needed to track down where Tina was setting up and get some real coffee.
""AL...AL!" Neil shook his shoulder and the old soldier refocused on the conversation.
"Last night was a debacle. I won't say this too loud in front of the troops but the fact that the scaly bastard was caught was down to sheer happenstance. We need to integrate the security systems and provide some kind of an alert setup - if it hadn't been for Stan out tweaking his security system and Glytch off for a bit of target practice our goose would have been cooked.
Al - get with Stan and Glytch before he goes off to play with that Dr. Strangelove gadget of his and have all the house cellphones set up with an alarm and people told to carry them at all times. Knowing Glytch he can knock that out in a couple of minutes - he'll just need to integrate with the security system and Stan's additions to it. He also needs to deal with that spider's web of cables in the office - it made things too hard for Sarge to respond effectively last night."
"Greg - turnout drills. You know the ropes on that, but I think the TCI needs a bit of practice. I know we're dealing with a bunch of civilians here despite the training but they should have been in lock and load and ready to go in less time than it took them. I think we need a couple of practical demonstrations on up, dressed and go from a soldier who understands it too well.
They can shoot, but they need more of the practicalities. This war is getting rougher, and we need to be more vigilant."
Both sergeants nodded - they well knew what last night had been. The holes needed to be patched and quickly.
The usual pandemonium was muted, but not altogether gone. Dixie was still making happy or upset noises as she chose, and people were comparing notes on what had happened. Stan, looking haggard, was working his way through a third helping of breakfast before heading off to his classes. He still was not back up to speed after his near-poisoning last night, but with Tina up and out to deal with the caffeine needs of the paranormal world he doggedly insisted on going to his own responsibilities.
Glytch, head down over his meal, had been thinking over last night's action as well. The fact that his bow and quiver of arrows had actually been his bulwark against a messy death pointed out to him how serious this situation was. This wasn't a game, despite the fantastic elements of it - paranormals, immortals, monsters, elves... it was all coming home in a big way. This wasn't just pushing buttons anymore - it was real.
This same thought was an undercurrent of the mood at the table. The folks there had taken the training and all of the skills needed and learned them - but last night they'd learned what they were intended for.
"The Empire was founded on cups of tea, mate, and if you think I am going to war without one you are sadly mistaken."
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jwhouk
- Posts: 6053
- Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2012 7:58 am
- Location: The Valley of the Sun, Arizona
- Contact:
Re: Doing it right...
And now, for a slight fast forward...
---
The original intent for the developers of A-Mill Lofts was to create "a community for the Arts"; a place where artists of all types could live, work, and collaborate with each other. Painters, writers, photography, musicians, sculptors, visual arts – all would be welcomed to use the former site of the Pillsbury Flour Mill.
The newer part of the Mill (the so-called "South Building" whose tower held the famous Pillsbury Flour sign) had been easier to convert to lofts and studios – and, as a result, had sold out quickly. The older part (the North Building, which bore the name of the complex on its front) needed more work, as most of the interior spaces were originally intended as grain and flour storage. It had sold out as well, but its lofts and studios were proving difficult at times to remodel.
The one part of the Mill complex that was proving most frustrating was the warehouse. Located just north of the grain silos, off of 2nd Street Southeast, the developers had originally considered tearing it down in favor of adding more parking for tenants. One of the investors, however, imagined that the space could be used as a multi-purpose performance and reception hall. Musical performances, theater-in-the-round, recitals and the odd short-run art exhibitions were deemed perfect for the warehouse. The clincher, of course, was that it could also be rented out for special events – like, for example, weddings and concerts.
When the Lofts hit 50% capacity, they had booked their first wedding for the warehouse site, for late September. A problem had risen – literally. Most of the mill site (with the exception of the addition on the corner of 2nd and 5th) was located over diversion tunnels that were built to power the mill. The older building had some minor dampness in the main floor studios, but concrete and sealant had limited any issues.
The warehouse, however, was located over what had been determined to be a condensation reservoir. When the mill closed in 2007, the reservoir was drained, with the intent that it would be filled in by future construction on the site. What was not known until work began on renovating the warehouse was that the fill was less than complete.
The first major thaw in April of 2014 revealed the problem to the contractors: a leak had developed, and the water in the diversion tubes had started to work their way back into the reservoir. The result was that persistent standing water had developed on the side of the warehouse closest to the Mill, and that the floor of the warehouse was developing cracks as the fill beneath was shifting from the Mississippi River's constant flow.
They had tried to use the warehouse anyways for that wedding. It had gone well, but attendees had complained of the damp, dark conditions. Fortunately, the reception was finished before evening, and lighting had not proven to be an issue. It was clear, though, that the water issue needed to be addressed before the warehouse could be used again.
Whitaker's crew had spent practically all of the past two years trying to fill the cracks and minimize the water damage – more to the Mill itself, of course, as there were people living there. The consternation on his part was that the main electrical transformer for the warehouse was located right above where the diversion tubes filled the reservoir. The IBEW were already reluctant to work on the power supply for the building, even before the whole mess with Epimethus happened.
Kronwulf, in that initial meeting, had explained that the placement was intentional. He had gone back to the original blueprints and determined that Pillsbury had set up the reservoir for a steam generator to power the warehouse. Kronwulf asserted that his crew would be able to not only deal with the leaks and fill problems, but have the warehouse powered and ready to go in very short order.
Dominic had been skeptical as to how this could be done. Kronwulf revealed the answer in short order: his great-grandfather had helped Charles Pillsbury build the Mill – and its diversion tubes – back in the 1880's.
That had clinched it for Whitaker. He was getting nowhere with the strike, and the fact that the company who had helped build the original facility was willing to work with him sealed the deal. He was concerned, of course, that he was using "scab" labor. Kronwulf told him that he would take care of it – and that he would neither hold his company, nor A-Mill Lofts, responsible for any legal issues that might arise.
Whitaker didn't see anyone show up that evening at the time Kronwulf had stated they would begin work. Only Kronwulf, in a beat-up GMC pickup, showed at the scene. He was guaranteed that workers would be present shortly; they were "finishing up another project" and Jacob was just preparing for the initial site inspection.
What Whitaker didn't know as he pulled his own truck out of the parking lot, heading for home, was that work was already starting underground. Kronwulf's employees were not quite normal workers.
In fact, you could call them "paranormal."
===
Thank you, Sarge, for your service to our country. And a Happy Veterans' Day to all our vets out there.
---
The original intent for the developers of A-Mill Lofts was to create "a community for the Arts"; a place where artists of all types could live, work, and collaborate with each other. Painters, writers, photography, musicians, sculptors, visual arts – all would be welcomed to use the former site of the Pillsbury Flour Mill.
The newer part of the Mill (the so-called "South Building" whose tower held the famous Pillsbury Flour sign) had been easier to convert to lofts and studios – and, as a result, had sold out quickly. The older part (the North Building, which bore the name of the complex on its front) needed more work, as most of the interior spaces were originally intended as grain and flour storage. It had sold out as well, but its lofts and studios were proving difficult at times to remodel.
The one part of the Mill complex that was proving most frustrating was the warehouse. Located just north of the grain silos, off of 2nd Street Southeast, the developers had originally considered tearing it down in favor of adding more parking for tenants. One of the investors, however, imagined that the space could be used as a multi-purpose performance and reception hall. Musical performances, theater-in-the-round, recitals and the odd short-run art exhibitions were deemed perfect for the warehouse. The clincher, of course, was that it could also be rented out for special events – like, for example, weddings and concerts.
When the Lofts hit 50% capacity, they had booked their first wedding for the warehouse site, for late September. A problem had risen – literally. Most of the mill site (with the exception of the addition on the corner of 2nd and 5th) was located over diversion tunnels that were built to power the mill. The older building had some minor dampness in the main floor studios, but concrete and sealant had limited any issues.
The warehouse, however, was located over what had been determined to be a condensation reservoir. When the mill closed in 2007, the reservoir was drained, with the intent that it would be filled in by future construction on the site. What was not known until work began on renovating the warehouse was that the fill was less than complete.
The first major thaw in April of 2014 revealed the problem to the contractors: a leak had developed, and the water in the diversion tubes had started to work their way back into the reservoir. The result was that persistent standing water had developed on the side of the warehouse closest to the Mill, and that the floor of the warehouse was developing cracks as the fill beneath was shifting from the Mississippi River's constant flow.
They had tried to use the warehouse anyways for that wedding. It had gone well, but attendees had complained of the damp, dark conditions. Fortunately, the reception was finished before evening, and lighting had not proven to be an issue. It was clear, though, that the water issue needed to be addressed before the warehouse could be used again.
Whitaker's crew had spent practically all of the past two years trying to fill the cracks and minimize the water damage – more to the Mill itself, of course, as there were people living there. The consternation on his part was that the main electrical transformer for the warehouse was located right above where the diversion tubes filled the reservoir. The IBEW were already reluctant to work on the power supply for the building, even before the whole mess with Epimethus happened.
Kronwulf, in that initial meeting, had explained that the placement was intentional. He had gone back to the original blueprints and determined that Pillsbury had set up the reservoir for a steam generator to power the warehouse. Kronwulf asserted that his crew would be able to not only deal with the leaks and fill problems, but have the warehouse powered and ready to go in very short order.
Dominic had been skeptical as to how this could be done. Kronwulf revealed the answer in short order: his great-grandfather had helped Charles Pillsbury build the Mill – and its diversion tubes – back in the 1880's.
That had clinched it for Whitaker. He was getting nowhere with the strike, and the fact that the company who had helped build the original facility was willing to work with him sealed the deal. He was concerned, of course, that he was using "scab" labor. Kronwulf told him that he would take care of it – and that he would neither hold his company, nor A-Mill Lofts, responsible for any legal issues that might arise.
Whitaker didn't see anyone show up that evening at the time Kronwulf had stated they would begin work. Only Kronwulf, in a beat-up GMC pickup, showed at the scene. He was guaranteed that workers would be present shortly; they were "finishing up another project" and Jacob was just preparing for the initial site inspection.
What Whitaker didn't know as he pulled his own truck out of the parking lot, heading for home, was that work was already starting underground. Kronwulf's employees were not quite normal workers.
In fact, you could call them "paranormal."
===
Thank you, Sarge, for your service to our country. And a Happy Veterans' Day to all our vets out there.
"Character is what you are in the dark." - D.L. Moody
"You should never run from the voices in your head. That's how you give them power." - Jin
"You should never run from the voices in your head. That's how you give them power." - Jin
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Sgt. Howard
- Posts: 3384
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:54 pm
- Location: Malott, Washington
Re: Doing it right...
"Sir," Greg began, "there was a remarkable 'Charley Foxtrot' last night, no mistake- but even so, everybody under command did what was expected of them and our one 'collateral damage' was NOT friendly fire', but the efforts of that... thing. Our ONE misstep was where our golems tried to kill what amounted to Emerauld's 'doorbell'... and THAT was more of a prank on us than anything else. I'll grant you, we are not fully prepared for this enemy, and our lack of heavy casualties was truly a matter of good fortune... even so, I am proud of these troops, and now we are that much wiser as to what we are dealing with and how to deal with it. I suspect a few drills will bring them up to snuff rather quickly... it's not like I need to give a motivational speech to them now that they've seen what they are dealing with. Last night was fortunate on many levels,"
Neil gave a deep sigh- "Yes, you're right- they went out in ignorance and have now 'seen the elephant'- and amazingly, we suffered one casualty who is weak but back on duty... speaking of which, I need to be leaving shortly myself. You and Al manage the troops as circumstances require- I expect some drills today and over this week until we have a sharp edge on this bayonet- anything else you can think of?"
"Only that 'fire and advance' might be another concept- we can do that without the expenditure of ammunition initially, mostly to observe the safety factors are being followed... but here I must confess we are over our heads insofar as what devilment we might be up against. Last night more or less 'rubbed our noses in it',"
"Phix," Neil spoke, "might be able to start our understanding of what creatures might be utilized against us- how to recognize and neutralize- I must confess, up to now I have only dealt with human adversaries,"
Neil gave a deep sigh- "Yes, you're right- they went out in ignorance and have now 'seen the elephant'- and amazingly, we suffered one casualty who is weak but back on duty... speaking of which, I need to be leaving shortly myself. You and Al manage the troops as circumstances require- I expect some drills today and over this week until we have a sharp edge on this bayonet- anything else you can think of?"
"Only that 'fire and advance' might be another concept- we can do that without the expenditure of ammunition initially, mostly to observe the safety factors are being followed... but here I must confess we are over our heads insofar as what devilment we might be up against. Last night more or less 'rubbed our noses in it',"
"Phix," Neil spoke, "might be able to start our understanding of what creatures might be utilized against us- how to recognize and neutralize- I must confess, up to now I have only dealt with human adversaries,"
Rule 17 of the Bombay Golf Course- "You shall play the ball where the monkey drops it,"
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
I speak fluent Limrick-
the Old Sgt.
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jwhouk
- Posts: 6053
- Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2012 7:58 am
- Location: The Valley of the Sun, Arizona
- Contact:
Re: Doing it right...
(Well, except for that one time... okay, make it two...)
"Character is what you are in the dark." - D.L. Moody
"You should never run from the voices in your head. That's how you give them power." - Jin
"You should never run from the voices in your head. That's how you give them power." - Jin
-
DinkyInky
- Posts: 2382
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:38 am
- Location: Where there's more than Corn.
- Contact:
Re: Doing it right...
Stepping out of the shadows with her pet, Safyr bowed, then interrupted.
"Forgive me sire. Everyone. J'bober is my "pet". In his spectral form, as he is here, he is harmless. I set him to allow us to know when you arrived, just in case it had broken free to keep you safe.
In his corporeal form, however, he has as much power as a...monk I believe they are called.
He is frequently used in this manner as "bait" to draw off attacks, and to wear out the enemy.
I can summon him, as well as a skeleton, but they are hard to control, so often are not used. I also have a small trump, I can summon a small swarm of these to attack a single enemy at a time, for a full minute. They will move on to the next enemy, and the next until exhausted.
As you saw last night, I also have a "touch". Unlike most that share my class, I have trained it extensively in other forms. It renders medium targets dead, and if they bear magic, replenish nearby allied magic users, and all weakened allies nearby will be healed.
I also have a...steed I use to move fast. If the need is great, I can carry one other on his back.
Though I rarely kill any more, I can do so with ease.
Usually I drain just enough life to weaken them, then transport them to where they will harm noone.
These are my main trump cards. I hope this knowledge makes up for the fright my pet gave you last night, Lady Acacia.
Sire, Lady, everyone, I shall return now to camp until needed.
Again, please forgive this idiot's puckish nature(here, she smacks J'bobers' head, which dislodges the hood, and makes it spin in circles). I shall endeavour to gain better control of him."
"Forgive me sire. Everyone. J'bober is my "pet". In his spectral form, as he is here, he is harmless. I set him to allow us to know when you arrived, just in case it had broken free to keep you safe.
In his corporeal form, however, he has as much power as a...monk I believe they are called.
He is frequently used in this manner as "bait" to draw off attacks, and to wear out the enemy.
I can summon him, as well as a skeleton, but they are hard to control, so often are not used. I also have a small trump, I can summon a small swarm of these to attack a single enemy at a time, for a full minute. They will move on to the next enemy, and the next until exhausted.
As you saw last night, I also have a "touch". Unlike most that share my class, I have trained it extensively in other forms. It renders medium targets dead, and if they bear magic, replenish nearby allied magic users, and all weakened allies nearby will be healed.
I also have a...steed I use to move fast. If the need is great, I can carry one other on his back.
Though I rarely kill any more, I can do so with ease.
Usually I drain just enough life to weaken them, then transport them to where they will harm noone.
These are my main trump cards. I hope this knowledge makes up for the fright my pet gave you last night, Lady Acacia.
Sire, Lady, everyone, I shall return now to camp until needed.
Again, please forgive this idiot's puckish nature(here, she smacks J'bobers' head, which dislodges the hood, and makes it spin in circles). I shall endeavour to gain better control of him."
Yanno how some people have Angels/Devils for a conscience? I have a Dark Elf ShadowKnight and a Half Elf Ranger for mine. The really bad part is when they agree on something.
Aphyon chu kissa whol l'jaed.
--Safyr Drathmir
Aphyon chu kissa whol l'jaed.
--Safyr Drathmir
Re: Doing it right...
Thank you Al for getting Stan out of the tub there, the water had certainly cooled off.
Thx as well to those who served; my formative years were a turbulent time for society and often the armed forces where cast in a less than favorable light.
I've come to respect those who've stepped up and worn the uniform, even when I disagree with the folks in charge of the big picture.
Besides Al, and of course our Sargent, I seem to remember DilyV should also have a tip of the hat in her general direction and a civilian's salute for 'doing that thing' called service.
Thx as well to those who served; my formative years were a turbulent time for society and often the armed forces where cast in a less than favorable light.
I've come to respect those who've stepped up and worn the uniform, even when I disagree with the folks in charge of the big picture.
Besides Al, and of course our Sargent, I seem to remember DilyV should also have a tip of the hat in her general direction and a civilian's salute for 'doing that thing' called service.