WorldSparrow Fights Toward Tomorrow

[WorldSparrow]

Welcome Fellow Survivors! 

 

The road so far: You can read the full story in all it's typo glory here. (I swear I will get around to editing it some day...)

When Captain Lars (Call Sign: Sparrow)  was invited to take place in 'Project Hometown', he never thought he would be activated. After all, it was a contingency, and contingencies don't happen. At least not to this degree. Project Hometown is a federal program in place to insure continuity of the US Government in the eyes of the survivors of any catastrophe. Each of the continental states were given a coordinator, like Captain Lars, and a number of pre-positioned supply bunkers, to help maintain stability after a nation wide disaster.  

 

However, not even in their darkest thoughts did they see something like the FURY bacteria, which quickly infected the majority of the United States. The bacteria eats away at your mind, causing you to loose most higher functions and often become a violent sociopath with zero regard toward self preservation. As the bacteria burns it's self out, your mind is left a shell of it's former self. So far the infected have shown tendencies to hunt in packs, use simple tools, and even stalk their prey like a wild animal. Our heroes fear how else they might adapt and evolve.

 

When Captain Lars excited his bunker he soon met @Rurik Harrgath, and they quickly because comrades in the battle against the infect. When faced with a horde of infected, they feared their doom but were saved by @Wild Wolf and the 113th Cavalry from the Iowa National Guard. While Lars was first glad to have military assistance in his mission, he quickly discovered (with the help of @Raxie) the commander of the cavalry unit might not have the protection of civilian survivors at the top of his priority list.  

 

On top of all this, Lars has a nagging thought in the back of his head. The coordinators were intended to be autonomous and equal to each other, but at the last second the coordinator of Colorado was promoted to Major and placed in charge. To make things worse, the highest known politician in the line of succession, is also in Colorado. With all this in mind, Lars wants to get the supplies out of as many bunkers as quickly as possible - in chase Acting President Briggs decides to change the plan. It is much too easy to save yourself and you friends at the cost of people you don't know. 

 

In an effort to gain the cavalries' cooperation, Captain Lars and his team conducted recon on the small town of Kingsley, IA to investigate a strong hold of survivors led by @Geek On Fire. Lars discovered that while they had exploited refugees passing through, they felt that it had only been done out of self preservation. It is difficult to draw the line between altruism and pragmatism, and Lars doesn't yet know where The Geek falls, but for now they have become uneasy allies in the fight for survival against the infected.

 

Source Material: Based in the world of the book "The Remaining"

 

Want to be part of the story? Join Here!

 

The Rules:

I follow in the foot steps of the greats before me in believe of the connection between the body, the mind, and the soul. I call these The Soldier, The Scholar, and The Sage. For the duration of the challenge I will have primary goals based in these categories. On top of that, the participants of the story will have two bonus quests from each category each week. They can be done within three days (72 hours) of their posting.

 

The Soldier will be posted in RED.

The Scholar will be posted in WHITE.(ish)

The Sage will be posted in BLUE. 

 

Our success (or failure... but that won't happen...) will be judged in 'survivors'. We are starting with 50 survivors in Kingsley. My weekly performance in the primary challenge will net us +/- 5 survivors. Our performance in the bonus quests will net us +/- 1 survivor each. Performance in the ranger miniquest, or any other PvP/PvE Co-Op missions will also net us +/-1 survivor. Lastly, my completion of the 'big three' items on my to-do list will net us +/- 1/3 a survivor.

 

I know what you are thinking... one third a survivor!? How gruesome! But hey - math and stuff, ok? 

 

If I do something especially note worthy, it will be deemed 'above the line' and give us +2 survivors.

If I do something despicable and shame worthy, it will be deemed 'below the line' and cost us -2 survivors. 

 

Main Challenge: 

The Soldier:

I will conduct strength training for at least 30 minutes three times a week.

I will conduct cardio training for at least 30 minutes three times a week.

I will experiment with healthy cooking once the first week, twice the second week, ect.

The Scholar: 

I will study for 60 minutes four times a week. 

The Sage:

I will meditate for at least 10 minutes six times a week.

 

Conclusion:

My last challenge was done in full on fake it 'till you make it mode. Hence the typos in the story, and all that. So get ready for me to take it up a level!

 

Maximum Effort! 

 

. 

 

[WorldSparrow]

@Rurik Harrgath @Wild Wolf : I forgot to ask you both if you are still working on reading "The Remaining"? What did you think? If you are far enough you will know the 'adaptations and evolution' of the infected I teased above... *dramatic music*

[Geek On Fire]

I love the tweak you've made to your assessment format. Strapping myself in for another ride for sure!

Almost finished the first The Remaining book, too. 

[WorldSparrow]

3 minutes ago, Geek On Fire said:

Almost finished the first The Remaining book, too. 

 

Nice! Just to warn you, I believe the first one is the shortest of them all. That could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how much you enjoy them I guess.

 

As a side note, he also wrote two novellas that give back story of some of the characters in the later books, but are not critical to the overall story. If any of you get that far, I would say only ready them if you can't get enough Remaining. 

[Wild Wolf]

Captain Wolf reporting!

 

 

Man, this challenge looks on point, Sparrow! Very excited about the continuation

 

I have hit a stall in listening to the book since my process at work has been getting an overhaul and I'm not able to (semi) comfortable sit at my desk and work while I listen. I believe I'm only 4-5 chapters in. Plus, writing my own story with my previous challenge, getting involved in yours  I'll finish it eventually!

 

Wolf

[WorldSparrow]

50 minutes ago, Wild Wolf said:

 

I have hit a stall in listening to the book since my process at work has been getting an overhaul and I'm not able to (semi) comfortable sit at my desk and work while I listen. I believe I'm only 4-5 chapters in. Plus, writing my own story with my previous challenge, getting involved in yours  I'll finish it eventually!

 

 

No hurry man. I would much rather be reading the great stuff you have been writing than have you listening to The Remaining. It is always better to create than it is to consume!

[Raxie]

So excited to see where this goes! Last challenge was a blast to follow along with 

[Broba Fett]

Finally read the whole thing and then realized it's based on an existing series.  Will definitely be downloading the audiobooks this evening to listen to on my commute.

 

Well done with your writing sir.  Very entertaining.  I love all the gunplay. 

[WorldSparrow]

8 hours ago, Raxie said:

So excited to see where this goes! Last challenge was a blast to follow along with 

 

I am glad you are having a good time, expect Raxie to play a much larger role this challenge! 

 

2 hours ago, Broba Fett said:

Finally read the whole thing and then realized it's based on an existing series.  Will definitely be downloading the audiobooks this evening to listen to on my commute.

 

Well done with your writing sir.  Very entertaining.  I love all the gunplay. 

 

Thanks man! At this point I really should contact the writer and ask for some sort of compensation for all the people reading and listening to his book...  

[Rurik Harrgath]

More story!

 

13 hours ago, WorldSparrow said:

 

I see your weird photo from the British Army and submit my own favorite...

 

 

My British military spirit animal, the elusive Pioneer Sgt. 

 

13 hours ago, WorldSparrow said:

@Rurik Harrgath @Wild Wolf : I forgot to ask you both if you are still working on reading "The Reaming"? What did you think? If you are far enough you will know the 'adaptations and evolution' of the infected I teased above... *dramatic music*

 

Still reading away.  I was briefly distracted by Wraith Squadron, but now that I've finished that dalliance I'll delve back into The Remaining.

[WorldSparrow]

Day 1-0: Seeing Red

 

The last glimmers of light slowly edged across the floor as the sun set on yet another Iowa day. With it went my last hopes for victory. As I sat in that old church I knew I was surrounded with no hope of escape. My life was slowly ebbing from my body, much like the sunlight illuminating my small piece of the world.

 

Despite the hopelessness of my situation, I stoically reached down at 'tapped' my forest and plains manna to play a Dryad Militant. The poor creature stood no chance against the veritable horde of dwarfs and barbarians that Rurik had arrayed against me. With a smile nearly concealed behind his face armor, he tapped Demphor, Dwarf Remnant. and used the creatures ability to tap my lone defender. With my own hit points now exposed, the dwarf easily took my remaining life away and ended the game.

 

I offered a hand to my friend, “Well played sir. I am definitely out of practice but you better watch out if we play like... twenty more times, I might get you!”

 

Rurik shook my hand and started shuffling the cards and storing them in their carefully sealed containers in his ruck. It was good to see him smiling, as he wasn't on the best of terms with our current company. While it was a tough thing to do, he mostly understood what Wolf had been forced to do when he lost contact with Rurik and his followers on their deadly escape from Sioux City.

 

Geek on the other hand not only refused to apologize for taking Ruriks group's weapons, but also insisted he would do it again. As Rurik had fled Sioux City he had a number of infected on his trail, all of which found their way to Kingsley, the town Geek was still desperately trying to defend. The Geek considered the food and weapons he had appropriated from Rurik to be payment for services rendered intercepting many of the infected.

 

Not even Raxie had escaped the barbarian's ire. While she was just as good as she claimed with a bow, her woods craft had been... less than advertised. As they had remained hidden on the edge of Kingsley while Wolf and I had done recon and made contact, Raxie had struggled with living discretely among the mud and bugs. Soon she revealed to Rurik that most of her experience with archery and firearms was actually from competitions and ranges, not from hunting. She was a city slicker through and through.

 

While Rurik stowed the last of his dwarf and barbarian Magic The Gathering deck, it occurred to me how fitting the Mountain Mana was to my new brother in arms. Sure, red mana can often be explosive, unstable, and volatile, but like most things it has a flip side. Red mana can also be strong, stalwart, fierce, and can slowly smolder with the pain of past wrongs. Rurik was handling his current situation well, but I knew that to work as a team we would need to mend many fences.

 

I pushed my chair back from the table and stood up to wander the lobby of the Lutheran church we resided in. Through the front window I caught a glimpse of Wolf, “Well Rurik, I am going to go check with our hippie friend on the status of our reinforcements.”

 

 

The thick wood door closed behind me as I looked out upon this small town which had become so important to the survival of so many people. Directly across the street lay the water tower which commanded a few for miles around. The Geek had allowed one small detachment of National Guard soldiers to be stationed in the town and they would now man this watch post while operating a radio repeater station we had mounted on top earlier in the day.

 

“Five mikes out,” Wolf said as I excited the church, knowing my question before I even asked it, and using the common military slang of 'mike' for 'minute.' Out of habit my eyes swept the area, and I spotted a figure moving through the growing dusk only a block and a half away. As the figured seemed to dance across the grass, the thin shaft of a short staff swung in perfect counterpoint to the movements of his feet. Knowing I wasn't likely to find two such martial masters in this small town, I concluded it must be Geek practicing while we waited to leave. While I didn't fully trust him, I was glad he was coming with us. As long as he was by my side could keep an eye on him. 

 

“Vics ready to go?” I asked, my mind switching gears as I looked down at the two vehicles in the parking lot at the base of the set of steps in front of me.

 

“Good to go, even took out the spark plugs for the lights.”

 

“Nice... good thinking,” I replied as I considered the idea. We didn't want a dome light or tail light giving away our position. If we were driving a military vehicle it would have 'black out' settings, which would set the headlights so low and diffuse that they are only visible through NODs, but the civilian trucks we had included no such feature. So short sighted of those car manufactures!

 

“You know, I might be able to convince the Major to lend us more troops than a single Humvee. That way we wouldn't have to use civis on our team...”

 

I shook my head and eyed the fellow soldier, “Rurik is solid, you can trust him.”

 

“Well I have seen Raxie fight, she may not consider laying in the dirt normal but she can handle herself with the shit hits the fan.”

 

I gave a shrug of my shoulders, “Alright then, we should be green then, yeah?”

 

Wolf brushed a lock of hair behind his ear, “Yeah.”

 

Twilight had now engulfed the following silence between us as we shared a moment of the calm reflection that often precedes a particularly hard mission. I would have liked to do it in steps, each day ranging out slightly farther until we reached the bunker. I would have liked for caution to continue to be our watch word. Unfortunately, time had run out. Tomorrow morning was my next scheduled meeting with the other coordinators, and my gut told me I should do it from inside one of the bunkers instead of my terminal back at home.

 

A rumble grew then faded in the warm Iowa air, riding the gusts of wind and fighting it's way over the many hills. I could just make out a faint voice over Wolf's radio saying the cavalry detachment had made contact with the observation post to the North and was on it's way into town. My fellow Captain gave me a nod and I turned back to the door of the church.

 

“Mount up people! It's time to roll out.”

 

I laughed as from outside the door I could make out Captain Wolf say, “Thundercats! Hoooo!”

 

Daily SITREP:

Group Work:

Survivors: 50 + 3 = 53

 

Week 1:

The Soldier: 0 of 2 - The Sage 1 of 2 - The Scholar 0 of 2

Challenge: Think on the futility of anger, and work of both forgiving and loving someone who has wronged you. (Optional: Share who you are trying to forgive)

 

My Forgiveness: Plenty of people do plenty of things that annoy me, but there is one particular college who is always negative, unprofessional, biased, and generally a pain in the ass. But you know what? We need her, just like everyone fulfills some sort of purpose. So for this Sage quest I will be working on being open toward her and accepting her unique qualities in a positive way. 

 

Personal Work:

The Soldier:

I will conduct strength training for at least 30 minutes three times a week. + 0 of 3

I will conduct cardio training for at least 30 minutes three times a week. + 1 of 3

I will experiment with healthy cooking once the first week, twice the second week, ect. + 0 of 1

The Scholar: 

I will study for 60 minutes four times a week. + 1 of 4

The Sage:

I will meditate for at least 10 minutes six times a week. + 1 of 6

 

Tomorrow's Big Three:

Work on planning upcoming hike.

Manage finances.

Email and old acquaintance.

 

 

PS: @Raxie no offense intended on the lack of outdoors skills, but on the sign up sheet you put 'city slicker' so, I made choice which likely isn't based in reality. 

[Rurik Harrgath]

2 hours ago, WorldSparrow said:

While Rurik stowed the last of his dwarf and barbarian Magic The Gathering deck, it occurred to me how fitting the Mountain Mana was to my new brother in arms. Sure, red mana can often be explosive, unstable, and volatile, but like most things it has a flip side. Red mana can also be strong, stalwart, fierce, and can slowly smolder with the pain of past wrongs. Rurik was handling his current situation well, but I knew that to work as a team we would need to mend many fences.

 

If I know you half so well as I think I do, I have an inkling that you did that on purpose.  Somewhere deep down in that devious SOE mind of yours, you knew exactly what I needed to hear and when.  And I thank you immensely for it, my friend.

 

2 hours ago, WorldSparrow said:

Challenge: Think on the futility of anger, and work of both forgiving and loving someone who has wronged you. (Optional: Share who you are trying to forgive)

 

This is our bonus quest for the day? week? if I'm reading this right, yeah?

[WorldSparrow]

6 hours ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

And I thank you immensely for it, my friend.

 

My pleasure brother. That's why we are all here right? 

 

6 hours ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

This is our bonus quest for the day? week? if I'm reading this right, yeah?

 

This challenge I have migrated to the bonus quests having a 72 hour time span. That way people who don't get caught up on the thread right away still have a chance. Bellow is from the original rules post in the start of the thread. 

 

On 5/4/2016 at 7:58 AM, WorldSparrow said:

On top of that, the participants of the story will have two bonus quests from each category each week. They can be done within three days (72 hours) of their posting.

[Rurik Harrgath]

6 hours ago, WorldSparrow said:

This challenge I have migrated to the bonus quests having a 72 hour time span.

 

Gotcha.  Sounds good.  I like the window for quest completion; allows for me to be lazy during my short work week. 

[WorldSparrow]

Day 1-1: Bullets, Beans, and Band Aids

 

Walking with NODs is difficult enough. With the lack of depth perception it is difficult to tell if a downed tree branch or hole in the ground is right in front of you or a foot away. So you can imagine driving with them is even worse. That is why Wolf and I, having more experience, drove the trucks as we followed the lone Humvee that accompanied us on this journey. Behind us was a LMTV, a military truck that would hold most of our cargo.

 

Despite the slow pace, we moved at a constant enough clip to make quick progress across the empty countryside. I was worried about our crossing of Hyway 75, but the cavalries surveillance had allowed us to pick a spot that was clear for passage.

 

My range of vision narrow, I had to constantly turn my head back and forth slightly to keep eyes on either shoulder of the road. So intent was my focus on the road and the darkness around us that when my passenger spoke it nearly made me jump out of my skin.

 

“Sorry about Rurik,” Raxie quietly said from the passenger seat, then seeing how high I jumped continued with, “Oh, should I not talk to you? Are you too focused?”

 

“No, no, your good. You just startled me, you have been so quiet lately.”

 

“Yeah, I was thinking about my family. I would do anything for them, but sometimes that still isn't enough.”

 

“Like volunteering for a surveillance mission you have no experience for?”

 

She paused, and as I couldn't see her face I had to only imagine she was either giving me a death glare or looking contrite. Finally she broke the silence once more, “Yeah, something like that. I just had to get away. I love them, but they drive me nuts sometimes! You know?”

 

“Yeah, I know. I had a lot of unspoken issues with my father before he passed last year. Just remember that you can't always fix everything.”

 

“True. But what I can do is hang out with a bunch of rangers who can teach me to survive in this world.”

 

“Are you kidding me? From what I have heard of your fighting skills you could teach me a thing or two, especially with that bow of yours.”

 

“Point taken. Did you know that for years after the rise in use of the musket it was actually still more effective to use a bow? Armies just started switching to the musket because the noise demoralized the enemy. It's all in the presentation, as they say.”

 

A light on my GPS started the flash as we neared the bunker. It sat on the console within sight, so I said, “Tell them to take the next right, it is going to be an old dirt road at a small break in the trees.” Raxie passed along the information and we soon were bumped and jostled as we drove down the neglected road. “It's the rusty gate a quarter mile down the road to our right.”

 

As we arrived, I got out of the truck and made my way to the simple gate with a thick chain securing it. I tapped the GPS against the large lock connecting the chain, the electronics in both deceptively high tech objects interacting and unlocking. While the bunkers are a marvel of security and protection, everything about them is made to seem not only normal but also useless. High fences and government 'Keep Out” signs would only attract unneeded attention.

 

Once through the gate we pulled up to an intentionally rusted steel door. I confirmed my bio metrics with the GPS. The next step was to enter a code, there were two options, but one would only be used if I was being forced to open the bunker under duress. Finally, I held the GPS up to the door and moved it in a complicated pattern against the wall, disengaging a number of locks. The door opened to reveal an elevator.

 

By this point the rest of the convoy had arranged themselves with the truck beds facing the bunker door and the Humvee stationed just out of sight from the gate. The Geek, Rurik, Raxie, Wolf, and the Sergeant in charge of the cavalry detachment joined me in the freight elevator and we rode it down into the bunker where we would spend the night.

 

When the door closed behind us a set of dim lights illuminated the lift as we lowered. In the dim light I smirked at the expressions of my companions, “Somehow I get the feeling you all thought I was full of shit?”

 

The Sergeant grunted, “No, we all completely trusted a man claiming to be part of a top secret government program that sounds like it came from some cheap fiction novel.”

 

“Well, wait until you see the actual supplies.”

 

The doors swooshed open at the bottom of the shaft to expose rows upon rows of supplies. To one side of the large underground room would be cots and temporary showers for refugees, on the opposite side was the command center with a stash of my own personalized gear and communications equipment.

 

As my companions stood and gawked, I stepped into the bunker and did my best Vanna White, “Welcome to the candy store. Have a look around. Rurik, I want you to start making a plan for what we are going to load up where, but we won't move anything until the morning. I need to go input the security measures and get ready to route command's call through the systems here.”

 

Rurik scratched his beard and smiled, “I can do that.”

 

The sergeant who had accompanied us didn't look as pleased, and he looked to Captain Wolf for confirmation. Wolf simply grasped the man by the shoulder and said, “Don't worry, we aren't going to leave you in the cold. Why don't you take some food to your men guarding the vehicles, set up a guard rotation, then join us in the planning.”

 

I nodded my thanks to Wolf, who winked in return, then turned to go prepare for the dreaded conference call. I could have told them that the bunker would protect itself, and we didn't need guards, but I didn't for two reasons. First, someone could still steal our vehicles. Second, the less people I dont know in here at one time the better.

 

With everything set up, I tried to get some sleep but the anxiety of my date kept my head running. It figures that I would be able to face down packs of infected with a smile on my face, but I dread the unknown of human conversation.

 

As I walked the shelving units I found The Geek doing the same, “Glad you agreed to play nice?” I asked him.

 

“You know I am going to take as much as I can, right?”

 

“I would expect nothing else,” I smiled at the formidable man, but his face was troubled in the dim light.

 

“I don't like the way things are. I have done my best to live my life with honor, as it holds in my code of Bushido.”

 

“I have found the essence of Bushido – To die! Right?”

 

An ironic smirk passed over Geek's face, “Something like that.”

 

“No, I understand. There are those of us in the world who will always naturally see things through the lens of the servant. Much as the samurai. For me, I am a servant to all those who can't do what I do. For you, you are a servant to those you protect in Kingsley, right?”

 

“Yes, but the trouble lies in the risk of our deeds transforming that service into a service to our demons instead.”

 

Daily SITREP:

Group Work:

Survivors: 53 + 4 = 57

 

Week 1:

The Soldier: 0 of 2 - The Sage 1 of 2 - The Scholar 1 of 2

Open Quest: (48 hours left) Think on the futility of anger, and work of both forgiving and loving someone who has wronged you. (Optional: Share who you are trying to forgive)

Quests Completed: WolrdSparrow,  

 

New Quest: We all have something to share, and we all have much to learn. Your first scholar quest is to share something with the group that you think they might not know!. 

 

Personal Work:

The Soldier:

I will conduct strength training for at least 30 minutes three times a week. + 1 of 3

I will conduct cardio training for at least 30 minutes three times a week. + 1 of 3

I will experiment with healthy cooking once the first week, twice the second week, ect. + 0 of 1

The Scholar: 

I will study for 60 minutes four times a week. + 2 of 4

The Sage:

I will meditate for at least 10 minutes six times a week. + 2 of 6

 

Today's Big Three:

Work on planning upcoming hike. + 1/3

Manage finances. + 1/3

Email and old acquaintance. + 1/3

 

Tomorrow Big Three:

Plan creation of overlay kits

Work on SOPs

Clean House

 

Emotional State:

I feel The Black Dog starting a visit. Today was one of those days that I was truly contemplating the futility of our existence. It hasn't visited since before I started meditating more often, so maybe I can limit it's effect this time around. 

[WorldSparrow]

Scholar Quest:

If you read my signature, I have now labeled myself a Special Operations Executive. That is because I have recently discovered a truly amazing bit of history form World War II which I cannot believe I hadn't heard of before! 

 

At the start of the war Churchill saw the need for a new type of unit. Based on his experiences fighting against guerrilla units, and his knowledge of the continuing strife in Ireland, he understood the power of unconventional warfare. The problem was that in the cases he knew of, the fighters all operated in their own backyards. It is much easier to strike unexpected and disappear if you know more about your surroundings than your enemy. In England's case, their units would be fighting on the Europe mainland. 

 

So he created a new type of unit, called, "The Firm". The members of which would be called "Special Operations Executives." And it is men like these who inspire such popular stories as The A-Team, Wraith Squadron, The Division, and countless others. It was the creation of a unit of misfits that didn't belong anywhere else. It is the very thing so many of us nerds want to do! So they found professors, poets, and playboys, anyone who didn't look like they could handle themselves in a fight. This was important because a good spy never looks like a spy, they look like someone who isn't capable of any threat. They took these misfits and taught them how to fight dirty. In other words, how to win. 

 

I could go on, but the truth is I am still researching it myself as well. I can't wait to see what you all share for your scholar quest!

[Wild Wolf]

Besides the story being awesome.... DUDE!

 

1 hour ago, WorldSparrow said:

Scholar Quest:

If you read my signature, I have now labeled myself a Special Operations Executive. That is because I have recently discovered a truly amazing bit of history form World War II which I cannot believe I hadn't heard of before! 

 

At the start of the war Churchill saw the need for a new type of unit. Based on his experiences fighting against guerrilla units, and his knowledge of the continuing strife in Ireland, he understood the power of unconventional warfare. The problem was that in the cases he knew of, the fighters all operated in their own backyards. It is much easier to strike unexpected and disappear if you know more about your surroundings than your enemy. In England's case, their units would be fighting on the Europe mainland. 

 

So he created a new type of unit, called, "The Firm". The members of which would be called "Special Operations Executives." And it is men like these who inspire such popular stories as The A-Team, Wraith Squadron, The Division, and countless others. It was the creation of a unit of misfits that didn't belong anywhere else. It is the very thing so many of us nerds want to do! So they found professors, poets, and playboys, anyone who didn't look like they could handle themselves in a fight. This was important because a good spy never looks like a spy, they look like someone who isn't capable of any threat. They took these misfits and taught them how to fight dirty. In other words, how to win. 

 

I could go on, but the truth is I am still researching it myself as well. I can't wait to see what you all share for your scholar quest!

 

I read about this in Natural Born Heroes by Christopher Mcdougall...awesome stuff for sure and definitely recommend that book if you haven't already read it

 

Wolf

[WorldSparrow]

Besides the story being awesome.... DUDE!

 

 

I read about this in Natural Born Heroes by Christopher Mcdougall...awesome stuff for sure and definitely recommend that book if you haven't already read it [emoji4]

 

Wolf

Haha, I am currently reading it - which is how I found out about this awesome history!

[Raxie]

Definitely no offense taken! I live in a city in real life but go camping often and love being outside so it's definitely an oddly fitting description and I love the dynamic it adds to the story

 

That is such a cool tidbit of history info about the SOE! I absolutely love history so if don't be shy about sharing any other cool stuff you come across!

 

Concerning the black dog, I think you may find that due to your meditation practice and being more mindful of your state of being you may have noticed bits of it rearing its ugly head before you may have noticed it in the past, giving you even more time and opportunity to help yourself deal with it.  I know I noticed this as well after a few months of meditation, that I was noticing little flags go up that I had never noticed before, and I think they were always there I just skimmed over them in the past if that makes sense.  I hope you are able to limit its affect as you say :] There are some specific meditations around the internet that specifically deal with that too which may help if you want to give it a google.

 

(Also I didn't realize I had acronym-ized special ops executive up there until after I wrote this whole reply and was rereading before posting.  Apparently I can't help myself.)

[Geek On Fire]

The Special Ops Executive sound like the ultimate grey men. That's the kind of level I aspire to.

[T2sarahconnor]

Wow!  What a story, I am hooked.  Is it to late to join you?  As a fellow Iowaian I would know the territory and would fit in as one of ChurchIll's "The Firm" member.

 

 

[WorldSparrow]

Wow!  What a story, I am hooked.  Is it to late to join you?  As a fellow Iowaian I would know the territory and would fit in as one of ChurchIll's "The Firm" member.

It's never too late!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O3yisVKI-M7H6crKiCxSWoFhoEbSh3eDmJgqU03NtlQ/htmlview#gid=0

[Broba Fett]

21 hours ago, WorldSparrow said:

Scholar Quest:

If you read my signature, I have now labeled myself a Special Operations Executive. That is because I have recently discovered a truly amazing bit of history form World War II which I cannot believe I hadn't heard of before! 

 

At the start of the war Churchill saw the need for a new type of unit. Based on his experiences fighting against guerrilla units, and his knowledge of the continuing strife in Ireland, he understood the power of unconventional warfare. The problem was that in the cases he knew of, the fighters all operated in their own backyards. It is much easier to strike unexpected and disappear if you know more about your surroundings than your enemy. In England's case, their units would be fighting on the Europe mainland. 

 

So he created a new type of unit, called, "The Firm". The members of which would be called "Special Operations Executives." And it is men like these who inspire such popular stories as The A-Team, Wraith Squadron, The Division, and countless others. It was the creation of a unit of misfits that didn't belong anywhere else. It is the very thing so many of us nerds want to do! So they found professors, poets, and playboys, anyone who didn't look like they could handle themselves in a fight. This was important because a good spy never looks like a spy, they look like someone who isn't capable of any threat. They took these misfits and taught them how to fight dirty. In other words, how to win. 

 

I could go on, but the truth is I am still researching it myself as well. I can't wait to see what you all share for your scholar quest!

The more you knoooooooow.....

[WorldSparrow]

Day 1-2: Heavy Burdens

 

“Alright, I see everyone has plugged their GPS units into the terminal, good. Now that we have confirmed you all by bio metrics we can get on with it,” said Major Darabie over the speaker systems in the command center of the bunker, “It is my distinct pleasure to introduce the President of the United States of America, President Briggs.” There was a pause. I couldn't be sure if it was because the Acting President was adjusting his microphone, or if they were waiting for us to applaud. Needless to say, we were silent.

 

“Captains, first let me thank you for your service to the United States. It seems clear that we never thought a disaster of this immense magnitude would be possible in today's age, but you all not only accepted this mission but still chose to fight on when circumstances were much worse than anticipated. When I learned of Project Hometown, when I first met Major Darabie, I learned there was hope. Here in Colorado we represent the only sizable military and political force left in America.

 

Hell, we represent one of the few sizable military and political forces left in the World.

 

So now it is time for us to band together and work like no one in the history of Man has ever worked before. We must survive. We must, as your unit so rightly says, 'Rescue and Rebuild.' But to do that we need to work as a team. Individual operatives in each of the states would have been perfect for any number of large scale catastrophes, but we need something more.

 

We need to save those remaining who have the power to fight back.” As the Acting President continued a growing sense of dread swelled up within my chest, taking inch after inch of my guts until I felt consumed by a dark foreboding.

 

I was glad they couldn't see my facial expression as he continued, “So as of now I am here by rescinding all previous orders. You all are hereby instructed to cease any activities and return to Colorado for further orders. Thank you.”

 

The shoe dropped. I was glad I had mentally prepared myself for this eventuality, but it still did little to mitigate the despair that now defined me. Through the small window I the office I could see my new friends moving boxes and crates toward the elevator in preparation for moving them outside to the vehicles. Rurik the strong and stalwart; Wolf the wonderfully sarcastic and passionate; Raxie the caring and knowledgeable; and Geek the honorable and skilled. There was no question in my mind as to the possibility of following these orders, because there was no way in hell I could.

 

Major Darabie's voice came over the speakers next. In contrast to the politicians smooth confident voice, the Major sounded harsh and resigned. Like he wasn't happy about this but didn't feel like we had a choice, “When you plugged in your GPS at the beginning of the call it was linked to mine. You now no longer have access to any bunkers without my permission first. I will talk with each one of you individually about egress routes for your trip to Colorado. Some of you will get pickup, others will have to make there way here on their own. Questions?”

 

I knew there would be dozens of questions, so I jumped in with a question that I desperately needed an answer to, “Sir, I am at a bunker right now and we have vehicles full of supplies already loaded up. Should we bring them back in?”

 

As you know, that was a lie, but I needed the answer for a specific reason. There was a long pause as the Major spoke to someone out of range of the microphone before he said, “No, go ahead and keep what you have outside but don't load up anymore – copy?”

 

“I copy,” I said with a huge smile on my face, as I had my answer. What I had deduced was that they could tell when a bunker door was opened by GPS, but not how many times it was opened and closed as long as it was done from inside. They also had no idea how much supplies were still in the bunker, so that meant no cameras or motion sensors.

 

We would have to move quick, but we could still get what we came for. I logged off of the terminal and went out to join the others, “It's just like I warned you. We have been cut off. They have no way of monitoring us while we are in here though, so let's load up what we can and pile the rest outside in the trees. Bury it in a cache maybe. Questions?”

 

“Nah, let's get it done,” said Wolf, “Personally I am glad this is the only bunker we get. If we had much more food I would have to worry about my girlish figure!”

 

Before Wolf even finished speaking, The Geek was carrying his first load to the elevator. We were going to have to work hard if we were going to make sure he didn't get the lions share of the supplies!

 

Daily SITREP:

Group Work:

Survivors: 57 + 4 1/3 - 2/3 = 60 2/3

 

Week 1:

The Soldier: 1 of 2 - The Sage 1 of 2 - The Scholar 1 of 2

Open Quest: (24 hours left) Think on the futility of anger, and work of both forgiving and loving someone who has wronged you. (Optional: Share who you are trying to forgive)

Quest Completed: WolrdSparrow,  

 

Open Quest: (48 hours left) We all have something to share, and we all have much to learn. Your first scholar quest is to share something with the group that you think they might not know!. 

Quest Completed: WorldSparrow

 

New Quest (PvP!): Lift heavy things! As a group, the survivors must have four times as much weight lifted as our loan exploiter - @Geek On Fire. The easiest way to measure this is by doing dead lifts, but I will accept any form of weights lifted. For example, if I pick my son up and put him down I will have gained 25 pounds lifted, ect... 

 

Personal Work:

The Soldier:

I will conduct strength training for at least 30 minutes three times a week. + 1 of 3

I will conduct cardio training for at least 30 minutes three times a week. + 2 of 3

I will experiment with healthy cooking once the first week, twice the second week, ect. + 0 of 1

The Scholar: 

I will study for 60 minutes four times a week. + 2 of 4

The Sage:

I will meditate for at least 10 minutes six times a week. + 3 of 6

 

Bonus Material:

Wolf's Ghost Team - Take a cold shower (COMPLETE!) + 1

Mini Challenge - Increase Dead lift by 10% (In progress)

 

Today's (and tomorrow's)  Big Three:

Plan creation of overlay kits - 1/3

Work on SOPs - 1/3

Clean House + 1/3

 

Ran out of time and failed two of my big three... so repeat the same tomorrow!

 

Above the Line: instead of fighting with my boss about a choice I made I simply said, "OK" and let it die. Sometimes the best way to fight is to not fight. + 1

 

Bonus picture of the best men I ever had the pleasure of working with. I really disliked one of them, but we still worked as a team and had each other's backs. I miss that. Photo taken in Grafenwoehr Germany. 

 

[Rurik Harrgath]

The last couple of story entries were real treats, but it was your backstory of the SOE (which is a term I had heard of if not fully grasped until now) that really took today's cake.  Like Geek on Fire, the grey man concept is one I am fascinated by and one I somewhat aspire to.  Somewhat because the beard makes me quite recognizable, but not in the sort of way where I would ever be accused of playing the narc. 

 

Apparently the SOE developed rat bombs.  That's kind of nifty too.

 

Found this:  http://www.amazon.com/SOE-Manual-Agent-Occupied-Europe/dp/0008103615

Somewhat related:  https://ironwolf008.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/the-wwii-soe-training-manual-rigden.pdf

 

And this: 

 

Damn that's one cool logo.