*
**
***
* Chapter Four
“Can’t something be done with this blasted leg brace Doc ? I feel like its constantly limiting my mobility,” Enoch said.
“Oh definitely. You really don’t need a brace on your left leg anymore. Your right leg has improved dramatically, and while it will always need a brace, we can go to a lighter duty one–but that left leg...
“Well, I never saw anything like it. Except for the scars, its like it was never injured,” Doctor Smythe said.
Enoch didn’t bother to try to tell the Doctor that God had chosen to heal his leg–since he knew from past experience that his Doctor was a staunch Atheist. He’d just ask Enoch why God hadn’t miraculously healed his right leg too.
Enoch had his thoughts on the matter. There were fake miracles, and tricksters who knew all kind of ways to deceive the simple–and no doubt, there would be an especially unpleasant place in Hell for such people–save they repent. But because there were fake and false miracles didn’t mean there weren’t real ones–anymore than the existence of counterfeit money meant that there wasn’t any real money in the World.
However after years of thinking about it, he couldn’t help but notice that people were far more likely to be healed when the healing could be explained away–spontaneous remission; psychosomatic ailment; misdiagnosis or hysteria. That observation could have made him cynical–but it caused him to enter into prayerful contemplation instead.
God’s ways weren’t our ways–but the best Enoch could tell, God didn’t like to make his interventions unambiguously evident. Enoch had no idea why that was.
It was true, that upon at least one occasion Jesus had said that an evil generation seeks after a sign, and none should be given it. But the Messiah was supposed to come with a certain amount of signs–and he had. He’d performed many miracle in these very people’s eyes.
The consensus seemed to be that while no one had the right to demand signs from God, that God wasn’t invariably opposed to sending signs.
“Why doesn’t God heal amputees?” The Atheists brayed like jackasses.
“Well first of all, how do I know that he hasn’t–sometime; someplace–in the history of the World? It is certainly within his power.
“Secondly, how would I know? Do I look like God to you? You can ask him yourself, come Judgement Day–but unless you have a serious change of heart; I can guarantee that you’ll have far more urgent matters on your mind, at the time,” Enoch would have answered.
****************************************************************
“What did Doctor Smythe tell you?” Jealousy asked.
“He said that I won’t be able to play the Violin and that I shouldn’t get married,” Enoch Said.
“Why can’t you play the Violin?”
Enoch shrugged.
“I never could before. Why should I be able to now?”
“And about your not getting married?”
Enoch hung his head in shame.
“He said that if I sired any children, they’d all be born naked, most likely.”
“What has gotten into you? You never used to joke like this,” Jealousy said.
“I’m healthier and happier since I started working out; and since you started coming by,” he said.
****************************************************************
Minister Brooks had been promoted to Elder Brooks. The title of “Elder” was quite an Honour; but on the other hand, he’d lost his day job. Enoch really had no idea what Elder Brooks had done. He vaguely understood that he worked for some sort of finance company; sat behind a desk; and wrangled pixels on a CRT. It might as well have been some sort of Alchemy...
No, that wasn’t quite right, because then Enoch would have had some idea what Elder Brooks was doing and how he intended to attempt to accomplish it. It didn’t matter. Elder Brooks was about to embark on a career change. He was about to become a Security guard.
Enoch looked at his little army. It wasn’t much of a force–seven men, not including himself.
“Guys, I know times are hard. I know that none of you started out in life wanting to be a Security Guard–but this is important. The Church has a substantial investment in this facility. Times are hard–and there’s lots of theft; vandalism; and assorted meanness going on.
“I am the Captain. I am in charge. Elder Brooks is the Lieutenant; and Dante is the Sargent. The rest of y’all are Corporals. How’s that for fast rank?”
A couple of the young men had been in the Military, and they laughed at that.
“No, seriously. We expect times to get rougher yet. Time will come, we’ll need more folks. There’s a limit to how many Guards the Church can afford to pay; but we plan to use volunteers.
“Corporal Roundtree, do you feel qualified to lead a five man squad consisting of an Elder; two grown men in their fifties; and the other three in their forties–at least one of them with some prior military experience?” Enoch asked.
“Well yeah, I guess,” the man temporized.
“Don’t worry about it. I have some training for you. You’re going to learn to shoot very well indeed; how to patrol; how to fight with a knife or bare handed. Gonna teach y’all all kinda things. When that day comes, you’ll be much more prepared than you are now–plus we’ll promote you to Sargent...”
Enoch glanced around the group, making it a point to make eye contact with each group member.
“What we’re doing is important. The minimum wage is about all we can afford to pay you right now–but you got healthcare. Don’t look down your nose at that. You guys have room and board for free. All of you don’t have to be here 24/7–although I do want a minimum number on hand, in addition to those actually on duty. You should have enough money and time to get to town and visit your family–or your girlfriend--at least a couple times a week.
“Lots of fringe benefits. There’s a library; a shooting range; and a real good gym–which I know will interest Dante–he’s got an eight round fight coming up in a couple months. Also, Elder Brooks tells me that he’s going to use this retreat as an opportunity to get in shape.
“Also–guys this place is intended to be as self-sufficient as reasonably possible. There’s an excellent machine shop. I’ll be happy to teach machining and Welding to anyone who wants to learn...”
****************************************************************
Characteristically, Enoch insisted equipping his Security Force with weapons that he wouldn’t hesitate to stake his life on. He contributed a great deal to the weapon buying fund, out of his own pocket.
He found a deal on some Mossberg 500s that had been cleaned out of some Police Department’s armory. He went to some trouble to find the five shot ones–because he felt that they balanced considerably better than the six shot version. He also insisted on wood stocks. He ended up ordering thirty of them for his newly incorporated Security Company. He ordered fifty Rock Island Armory 1911A1's; and Sixty Smith and Wesson 5906's–along with beaucoup magazines and ammo. He also ordered a couple crates of Mosin-Nagants along with ample ammo.
Jeff Cooper had once speculated that perhaps a man should always use slugs for defense, and simply regard the Shotgun as a short-range but very powerful rifle. Ross Seyfried had once opined that with the coming of rifled Shotgun barrels, the Punkin’ Ball might make a comeback–reason being, Round Balls can’t tumble.
Punkin’ Balls hadn’t caught on. Most people( perhaps including Seyfried) weren’t familiar with the term “Punkin’ Ball”; and astonishing as it might seem, there were even those who questioned Cooper.
Be all that as it may. Enoch installed Ghost Ring Aperture sights on all the Shotguns; and rifled choke inserts. He cleaned up the triggers as much as possible; and kept everyone busy casting .69 Caliber Round Balls; until he found a satisfactory load.
He made sets of Stag grips for each of the .45s–expensive, even doing all the work himself; but he couldn’t see sending his friends into harm’s way, with over-the-counter grips. He made wooden grips for the 5906s–Apple; Pear; Peach; Maple; Mulberry. He grooved on Fruitwood. He Bright Nickeled the .45s; and polished the stainless 9mms ‘till they shined like Bright Nickel.
“Guys, I don’t think that a high volume of fire is the answer very often–but if you’re ever convinced that you’re in one of those rare exceptions–draw that 9mm and blaze away. Besides, it makes your weapon retention really simple. If anyone ever grabs one of your Pistols, immediately draw the other one and shoot him. What were you doing, to let him get in grabbing distance of your weapon anyway?”
****************************************************************
Small churches were standard fare amongst the Church of God in Christ. Maybe partly because of that, there was a long-standing tradition of Churches coming together for joint meetings. Depending on the purpose, two churches might have a joint meeting; or five; ten; or two-dozen churches.
And if it was a big enough meeting, sometimes two or three of the Baptist; Methodist; or other Christian Churches would take part too. Their Elders would be asked to sit right up front with the C.O.G.I.C. Elders–although sometimes there weren’t room for all the Ministers on the platform; so they had to be content to sit in the first couple rows.
Three years after Jealousy had first declared her intentions, she and Enoch were married. Many things had changed since then. Enoch had been made a Minister; and Jealousy was not only saved, but had been granted the title or “Missionary”. Enoch still limped, and if he walked too far his bad leg bothered him–but he walked well enough to go deer hunting nowadays.
They were both so popular, that they had their wedding at the Churches “Farm” so everyone who wanted could attend. It was a good time to get everyone together. It was also a good time to get the various Church officers together to discuss policy.
“We’re losing more money on this farm all the time,” Elder Drum stated.
“It is not my fault, “ Old Man Frost insisted.
Enoch slammed his right leg down on the floor. The metal in the brace boomed loudly against the hardwood. Since he had gotten their attention–ostensibly by accident–Enoch spoke up.
“No it’s not Frost’s fault. Farms are being foreclosed all over the country. It’s a tribute to Frost’s expertise that we aren’t losing far more than we already are. So many people are out of work, that they can’t even afford food–at least not too many dairy products. Fuel costs are soaring; fertilizer; insecticide; veterinary supplies...” Enoch began.
“So what do we do !?!” Elder Green near shouted.
He’d never cared for Enoch anyway.
“Well, one thing we do: is to let me finish what I’m saying. I don’t need this. My own house is in good order. One more interruption like that, and I’ll seriously consider washing my hands of this whole affair,” Enoch said icily.
“Gonna let me talk? We give up–that is, we give up trying to run this farm as a ‘for profit’ business. We incorporate it as a nonprofit food-growing cooperative.
“We can build some dormitory style housing. All we’ll be out is material costs...”
One of the other Elders timidly raised a hand. Enoch nodded to him.
“Why dorms?”
“Okay, our top priority is to keep a roof over our people’s heads; and keep them reasonably well fed. This farm will feed a lot of people; but we can’t afford to keep farming it like we were. Not with no fuel or fertilize.
“Got a line on some draft horses; wagons; plows–that kinda stuff. I got three Amish guys–well, they grew up Amish–to come teach old-style farming.
“Point: we got people without housing right now. Point: the type of farming we’re contemplating will be more labor intensive. Point: as conditions worsen, we will need a larger population of potential security forces.
“Anyway, as I said, we have enough experienced construction workers to build most anything we desire; and donate their time–but we will need materials; and them horses ain’t gonna come cheap...
“I’m gonna need every dollar y’all can raise. Don’t stand up in the pulpit and make a public announcement; but pull all the heads of families that you can trust to be discrete, to one side. Tell them not to sell their Guns. Tell them to lay in what ammo they can. If anyone needs help getting a good Gun out of the Pawnshop, give it. Before this is over, we may very well need every Gun and all the ammo that we can get,” Enoch said.
“What about building permits; licenses; charters?” Someone asked.
“This is Kentucky Gentlemen–not completely without red tape; but surely better than many places–and I think the Powers That Be have their main attention focused elsewhere right now.
“Nonetheless, we’ll be sure to cross every ‘I’ and dot every ‘T’,” Enoch assured them.
He did not add that if a bit of “Cumshaw” or “Mordita” would help him feed and shelter his people, that was all to the good too–he did think it very distinctly though.
.....RVM45
:thumb:
**
***
* Chapter Four
“Can’t something be done with this blasted leg brace Doc ? I feel like its constantly limiting my mobility,” Enoch said.
“Oh definitely. You really don’t need a brace on your left leg anymore. Your right leg has improved dramatically, and while it will always need a brace, we can go to a lighter duty one–but that left leg...
“Well, I never saw anything like it. Except for the scars, its like it was never injured,” Doctor Smythe said.
Enoch didn’t bother to try to tell the Doctor that God had chosen to heal his leg–since he knew from past experience that his Doctor was a staunch Atheist. He’d just ask Enoch why God hadn’t miraculously healed his right leg too.
Enoch had his thoughts on the matter. There were fake miracles, and tricksters who knew all kind of ways to deceive the simple–and no doubt, there would be an especially unpleasant place in Hell for such people–save they repent. But because there were fake and false miracles didn’t mean there weren’t real ones–anymore than the existence of counterfeit money meant that there wasn’t any real money in the World.
However after years of thinking about it, he couldn’t help but notice that people were far more likely to be healed when the healing could be explained away–spontaneous remission; psychosomatic ailment; misdiagnosis or hysteria. That observation could have made him cynical–but it caused him to enter into prayerful contemplation instead.
God’s ways weren’t our ways–but the best Enoch could tell, God didn’t like to make his interventions unambiguously evident. Enoch had no idea why that was.
It was true, that upon at least one occasion Jesus had said that an evil generation seeks after a sign, and none should be given it. But the Messiah was supposed to come with a certain amount of signs–and he had. He’d performed many miracle in these very people’s eyes.
The consensus seemed to be that while no one had the right to demand signs from God, that God wasn’t invariably opposed to sending signs.
“Why doesn’t God heal amputees?” The Atheists brayed like jackasses.
“Well first of all, how do I know that he hasn’t–sometime; someplace–in the history of the World? It is certainly within his power.
“Secondly, how would I know? Do I look like God to you? You can ask him yourself, come Judgement Day–but unless you have a serious change of heart; I can guarantee that you’ll have far more urgent matters on your mind, at the time,” Enoch would have answered.
****************************************************************
“What did Doctor Smythe tell you?” Jealousy asked.
“He said that I won’t be able to play the Violin and that I shouldn’t get married,” Enoch Said.
“Why can’t you play the Violin?”
Enoch shrugged.
“I never could before. Why should I be able to now?”
“And about your not getting married?”
Enoch hung his head in shame.
“He said that if I sired any children, they’d all be born naked, most likely.”
“What has gotten into you? You never used to joke like this,” Jealousy said.
“I’m healthier and happier since I started working out; and since you started coming by,” he said.
****************************************************************
Minister Brooks had been promoted to Elder Brooks. The title of “Elder” was quite an Honour; but on the other hand, he’d lost his day job. Enoch really had no idea what Elder Brooks had done. He vaguely understood that he worked for some sort of finance company; sat behind a desk; and wrangled pixels on a CRT. It might as well have been some sort of Alchemy...
No, that wasn’t quite right, because then Enoch would have had some idea what Elder Brooks was doing and how he intended to attempt to accomplish it. It didn’t matter. Elder Brooks was about to embark on a career change. He was about to become a Security guard.
Enoch looked at his little army. It wasn’t much of a force–seven men, not including himself.
“Guys, I know times are hard. I know that none of you started out in life wanting to be a Security Guard–but this is important. The Church has a substantial investment in this facility. Times are hard–and there’s lots of theft; vandalism; and assorted meanness going on.
“I am the Captain. I am in charge. Elder Brooks is the Lieutenant; and Dante is the Sargent. The rest of y’all are Corporals. How’s that for fast rank?”
A couple of the young men had been in the Military, and they laughed at that.
“No, seriously. We expect times to get rougher yet. Time will come, we’ll need more folks. There’s a limit to how many Guards the Church can afford to pay; but we plan to use volunteers.
“Corporal Roundtree, do you feel qualified to lead a five man squad consisting of an Elder; two grown men in their fifties; and the other three in their forties–at least one of them with some prior military experience?” Enoch asked.
“Well yeah, I guess,” the man temporized.
“Don’t worry about it. I have some training for you. You’re going to learn to shoot very well indeed; how to patrol; how to fight with a knife or bare handed. Gonna teach y’all all kinda things. When that day comes, you’ll be much more prepared than you are now–plus we’ll promote you to Sargent...”
Enoch glanced around the group, making it a point to make eye contact with each group member.
“What we’re doing is important. The minimum wage is about all we can afford to pay you right now–but you got healthcare. Don’t look down your nose at that. You guys have room and board for free. All of you don’t have to be here 24/7–although I do want a minimum number on hand, in addition to those actually on duty. You should have enough money and time to get to town and visit your family–or your girlfriend--at least a couple times a week.
“Lots of fringe benefits. There’s a library; a shooting range; and a real good gym–which I know will interest Dante–he’s got an eight round fight coming up in a couple months. Also, Elder Brooks tells me that he’s going to use this retreat as an opportunity to get in shape.
“Also–guys this place is intended to be as self-sufficient as reasonably possible. There’s an excellent machine shop. I’ll be happy to teach machining and Welding to anyone who wants to learn...”
****************************************************************
Characteristically, Enoch insisted equipping his Security Force with weapons that he wouldn’t hesitate to stake his life on. He contributed a great deal to the weapon buying fund, out of his own pocket.
He found a deal on some Mossberg 500s that had been cleaned out of some Police Department’s armory. He went to some trouble to find the five shot ones–because he felt that they balanced considerably better than the six shot version. He also insisted on wood stocks. He ended up ordering thirty of them for his newly incorporated Security Company. He ordered fifty Rock Island Armory 1911A1's; and Sixty Smith and Wesson 5906's–along with beaucoup magazines and ammo. He also ordered a couple crates of Mosin-Nagants along with ample ammo.
Jeff Cooper had once speculated that perhaps a man should always use slugs for defense, and simply regard the Shotgun as a short-range but very powerful rifle. Ross Seyfried had once opined that with the coming of rifled Shotgun barrels, the Punkin’ Ball might make a comeback–reason being, Round Balls can’t tumble.
Punkin’ Balls hadn’t caught on. Most people( perhaps including Seyfried) weren’t familiar with the term “Punkin’ Ball”; and astonishing as it might seem, there were even those who questioned Cooper.
Be all that as it may. Enoch installed Ghost Ring Aperture sights on all the Shotguns; and rifled choke inserts. He cleaned up the triggers as much as possible; and kept everyone busy casting .69 Caliber Round Balls; until he found a satisfactory load.
He made sets of Stag grips for each of the .45s–expensive, even doing all the work himself; but he couldn’t see sending his friends into harm’s way, with over-the-counter grips. He made wooden grips for the 5906s–Apple; Pear; Peach; Maple; Mulberry. He grooved on Fruitwood. He Bright Nickeled the .45s; and polished the stainless 9mms ‘till they shined like Bright Nickel.
“Guys, I don’t think that a high volume of fire is the answer very often–but if you’re ever convinced that you’re in one of those rare exceptions–draw that 9mm and blaze away. Besides, it makes your weapon retention really simple. If anyone ever grabs one of your Pistols, immediately draw the other one and shoot him. What were you doing, to let him get in grabbing distance of your weapon anyway?”
****************************************************************
Small churches were standard fare amongst the Church of God in Christ. Maybe partly because of that, there was a long-standing tradition of Churches coming together for joint meetings. Depending on the purpose, two churches might have a joint meeting; or five; ten; or two-dozen churches.
And if it was a big enough meeting, sometimes two or three of the Baptist; Methodist; or other Christian Churches would take part too. Their Elders would be asked to sit right up front with the C.O.G.I.C. Elders–although sometimes there weren’t room for all the Ministers on the platform; so they had to be content to sit in the first couple rows.
Three years after Jealousy had first declared her intentions, she and Enoch were married. Many things had changed since then. Enoch had been made a Minister; and Jealousy was not only saved, but had been granted the title or “Missionary”. Enoch still limped, and if he walked too far his bad leg bothered him–but he walked well enough to go deer hunting nowadays.
They were both so popular, that they had their wedding at the Churches “Farm” so everyone who wanted could attend. It was a good time to get everyone together. It was also a good time to get the various Church officers together to discuss policy.
“We’re losing more money on this farm all the time,” Elder Drum stated.
“It is not my fault, “ Old Man Frost insisted.
Enoch slammed his right leg down on the floor. The metal in the brace boomed loudly against the hardwood. Since he had gotten their attention–ostensibly by accident–Enoch spoke up.
“No it’s not Frost’s fault. Farms are being foreclosed all over the country. It’s a tribute to Frost’s expertise that we aren’t losing far more than we already are. So many people are out of work, that they can’t even afford food–at least not too many dairy products. Fuel costs are soaring; fertilizer; insecticide; veterinary supplies...” Enoch began.
“So what do we do !?!” Elder Green near shouted.
He’d never cared for Enoch anyway.
“Well, one thing we do: is to let me finish what I’m saying. I don’t need this. My own house is in good order. One more interruption like that, and I’ll seriously consider washing my hands of this whole affair,” Enoch said icily.
“Gonna let me talk? We give up–that is, we give up trying to run this farm as a ‘for profit’ business. We incorporate it as a nonprofit food-growing cooperative.
“We can build some dormitory style housing. All we’ll be out is material costs...”
One of the other Elders timidly raised a hand. Enoch nodded to him.
“Why dorms?”
“Okay, our top priority is to keep a roof over our people’s heads; and keep them reasonably well fed. This farm will feed a lot of people; but we can’t afford to keep farming it like we were. Not with no fuel or fertilize.
“Got a line on some draft horses; wagons; plows–that kinda stuff. I got three Amish guys–well, they grew up Amish–to come teach old-style farming.
“Point: we got people without housing right now. Point: the type of farming we’re contemplating will be more labor intensive. Point: as conditions worsen, we will need a larger population of potential security forces.
“Anyway, as I said, we have enough experienced construction workers to build most anything we desire; and donate their time–but we will need materials; and them horses ain’t gonna come cheap...
“I’m gonna need every dollar y’all can raise. Don’t stand up in the pulpit and make a public announcement; but pull all the heads of families that you can trust to be discrete, to one side. Tell them not to sell their Guns. Tell them to lay in what ammo they can. If anyone needs help getting a good Gun out of the Pawnshop, give it. Before this is over, we may very well need every Gun and all the ammo that we can get,” Enoch said.
“What about building permits; licenses; charters?” Someone asked.
“This is Kentucky Gentlemen–not completely without red tape; but surely better than many places–and I think the Powers That Be have their main attention focused elsewhere right now.
“Nonetheless, we’ll be sure to cross every ‘I’ and dot every ‘T’,” Enoch assured them.
He did not add that if a bit of “Cumshaw” or “Mordita” would help him feed and shelter his people, that was all to the good too–he did think it very distinctly though.
.....RVM45
:thumb:
