2025 part Three: 2025, #3

By Terrence Aubrey

Whilst the situation across the planet was going from bad to worse those at the Refuge were going from stregnth to strength......so far. Unknown to them the valley in which they lived was widely known for its fertile soil and abundance of water.

It was a tempting option for those that had done next to nothing to prepare themselves for the worsening situation both locally and worldwide. that was something that those at the Refuge were about to discover for themselves very soon

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terrence Aubrey
• Release date: Aug 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393460022

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Table of Contents

2025 part Three

2025

Terrence Aubrey

Chapter One

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Getting organised

Whilst collectively and individually they were going from strength to strength the situation beyond their borders seemed to be fast deteriorating and the same was true across the World. Whilst both Rod and Peter kept themselves up to date with what was happening around the World it was becoming increasingly irrelevant. They could affect nothing beyond their borders. What was happening in foreign countries, even England was disturbing in the extreme. Rod even considered giving up following world events; it was becoming increasingly depressing and given that he could do nothing a form of self imposed torture. Not only was the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, it was becoming ever more extreme also. To add to that potpourri of chaos and near anarchy governments and the forces of law and order seemed to be fast losing control of the situation.

Strong and natural born leaders began to fill the vacuum, but on a local level. Nationalism, the sense of country was quickly becoming irrelevant. While some of these leaders were good and decent people, others were not and some were quite the opposite saw it as an opportunity to wield power and become rich as they did so. It was as if the Gods of destiny were engaged in a game of poker and for many they most definitely were. While some of these leaders worked hard and did what they could for their people others were the complete opposite. These leaders of men saw an opportunity to establish themselves as Emperors or kings within the new reality. The area of Spain that Rod and his neighbours lived within was no exception as they would soon learn from the newest additions, to their community, a Scottish couple, Dermott and Ana their names. Their small community was growing and was continuing to do so. Somehow word had spread amongst the expat community in the area, at least the more alternatively inclined expats.  

Peter organized a meeting at his farm soon after the first couple, Scottish, Dermott and Ana had been admitted. It seemed they needed to decide and soon, how many more people they felt their small community could absorb. It was not an easy meeting, some unsure about the situation they now found themselves within. It was Pierre that best summed up their current position and situation and perfectly, as far as Rod was concerned. What right did they have to deny anyone a chance of survival? In the minds of many the position they now found themselves in was that stark. The stories of what was happening not so far away from them almost shocking. Between them they were sat on a lot of land, far more than they could possibly need, should they not share it? In reality they had no choice, the alternative would be to mimic the way of life they’d collectively turned their backs on.

The eventual consensus was unanimous, but with proviso’s. Those they admitted would need to prove themselves and work hard, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of all. If they failed to do so they would be asked to leave. Rod was not alone in realizing that they were entering unchartered waters. Did they want to become as the feudal lords of a bygone era, effectively with the power to decide who lived and who died? The meeting dragged on and late into the night, the issues they faced huge for many, Rod included. The agreed consensus was that they would sleep on it and share their thoughts and observations the following day. On a more practical level Dermott and Ana would need help; a lot of help. They had turned up with little more than the clothes on their backs. They would stay at Peters place for the moment and until they had better alternatives, though unknown to them the situation was again about to change.

The meeting the following day was both constructive and worrying. They’d had the luxury of considering their options and to consider the ups and downs of the choices they faced. Dermott had played an active role. he knew more than any of them of what was now happening further afield most, of it far from good. Rod at least realized that they had not fully considered the implications of what was now unfolding beyond their borders, it felt like wake up time. The news that Dermott shared with them was worrying and in the extreme. Those at the refuge, as may now referred to the valley they shared had clearly been living within a bubble and had become complacent. That gangs of those unprepared might form was something they should have at least considered. They had, it seemed, two rifles between them, Peters and the one Dermott had brought with him. The fact that Rod had never used a rifle in his life did not bother him, he doubted the others had either; they would need to teach themselves.

Dermott became the main speaker of that second meeting, the only one with any knowledge of what was happening further afield. As he pointed out, many of the gangs had formed from desperation and were not necessarily bad people. Rod whilst appreciating the compassion Dermott displayed thought it irrelevant, would getting shot by a nice guy feel any better? No, as far as he could see it was wake up time and the time to act was now! Almost reluctantly Rod addressed the others, not confident that everyone had fully grasped the dangers they might now face. Between them they were probably sitting on one of the best and most fertile spreads of land in the area

Firstly we must thank our lucky stars that Dermott and Ana got here in one piece, Rod told the others. It seems to me that we have overlooked the obvious and need to seriously reappraise our situation. Firstly and this night we should see what cash we have between us. What money is left in banks we should start withdrawing and as soon as possible. Tomorrow I will head down to town and pick up riffles and the ammo for them. Pedro raised his hand.

In Spain you need a license for that stuff, I will come with you, I have one. Quite how many they will let me have, I don’t know, how many are you thinking of buying? Rod had not considered that either and admitted as much.

I guess as many as we can, Rod eventually said. The other thing we need to do and again starting tomorrow, is to dispassionately assess the defend-ability our individual farms. I suggest that until we know how we are going to deal with these threats we meet up daily, Rod added. Nobody disagreed, but the mood when the meeting broke up was subdued in the extreme. It seemed that metaphorically they might just have built their houses upon sand.

Rod at least took a positive view of their fast changing reality. That Dermott had turned up out of the blue had been more than lucky, thank God they had not turned him away!

A couple of hours later he drove up to Peter’s place and alone, not wanting to unnerve Anastasia or Annette. It was more than clear to him that they needed to adapt to the new reality they now faced and fast. They had these last year’s concentrated wholly on establishing and developing their individual farms and successfully so. That they had overlooked the obvious had become shockingly clear and that they needed to wake up to that reality even clearer! Peter led Rod outside and to a distant bench; he’d been thinking along similar lines as Rod and saw no need to worry Sally. They quickly put together a plan of action. Pedro together with Anastasia and three of their tougher neighbors would head down to town in one of Rod’s twelve seat land rovers. Their task would be to withdraw as much cash from the banks as they could and buy as many rifles and as much ammunition as possible. Rod and Peter shared much the same concerns and quickly agreed on a strategy to deal with it, though based on the assumption that Pedro would enjoy success. They would from here on in post armed guards around the perimeter of their collection of farms. While it was a step in the right direction, Rod returned to his farm feeling troubled. Their individual farms were stretched over a huge area, maybe too big an area? Rod was awakened by the sounds of conversation the following morning and glanced at his watch; it was late, near midday. Annette was still fast asleep at his side and he did not wake her. He recognized Pierre’s voice and French accent, something that Anastasia confirmed when she entered the bedroom. Rod sat up and wiped the sleep from his eyes, Anastasia returning to rejoin Pierre. He’d bought some more bottles of wine; had evolved into their wine producer. In exchange he wanted a range of salads and vegetables and Anastasia led him to their vegetable garden. Annette began to stir, her arm urging Rod closer. Despite being half asleep Rod did not resist, kissing each of her still closed eyes, before sucking briefly at each of her nipples. It woke her and she sat up and stretched, her face reflecting her contentment. Annette then disappeared beneath the covers and teased him to hardness, it took little time. She then threw the covers back and straddled him, becoming increasingly energetic as she did so.

Anastasia returned with Pierre. He promised to teach Annette the art of wine making. They could make a start this afternoon if she wished. She thanked him, told him she’d love too, barely pausing from her efforts, would five be okay? Rod said nothing, continued to stroke her breasts, conscious that long held taboo’s were fast crumbling, at least when it came to sex and his girls. Anastasia left with Pierre, she’d help him select those vegetables he needed.

Pierre’s basket was full to overflowing when they returned hand in hand, Anastasia had invited him for tea, mint tea and set to brewing it. Annette continued oblivious, close to climax and made no attempt to disguise her sense of fulfillment when her pleasure flowed through her. Rod scrambled for a pair of briefs and led Pierre outside and to the bench set of table and chairs that they’d only recently bought. Anastasia and Annette soon joined them and carrying coffees. Pierre made next to no attempt to hide his admiration of them, or their considerable charms, as they each sipped their coffee. Rod realized that the girls were enjoying his attention, even returning to the kitchen to refill their mugs and stand and linger at his side when they returned.

Rod felt a mix of emotions; Anastasia seemed to be enjoying his attention, even raising one foot to rest upon the bench at Pierre’s side.

Pierre can do massage, Anastasia told Rod enthusiastically, and has offered to give me one. Can you spare me for an hour? Rod assured her that he could; he had a few things to do, but suffered uncertainty, maybe even feeling of jealousy? Anastasia wasted no time, soon appearing with a blanket and some Olive oil and lying prostrate, beside the table. Pierre knelt at her side. Rod felt Annette behind him and she began to massage his shoulders, her fingers pressing deeply into his muscles as she did so. Once done she told him to turn to face him and he did as she asked. Pierre was good, Rod could see and Anastasia was clearly enjoying his attention, excessively so he briefly wondered? Annette distracted him, (intentionally, he suspected). Kneeling before him she lowered his briefs and pored a little of the oil on each of his thighs. As she massaged his thighs, again deeply, she wriggled her way closer to him, forcing his knees apart as she did so. He hardened and involuntarily, as she drew ever closer to him. He could here Anastasia, the sounds familiar, she was groaning softly, Pierre was pleasuring her? Rod held out for some time despite Annette’s efforts, but once she took him in her mouth he quickly succumbed.  Pierre had finished by the time Rod opened his eyes and headed towards his Suzuki jeep with his basket of produce. He called over his shoulder to remind Annette of their five o’clock appointment, she raised her thumb. Anastasia made no attempt to hide the evidence of her orgasm as she rejoined him and Annette, clearly happy. Rod suffering a mix of emotions, that she had openly taken her pleasure with Pierre was clear, no attempt of deception involved, could he hack that? He suffered some confusion, or was it jealousy? He’d fancied Michelle, Pierre’s girlfriend from the moment of first meeting her. It felt almost childish, but maybe he’d make his attraction to her more obvious, make a play for her see how it evolved maybe?

Rod was more than aware that they had begun yet another day amorously and despite their newly discovered fears. Anastasia remained right where she laid, knees raised and legs open before him. That she was clearly basking in the affects of her orgasm was more than clear. She lowered one hand between her still parted legs and he knelt before her. She leaned towards him, pulled him closer, clearly hungry for more. He was in the throes of making love with her when Pedro arrived; clearly keen to get the job done. He and Annette did not loiter and set off for Sedona almost immediately once they’d shared a shower. Anastasia at least was struck by the contrast, when Pedro reached the road into town. They were about to buy weapons of death while Annette made love with Rod!  

When they eventually returned indoors Rod felt that he’d overcome his feelings of jealousy, though realized that he owed Annette at least in part for that. He would need to get used to Anastasia’s emancipating ways, or maybe not. Michelle, Pierre’s wife or girlfriend was very pretty, perhaps he should make some moves, subject Anastasia to the same situation? It seemed childish he knew, he’d see how things evolved.

Pedro and Annette enjoyed mixed success; in Sedona Pedro was limited to buying twenty rifles, together with ample ammunition. He could however buy the same amount tomorrow if he chose.

Peter turned up a couple of hours later, his face grave. The girls were working in the vegetable patch and waved a greeting. His news was not good, the opposite, worrying. He’d picked up a severe weather warning on the radio. It was their sole connection to the big wide World and they left it on all day. It was Sally that caught the news item and had shared it with him as soon as she’d found him. Severe weather was heading their way and within the next twenty four hours, very severe weather. Could he Anastasia and Annette help spread the word? Rod was pleased they were back and hadn’t made the most of their time in town. Rod called the girls and they returned at a trot, his tone of voice enough to indicate that something was wrong. As Peter pointed out there was only so much they could do, but it might make the difference between life and death. Winds, winds beyond gale force were heading their way and fast, they had eight hours maximum, maybe less, to warn their neighbors and to prepare themselves as best they could. The girls were soon pulling up their denim skirts and their vests over their heads, and Rod pulled up a pair of briefs, shorts and grabbed a shirt. Peter marked a map with the location of those for Rod to visit. Franz to would warn those closest to him. The instructions that Rod, Franz    were given were clear and simple, everything that could be stowed away and secured should be and windows boarded up. Jose and Rocia’s place was on Rods list, due to Anastasia’s grasp of Spanish and they had the same problem that they had, they also lived in a caravan. Rod asked him from which direction they could expect the wind. The predication was from the north, though Pete shrugged as he said it. Jose and Rocia’s place would be where the both met, once everyone else had been forewarned.

Rod realized they’d need to help themselves before they could help anyone else and they had only one option. The three of them worked as a team, the fun they’d just enjoyed quickly forgotten. Hitching the caravan to the land rovers ball hitch he pulled it behind the cottage and as tightly to the south facing wall as he could. Unhitching the caravan he then drove to hitch up the trailer, luckily still laden with sand. He then parked the land rover and trailer against the caravan side on and practically touching it. It was almost the same length. That was it the best they could do, a sandwich that would hopefully hold the caravan steady and prevent it from being blown over at least! Dashing to the other land rover he set off at speed and towards Dermott and Ana’s place, it was not so far. They did not linger, they lived in an old and solid stone built place, they could store what little they had in the place themselves.

The wind was already getting up as they set off towards Jose and Petra’s; they lived a little further away. It was the same story, another old stone built place, they helped them stash stuff inside for five minutes before setting off for the rendezvous. Rod saw that others had already attached the caravan to Pete’s land rover, who set off before Rod pulled up. Pierre and Michelle climbed in and told Rod to head to Pete’s place. A ramshackle collection of cars and vans were already pulling off and he followed them. There was a narrow track leading to Pete’s farm that ran through a steeply walled gulley. It might offer some protection. A little further ahead Pete had several massive stone built barns. They were easily big enough to fit all of them. Jose and Rocia would be safe there, could shelter in Peter’s centuries old stone farm house. Rod had a change of heart and swung round as people began to park up within the massive and strongly built barns. He set off to their farm and at speed. Anastasia asked him what he was doing, the concern in her voice palpable. He told her, they could at least try to save their half acre of vegetables, or at the least some. He elaborated, outlined his idea to Anastasia, while concentrating fiercely on his driving. Given the roughness of the ground he was driving over he was driving very fast. Annette leaned forward to listen in. It might just work; she thought and it was at least worth trying. They had invested one hell of a lot of time and effort in their oversized vegetable garden.

They’d previously bought six rolls of wire netting; they were still stashed on the trailer, enough to cover a big area. It took them three hours to get the job done; securing the mesh with deeply imbedded stakes at two meter intervals was easily the slowest job.

The winds were strengthening with frightening speed and by the time they had finished they could barely stand up straight. Clambering into the land rover was a relief; he’d parked behind the cottage, the land rover still hitched to the trailer. Rod toyed with the idea of trying to get back to Peters place, but dismissed it, too dangerous, the winds already of a frightening strength, a strength that none of them had previously experienced. The land rover was at least partly sheltered, but was still buffeted like a cork upon an angry sea. A one point the land rover was lifted off the ground and on its exposed side, falling back to the ground with a thud. Annette clambered into the front to join them and they waited. They could not fail to hear their lovely shiny caravan being ground first against the cottage and then against the land rover and trailer. He saw one, then another of the tarpaulins, their sun shields, fly downfield and maybe five meters above them. Hopefully he’d find them later.

Suddenly it was quite, the air outside perfectly still. It was almost as shocking, as the near hurricane force winds in its own way. Rod waited ten full minutes before venturing outside, all seemed normal. Though their shiny caravan had had been seriously rocked by the winds he could see nothing broken. Their frantic efforts in their vegetable garden seemed to have worked too, they’d saved a lot. Rod was highly aware of the contrast with the hedonistic morning that they and most certainly Anastasia had enjoyed, but was dragged back to the moment, no bad thing.

Anastasia suggested that they spend the night in the small hotel this side of Sedona. Rod didn’t hesitate; it was a more than good idea. He set off at a moderate speed the emergency now over. He was glad he always kept a few spare razors in the glove box, aware that the three of them looked like they had been dragged through a hedge backwards.

There was evidence of the storm’s path all around as they covered the short distance to Sedona. Countless trees had been uprooted and numerous branches ripped off, but the road was luckily clear, at least for a land rover. The branches that obstructed their way, he simply drove over, albeit slowly. The storm had left its calling card at the small hotel too; smashed chimney pots littered the drive. While the winds had died down considerably, it felt good to enter the foyer of the strongly and stone built hotel. The receptionist, a young Spanish girl, paid no attention to their windswept and bedraggled appearance, Rod sure that others had sought refuge before them. They enjoyed a three way shower, a squeeze, tidied themselves up as best they could and head to the bar.  

Things felt better after a couple of beers, or glasses of wine in the girl’s case. They squeezed into the double bed once undressed and despite the early hour, just past nine, each of them suffering feelings of exhaustion. They even forewent sexy play, none of them in the mood and anxious to get back to the farm in the morning to literally pick up the pieces.

Peter called another meeting for the following day, could feel the general mood of despondency amongst his widely scattered neighbors in the wake of the storm, many close to giving up, he even roped in Rod to help. Rod did not hesitate despite the fact that he had everything to do, not least to drag their caravan free of its hiding place. Peter was easily the most intelligent guy he’d ever known. He seemed to see things more clearly than most, see things and act accordingly. The fact that he’d bought a huge farm for next to nothing so many years ago a typical example, as was the fact that he’d chosen ideal an area to survive the steadily intensifying storms now sweeping the planet. No, the bottom line was that giving up what not an option, there was no place left to run.

Everyone turned up and early the following morning the general mood reflecting their feelings of shell shock. Peter spoke passionately, both from the heart and his formidable mind.

I know that many of you have lost much from the storm, the near hurricane, but we are all alive, please don’t overlook that fact. I’ve yet to listen to the news, but I suspect that many thousands lost their lives, We are in as good a place as we could hope to find to weather the storms, at least in Europe, try to remember that. Rod loved his passion; he was speaking from the heart. Franz pointed out that within Europe tens of thousands had already lost their lives. He possessed what was easily the most sophisticated radio reception among them. Peter continued. It is not going to be easy, we as a species have arrogantly ignored the delicate balance of life on earth and Mother Nature is now fighting back. As difficult as it might be we have to assume that such storms and other extremes of nature will become the norm and let me share something with you, these storms are actually good. I’ll explain, Europe, for example has become toxic, from natures point of view. Many parts of the southern hemisphere, the oceans too, remain relatively pure and clean. While it will not solve the core problem of mankind’s arrogance, it is lessening the damage caused; diluting it and dispersing the poisonous gasses we even now continue to pump into the atmosphere. Sorry I’m lecturing you, please forgive me, only my sense of frustration overwhelms me at times.Several people raised their voices, Annette among them and urged him to continue and he did. Thank you, but I do not have that much more to say, or advice I can offer you. When you build, build strong, like the ancient Greeks and Romans. When you plant, do so wisely and plant trees. Yes many suffered from the winds but many more survived. Trees are as natures policemen, they provide shelter and a degree of safety for the tender plants beneath them, okay, I’ve said enough, probably too much, but remember that our door is always open to you, thank you. People actually clapped, Rod and the girls included as he returned to the small crowd and Sally in particular.

Rod was in a thoughtful mood when they returned to their farm. He felt that he was fighting on way to many fronts and succeeding in none. The girls picked up on his mood, though said nothing. The first thing they did when they got back was to free the caravan from its hiding place. It had suffered bumps and scratches, but was essentially intact.  

Taking Pete’s words to heart he wondered if there was a more sheltered area to site it. He did not need to consider the near derelict cottage any more, had abandoned all thoughts of fixing it up.

Anastasia offered to drive; they’d have a good look round. There was one area of their farm that they’d ignored, it sloped done towards a copse of trees and she drove down there. That is was far more sheltered than the land above was undeniable. She parked and they walked amongst the long neglected Almond trees. There was a sizable level area, it could be ideal, but they’d need to clear the half dead trees. They drove back up the gentle incline to the caravan; they had a plan, well two. Rod had already decided to buy a bunch of hundred gallon storage drums. He was far from sure how much longer diesel would be available and planed on hoarding the stuff.

Another trip to Sedona was in order, to fill some of the fuel drums and buy a decent chain saw, the reason.

The caravan was not as bad as he’d feared once he pulled it free, scratched here and there, but nothing more. For want of any better idea he’d tow it to its old spot. It could well be a while before they cleared the new area. It was a good move, though unknown to him they would never tow it to the sheltered area they’d found.

Chapter Two

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A taste of Heaven

Shopping had become a priority, both in Sedona and the capital, Granada. Rod was now convinced beyond doubt that money had a finite future, a very finite future. It was not so easy, trying to imagine what they might need in one year’s time, let alone ten, they did their best. For clothes the girls preferred Granada and by a mile; they bought what Rod thought was way more lingerie than necessary, but what did he know. They bought for him too, briefs, work boots and much, much more. He’d spent surprisingly little by the time they were done and almost as an afterthought bought a cross country motorbike, it would be a useful way to get about the farm at speed.

When it came to clothes Rod suspected that he’d bought enough practical stuff to last a lifetime. Anastasia and Annette went the other way Rod not interfering. They bought the stuff that would not only look good, but feel good too. That it showed off and highlighted their charms would have been an understatement, but Rod had to admit that they sure looked good in them. Rod had come to accept Anastasia’s need to show off and even flirt. It was something she’d discovered during their endless journey south, what now seemed an age ago. They had even talked about it, frankly and openly. The fact was, Anastasia had freely admitted, it turned her on, though she did admit it was kind of kinky. The line would be drawn at massages, Rod always finding something to do elsewhere, while she received one. He suspected and rightly so, that some of the massages she was given were quite intimate, particularly when it was either Pierre or Franz that massaged her, not even sure that massage as such even played a part!

Even after their best efforts Rod still had close to the one hundred and fifty thousand Euros in the bank, too much, way too much and Rod decided to pay Franz a visit, respected his business acumen. The girls wanted to come and he looked at each of them, both dressed to thrill and was reluctant to take them, needed Franz focused.

When he set off in the land rover the girls were sat as his side. He’d eventually and perhaps inevitably caved in. Both Franz and Gloria came out to greet them warmly once he pulled into their driveway. Gloria was dressed even more outrageously than the girls and she was a very attractive young woman, sexy too. Thankfully Franz picked up on his mood immediately, once he’d outlined his problem. Gloria shepherded the girls through the house to the swimming pool, it was another fine and sunny day and Franz guided him towards the kitchen. Franz advice was brief and to the point, he thought Rod was panicking. He explained that having worked within Germany’s business and banking system that the banks wouldn’t buckle so easily. Franz suspected that it would be a year or even longer before Rod would need to worry and that he should safeguard what money he had and relax. Rod felt relieved, trusting in his assessment of the current World situation as Franz led him to the pool.

The girls, Gloria too, were naked and stretched out on the sun beds and glowing from the sun oil they were coated in when they joined them. Franz too was deeply tanned, Rod saw, as he stripped off, showered and dived into the pool. Rod soon followed his lead, what choice did he have; suspecting that the rest of the day would be as erotically sensual as it would be relaxing. He was right on both counts, but unlike the previous time the five of them stayed together and played together. Franz very nice Rioja wine began to flow and Rod surrendered to the situation. A day of rest would do none of them any harm after the trials and tribulation of recent days. They soon gravitated to a collection of what were the biggest and most comfortable towels that Rod had ever seen an in a tight huddle. The fact that everything was open helped Rod to relax; even though he suspected he knew how it would eventually play out. The fact that Anastasia and Annette knelt next to him briefly and teased him to hardness using the sun oil, helped too. While Anastasia impaled herself on him and openly, Annette did the same with Franz. Gloria then joined Franz and Annette, more intent on Annette than Franz and Annette was soon enjoying her touch. The sex Rod had enjoyed since meeting Anastasia was unlike any he’d previously known. There was no awkwardness, no embarrassment or self-conscious fumbling, it felt natural and right. While Rod was vaguely aware of the fun Franz, Gloria and Annette were enjoying it was Anastasia that