Hawkins Bay

By James Porteous

Planet Earth is but one tiny, obscure, and frankly otherwise useless property in God’s rather large real estate portfolio.

And yet, He spends most of His time sorting out their wars, climate upheavals, and greed.

And now the 1% are moving into their radiation-proof Freedom Bunkers, leaving billions of people to die.

Still, there is a hint of revenge in the putrid, acidic air. Dirty Gringo has a plan, Stan. What the hell do they have to lose?

Got a war? Got a revolution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clipper Media
• Release date: Feb 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9781738883257

Book preview

HAWKINS BAY DISPATCH

WAR STATUS UPDATE

MilSatCom Status Update

The forces of evil are once again on their hind legs. Our fighter jets have wiped out the insurgents who had taken refuge in a former water filtration plant.

The total number of casualties has not-yet been reported, but we can say with full confidence that the Jihadists will send dozens of Missing or Considered Dead telegrams this evening.

Additional updates to follow.

CHAPTER 2

MAYOR BOB DIVES IN

After a decade of construction, kickbacks, infighting, and government incompetence, life is set to begin inside the Hawkins Bay Freedom Bunker.

Mayor Bob Smythe is making his maiden appearance as the head of the Hawkins Bay Freedom Bunker Civilian Team. 

He pushes the ceremonial button, and they watch as the external thermal door closes.

Thank you, everyone, Mayor Bob says. Today is a momentous⁠—

Okay, Major Milton Stursberg, the Hawkins Bay Freedom Bunker Chief says.

As of now, I am in charge here. At 0100, we instituted the Freedom Bunker Code of Conduct, or FBCOC. There will be no deviation from FBCOC for the duration of our incarceration.

Incarceration? Mayor Bob says.

Did I say incarceration? I meant... something else.

I’m sorry, you have actually passed this...

FBCOC.

...without consultation.

On the contrary, Major Stursberg says. There was a great deal of consultation.

But not with us.

No, not with civilians. This is a military operation.

A military operation meant to protect civilians?

Well, a military operation meant to protect civilian freedoms, if that is what you mean.

You tell me, Mayor Bob says. 

The rules are very simple, Major Stursberg says, hoisting a large whiteboard containing the details of the FBCOC.

Freedom Bunker Code of Conduct

We Stand United in our Fight to Preserve our Democratic Freedoms

We will Never Surrender

We will Resist our Enemies by Any Means Necessary

If You See Something - Say Something

Civilian possession or use of Firearms is Strictly Forbidden

Be Smart - Stay Alive

Signed on this date,

Major Milton Stursberg

Hawkins Bay Freedom Bunker

Was it necessary to use so many capital letters? the Mayor asks, to at least a smattering of laughter.

Bob, you of all people should know this is not a time for levity.

So, where do we go from here?

What do you mean, ‘go?’ We are there. Our task now is to establish a sense of order that will carry us through until we accomplish our mission.

And the goal?

The preservation of our democratic way of life not lofty enough for you?

Well, that is admirable, but we need to establish mutual, workable goals within the bunker.

The Freedom Bunker, Major Stursberg says.

Yes, Mayor Bob says. The FBCOC mentions that.

Okay. I think we are done.

You can’t just adjourn the meeting, Mayor Bob says.

I already have, he says as he and his men march out of the room.

All eyes turn to Mayor Bob. 

So, one of the despondent ‘citizens’ says. Not quite what we were expecting.

I know, I know, Mayor Bob says.

So we are virtually prisoners, aren’t we?

Not even virtual, says another.

Well, time will tell, Mayor Bob says. Christ. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. We are in the early stages here. There are bound to be some organizational issues.

You mean a pissing match.

I mean a pissing match.

But we can’t win this. They said straight out - this is a military rather than a civilian operation. We are done. Toast.

Well, I know it looks that way, but, as mayor, I am not prepared to roll over and die. I’ll be damned if we stand by and allow them to do this to their -our- own… people.

Christ, Bob, Simon Paul says, in private. We’re screwed. Really and truly.

Of course I know that! I was at the same meeting.

I wonder. I would have expected a bit more blowback.

Divide and conquer. That was their primary objective, right from the get-go.

Well, if I had to pick sides… he says.

Well, pick, Mayor Bob says. But unless you have a uniform in your locker, I don’t think you can change sides.

That is the point, he says. I don’t want to be part of them. We need to stand up to them.

Of course we do, Mayor Bob says.

But?

There is no ‘but,’ Simon. It is a done deal. We will be stuck here for the rest of our lives.

You might want to keep that pep-talk to yourself, Bob, he says. Forever might be an awfully long time.

HAWKINS BAY DISPATCH

WAR STATUS AND SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES

Confidential: Major Milton Stursberg

Meeting today was as expected. The ‘mayor’ is a cake-walk. I knew he would be. He was a perfect choice for the job. He fell into line quickly. Not that he had any choice. Made it clear we are in this for the long haul. We are running this show. No one was surprised. Suggest we use as a template for the foreseeable future. There is no reason to expect resistance from civvie quarter. 

Mayor Bob’s Juicy Journal

I know the scuttlebutt. It was a brutal day. I had such high hopes. I really wanted to show everyone I could be a leader. A real leader. But it did not work out that way. I feel bad. I know everyone was counting on me. And I also know that is why I was hired to do this job. I can be a dog with a bloody bone when needed. And today it was needed. But that darn Major. He is a piece of work that one. I have to suck it up. I can’t let anything like that happen again. I have to take charge. And I will.

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: My new name

Posted by: My old name

After the ‘meeting’ today I decided to pick a new name. It is Prisoner Zero. The rest of you can fight over who will be Prisoner 01. Or 02. Etc.

Reply: That was a shit show. There is no turning back. And no future. We are all screwed.

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Thanks Bob

Posted by: Your Uncle

‘Nuff said. Toast. We are. No butter. Or jam. Just toast

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: What the hell

Posted by: Anonymous

Jesus. What a hell-hole. There is nothing to do. I had more fun at my mother’s crappy tea-parties. And at least her tea was halfway decent. This stuff is crap. I hope it gets better. But why would it. Won’t such things just get worse over time?

Reply: You’ll get used to it

Reply: Really? And if I don’t?

Reply: if you don’t you won’t. where is the mystery

Reply: thanks for your support.

Reply: Screw you

Reply: Back at you

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: What is her name?

Posted by: Horn E

Anyone know the name of that foxy cleaning gal? You know the one I mean! Lord. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. Someone help me out. I can’t live like this for another 40 years!

Reply: That’s my sista, bro

Reply: That my bro, sista

Reply: It is me. Why don’t you come up and see me sometime

Reply: Is that a penis in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me

Reply: Winner!

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: The wine-list is shit

Posted by: Vineyard Man

It really is. I didn’t expect top-of-class from the best vineyards in the world but this stuff is rank. Perhaps we could set up a ‘special store’ where we could buy the good stuff?

Reply: Get real. You think your wine is bad? You should taste the beer! You won’t of course, but I have and I can tell you it is swill. I won’t ask if ‘we’ can set up a top-end ‘beer store’ of course.

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Security Badges

Posted by: Devon

I know you all must be tired of hearing this by now, but I really MUST insist people wear their security badges at all times. Not just the armed forces but everyone. We are here for the long haul and it is imperative that we have some sense of decorum.

Reply: What, are you afraid someone is going to sneak in and wreak havoc? Surely everyone in here now is supposed to be in here now.

Reply: Can we expel someone if they don’t wear their ID photo?

Reply: No, that is not the point at all. Our fighting men might only have a split second to decide if someone is friend or foe. A sanctioned ID badge lets them know in an INSTANT

Reply: fighting men and women

Reply: leave your wife out of this

Reply: you talk to my husband like that again and I’ll salt your wounds

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Sleepless in Hawkins Bay

Posted by: jjjj

Why do we have to keep hearing those damn Urgent Updates? Can’t they just post the news somewhere (like on here!) instead of blaring it on the loudspeakers all day and night? I really don’t need an update at 3:00 AM telling me that Jihad Johnny has farted. Can’t it wait until after morning tea?

Reply: Maybe if enough people complain they will stop

Reply: I doubt very much they are blaring those messages in the other sectors. So no, they won’t stop

Reply: Good point

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Civility

Posted by: Top Gun (Major Stursberg)

Would it be too much to ask to keep these comments civil in tone? This is not a dating site. Or a speakeasy. We expect everyone to do their job and know their place. That is all.

Hawkins Bay Dispatch Update

Are you aware that airborne impurities can be just as deadly as The Jihadists? A proper sanitary regime is as important as punching in correct coordinates for your guided-missiles. So please, remember to Take Two: Two minutes to wash your hands at least Two Times a Day. The life you save may be your own.

CHAPTER 3

OUR FIRST LOOK INSIDE THE FREEDOM BUNKER

Where is the Major?

Deep Cover.

Roger that. I have the conn, he says amidst much laughter.

Major Stursberg enjoys watching his men via the two dozen CCTV cameras installed throughout The Freedom Bunker.

His troops are housed in the Military Sector (MilSec), which includes sleeping quarters, a cafeteria, a gym, and an entertainment complex.

This area is also home to dozens of DarkWater contractors who provide security within the bunker.

The double-thick walls separate MilSec from the other sectors, while also providing added protection against radiation seepage.

The Civilian Sector (CivSec) is the most problematic sector. ‘Regular’ citizens live here, including local politicians, middle-ranked socialites, former celebrities, and a skeleton staff of medical personnel.

CivSec is cut off from MilSec by a reinforced steel door which can only be opened from the MilSec side.

The Guest Worker Sector (GWS) is home to the maintenance workers, cleaning staff, wait staff, and golf cart drivers, most of whom are ‘aliens’ and therefore must work the hours they are told to work.

The Homeland Security Unit (HSU), is also known as The Circus. It lives up to its name. The CyberUnit, The Tracking Unit, and the so-called DroneBoys live and work within HSU.

They know their jobs, but they do not know the first thing about discipline. Major Stursberg calls them civvies in sheep’s clothing.

The High Priority Sector (HPS) is the sole reason Hawkins Bay and other Freedom Bunkers around the world even exist. HPS was bankrolled by The Ones as a means of ‘preserving democracy’ for future generations. The vaults also hold trillions of dollars in cash and gold.

HPS has many private rooms, and the richest also have private cooks and cleaning staff.

Major Stursberg’s Private Communications Bunker is the only other private space in the Freedom Bunker. From there, he controls cyber operations, drone attacks, and local boots-on-the-ground.

He has direct communication with the local bunkers and the District Military Center. They send him constant war updates, which may or may not be 100% accurate.

He enjoys cycling through the various CCTV cameras. Tonight he watches the doctor, Anita something-or-other. What in Sam Hill is she doing? Eyes wide open. Staring into Deep Space. .

She is a piece of work. Not entirely unattractive, but, Lord, that brain of hers seems half-baked.

HAWKINS BAY DISPATCH

WAR STATUS AND SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES

Confidential: Major Milton Stursberg

There is momentum. My men are coming together as a unit, just as I knew they would. We have a clear mission now. The ‘enemy’ is clearly defined. My men have been trained for battle. They will win this war against the civvies.

External visuals detected heat peaks, but nothing within our quadrant. But worth keeping an eye on.

Also detected small party of civvies within the Perimeter. They looked like lost misfits. Still, my men have been ordered to invoke Extreme Prejudice should they return.

Mayor Bob’s Juicy Journal

Things have calmed down somewhat. I wonder if Major Pain in the Ass has cottoned onto the fact that we are not going to put up with his bullshit. Everyone seems happier today. Maybe we are settling into a routine.

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Posted by: Scared shiteless

Topic: Scared shiteless

What is with the DarkWater dweebs and the military hacks. I am afraid to meet them in a dark hallway. Do they really have to be so… You know

Reply: Ain’t that the truth! I know they have to ‘keep control’ on the ‘outside’ but aren’t we supposed to be on the same team on the inside?

Reply: We are on the same team. It is their team.

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Posted by: Top Gun (Major Stursberg)

Topic: Civvies

The troops are here to protect. And keep everyone in line. I’ve seen more discipline in a cheese factory.

Reply: Thanks for the pep talk, Top Dawg. You warmed my cockles, that’s for sure. Just when I was beginning to lose all hope

Reply: Do you want to come over and spank me big dawg

Reply: Do you want to come over and spank me big dawg

Reply: Sorry. comments are slow sometimes internet is shit

Reply: Sorry. comments are slow sometimes internet is shit

Reply: but offer is still open Dawg

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: The Door

Posted by: Top Gun (Major Stursberg)

The door is still open. Well, it can be opened. If you don’t want to be here, you don’t have to stay here. I have given my men permission to open the door for anyone who wants to leave. If that is you, let me know and I will arrange a departure party.

Reply: I’m in Dawg. Shove my name to the top of the GTFO list

Reply: GTFO?

Reply: Get the Fuck Out.

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Waste

Posted by: Canteen staff

Please remember to dispose of your waste. Too often we find piles of plates and cutlery on tables (and chairs!) That is not acceptable. Please treat the canteen in the same way you would treat your own home.

Reply: We are treating the canteen like we would treat our own home.

Reply: Can you clean my room? I could pay your three fake cigarettes per week?

Reply: I’ll pay four fake cigarettes per week.

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Quiz night

Posted by: Langston III

We are still working on our ‘events schedule’ but we want to get the ball rolling with a weekly quiz night. You will find a sign up sheet outside the Entertainment Suite. Add your name if you are interested in attending and we’ll be in touch!

Reply: Heck, I’m interested, Lang. But I’m not sure I qualify. I don’t think I will have enough time to clean my coveralls after I finish my shift.

Reply: Why should today be any different.

Reply: Is that what I smelled. I thought there was an air-leak to the outside

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Say Cheese

Posted by: Entertainment Unit

We are starting a photography group. I know our natural ‘subject matter’ will be somewhat limited, but the Entertainment Suite does contain a means to project your fantastic images on the movie screen!

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Cheese

Posted by: Speaking of which

I wonder if there is any hope of enjoying any actual cheese? I had assumed that provisions would be made for such things but thus far it seems not to be the case.

Civvie Online Journal Entry

Topic: Cheese

Posted by: Culinary Staff

Speaking of which, just to let you know, we will