Of Mice and Men

Chapter 1

Breckenridge, CO

March 25th, 2020

"Governor Polis just announced executive order D2020-017 ordering all Coloradans to stay in place due to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) in the state. The order takes effect tomorrow Thursday, March 26th at 6am. The executive order will last for two weeks to lower the curve. What do you think about this Tim? Colorado is one of the latest states to lock down." The news anchor asked his co-host.

"Well John, I think it is a slippery slope when..."

Nate turned off Fox news. "I barely have enough toilet paper to clean my ass, and now I have to stay inside for two weeks?" He grunted.

Nathan Jackson was a very hyperactive individual, one of the main reasons he got in trouble in the past. While he had controlled those tendencies, he had been off of work for two weeks now.

"I got to do something, or I'll go mad." Nate whispered as he slowly stood up from his couch. The cabin in which he lived was very spartan, 'One of the few things that stuck being an Operator'. He thought as he glanced around.

He liked only having the things he needed and nothing more. Nate stared into space in deep thought for a few minutes. After seeming to come up with a decision, he relaxed his muscles as he exhaled.

Nathan walked towards the dining room, picking up his S20. Scrolling through his contacts until 'Mom' came up.

Nate hesitated for a second, talking to his mom was something he liked, he missed his mother, but conversations with her tended to go from 'How are you?' to 'And she told me she wasn't dating!' to 'How do you do the video thing call?'. If he didn't stop her, she would go on and on for hours without actually saying much.

Sigh

"Why can't she just go straight to the point?" He wondered as the phone started dialing.

"Honey! How come you haven't called me in days!? How is everything going? Do you have enough food? I heard that Colorado is going into lockdown in the news, oh my gosh! Can you believe it? Emma was saying that Florida won't go into lockdowns. Do you remember Emma? She is the one with the dog that you liked." The voice from the other end happily chattered.

"Hello Mom." He interjected before she went on. "I called you three days ago."

"Did you? But you have to call more often, you can call me at any time."

"I'll try, I am good Mom, just heard the news about the lock downs myself. I have food, don't worry Mom. What about you? Did you stock up on food and water like I told you?"

"I am great, just watching the series 'You'. Have you seen it? It's about a..."

He interrupted her once again. "I haven't seen it, but you told me about it. Did you stock up Mom?"

"Oh? Did I? You should watch it , it is very good. Yes, Emma and her husband Jerry went with me to Kroger. You should have seen how empty most of the stuff was!" She confided in a hushed tone.

"I am glad Mom, I'll call you later, I am going to call Amber and ask how she is doing. I love you."

"Thank you for calling Honey! Don't forget to call me more often, and say hello to Amber!"

"I will, bye Mom."

"Bye Honey!"

Nate put the phone down with a small smile playing across his lips. He scrolled down towards 'Sis' contact before dialing it as well.

After three rings he heard a "Calmed down Maddy, its not Daddy, its your Uncle Nate calling. Hello? Can you hear me?"

"Hey Sis, just calling to see how you girls are doing."

"We are doing great, thanks for asking. Phil is still in Fort Gordon, he called earlier." She seemed to hesitate on the phone before whispering. "He said there is word through the grapevine that there might be national lockdowns."

"There could be, I can call some of my battles* to ask. Have you guys stocked up?"

"You know how Phil is, he said not to panic and only let me buy what we needed for the week. Georgia hasn't gone into lockdowns yet, and he is consider an essential worker."

"Yeah, I know how he is. Okay, keep me informed." Nate hesitated for a second, 'Should I?' before fully committing. 'Yes'.

"Listen, I just wanted to let you know, I am planning on going camping. I am thinking of going maybe two or three weeks. Off the grid , just until this blows over."

"What? Won't you get into trouble because of the lockdowns? It's risky Nate. Have you told Mom?" Amber's worried voice came through.

"It's fine, I'll go deep in the mountains , I'll be by myself , with more than enough food. And no , you know how she is, I was hoping you call her and ease her into it." He pleaded.

"You'll always be here baby. Promise me that you will keep in touch everyday. I know you are though , but don't keep us worried."

Nathan breathed a sigh if relief, most battles with the females in his life were not easy. "I love you Sis, I promise to text everyday."

"I'll talk to you tomorrow night, I am going to pack and set off tomorrow morning." He told her.

"Okay, take care Nathan."

Nate dropped the phone back on the table, charging it before heading towards the back of his cabin, to his room.

Nathan pulled his necklace off as he opened his door. Two dog tags and two small keys hung on it. Picking one he approached his weapons locker. Placing the key inside and turning to reveal a hunter's paradise. From shotguns to handguns, and everything in between.

Glancing at his price possessions, he debated between the black or tan AR-15. The tan one had mil-specs and a better scope. He chose the tan one , pulling it out and clearing it.

He took five 5.56 boxes , and placed everything on his bed. "Now for handgun." He only hesitated for a moment before choosing a 9mm Glock 17. Grabbing five boxes of ammo for it as well.

"Should I take one for hunting? Fuck it, I might find something good to eat." He picked his favorite Mauser M18, along with 30-06 ammo for it.

Nate closed the locker before placing his necklace back. He headed left towards his closet. Moving the clothes on the hangers to the side , before sliding the back panels on the wall , revealing most of his military equipment and files.

It's not that he wanted to put his military past behind , but most of what he did was classified , and he didn't want anyone to just stumble into anything important.

Nathan walked in , pulling out his ruck in the corner. "Let's see, I can take a box of MRE's, a tent, fire starters, 2 canteens, camel pouch, E tool, sleeping bag, first aid, some of my tools, a poncho, solar power bank, what else do I need?" He wondered as he moved things around.

After a few minutes of picking things, he placed everything in his bed. Glancing at everything before packing it. He left a pair of military boots and his OCPs outside.

"Good." Nate was pleased as he got his phone and set an alarm for 4 A.M.