The Siege of New Hampshire

Martin was busy tending to his unexpected guests when an urgent radio call came in. The railroad project needed the welding repair done immediately. Martin tried to tell Charles to get his welder up to Manchester and do the welding as he had promised, but the Hendrick brothers had gone to the coast and would not return until Friday. The welder was still at the Hendricks' farm but how could he get it up to Manchester without the truck? Your support helps me keep the Siege story going. Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome, especially as the mornings are getting darker and cooler.

Mic, Brian and Jeff discuss one of the iconic tropes in prepperdom -- the world gone "Mad Max". Formed mostly on the basis of the first two Mad Max movies (and there have been sequels afterward), the chaotic, desolate, and violent world of Mad Max serves as a sort of worst-case archetype for a post-SHTF world. But, how likely is the world to Mad Max? Can one prep for that? Why aren't there roving gangs of good guys? Join us for the discussion and feel free to share your thoughts too. Links to films referred to in this episode Things To Come (1936) Movie adaptation of H.G.Wells' novel. A world war destroys civilization, sending mankind back to the stone age. Synopsis Captive Women (1951) Movie about post-SHTF barbarism. Synopsis World Without End (1956) Another movie about post-SHTF barbarism, but with astronauts! Synopsis. Mad Max: (first film: 1979) -- Wikipedia synopsis. Watch it free at archive.org. Mad Max 2 (1981) -- Synopsis on imdb.org Rent at Amazon Prime, YouTube subscription, etc.

Early one morning, the motion alarm that Martin installed in his bean field, goes off. He rushes out to find a mysterious silhouette at the edge. He chases and tackles the person. She turns out to be a member of a group of Feral women who had been hiding in the woods across the road. Margaret coaxes them into cooperating and relocating to behind the Simmons' house so that they would be safe from the disgruntled townsfolk who are hunting them. The Simmons' do not have enough food for eight new mouths. What can they do? To show Mic that you are enjoying the Siege story, please consider buying Mic a cup of virtual cup of coffee (or two?) at Buy Me A Coffee . To become one of the really cool kids (that all the others envy,) consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee,

The US Government's EMP Commission's report stated that at E.M.P. attack could take out the nation's power grid for over a year. After a year without the grid, said the report, that 60% to 90% of Americans would be dead. None of us can prevent an EMP, a CME, or a terrorist hack, but there are steps we can take to help be in the surviving 10%. Mic, Brian, and Jeff discuss grid-down media and an EMP movie. Links to material the boys discussed: Grid-Down / Power-Up (2021 documentary starring Dennis Quaid) Ted Koppel interview discussing his grid-down book: Lights Out (2015) Ted Koppel's book, Lights Out, on Amazon (2015) Movie, E.M.P. 333 Days (2018) free on Tubi, for rent for $2 on YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime.

Martin resumes his chores around the house and checks out Dustin's rabbit snares at the back bean field. He takes a break to help Andy move out to Mara's camp. Andy is thrilled to be rooming with his soul mate. Martin gets back home in time to attend a contentious Grange meeting. Members complain about the Ferals stealing food and spreading disease. A mood of vigilanteism sweeps the meeting. To check out Mic's post about the recent bobcat attack on his chickens, check out his Buy Me A Coffee page or his Patreon page.

Mic gives an audio tour around the homestead as things stand at mid-summer.-- the quiet, elderberries that were only mostly-dead, what seems like slow fruiting, the chickens and the sad tale of dropping a tree on top of his low garden. Doh. All that, and news that target shooting is, apparently, a popular spectator sport for chickens. Who knew? To see photos that go along with this audio tour, visit my Buy Me A Coffee page and click on Posts. If you prefer Patreon, go to my Patreon page and it should be the top post. Both are available to everyone. If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

The train leaves Laconia, making its way down through Tilton and Concord, on its way to Manchester. When they arrive, everyone aboard is surprised to see very little ready for them. The city is oddly open-looking. All the trees are gone. lMartin returns home to an enthusiastic welcome, but the chores he frets over were still not done. Your support helps me keep the Siege story going. Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

Is it better to prep by trying to be an off-grid homesteader, or a basement stasher of a year's worth of all your consumables? Mic, Jeff, and Brian discuss these two poles of the spectrum of prepping. Brian goes into a couple of rants about the cons of homesteading. He is also frank about some challenges to the basement stasher. Feel free to email Mic with your two-cents on the issues we discussed. mic (at) mic-roland (dot) com If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

Martin is tasked with riding on the front of Engine #6 to inspect the rails as the train leaves Plymouth. He sees two people running on the tracks toward the train. They jump into the brush beside the rails. More people come running down the tracks and jump off at the same place. Shots ring out. Martin signals for the train to stop just before it reaches a small bridge. What he discovers under that bridge was completely unexpected. Please consider showing your support for the Siege stories by becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome. Oh sure, it's a hot summer, but coffee is always appreciated.

Mic, Brian, and Jeff all watched what might be the first realistic SHTF-Bug-Out movie: Panic In Year Zero (1962). While it is, of course, Hollywood fiction, many of the scenes are directly applicable to today. If you needed supplies, would you steal to get them? If you were confronted by someone you meant you harm, should you 'terminate' them right then? Our three movie-watchers discuss many of the scenes that raise relevant questions for today. Panic in Year Zero Movie: (YouTube Link) Shown in 10 parts. Link is to Part 1. The subsequent parts usually follow automatically, but take note that the new part has the next part number. They don't always follow correctly. But hey, it's free. :-) Give it a try. See for yourself what we were jabbering about. --- If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

As the Train rolls into Plymouth, the gunfire begins. Matt and his men are carrying out their plan, but those plans meet their first wrinkle. The Greens have damaged the tracks. The train can't roll through town as a distraction. It is stuck in the middle of town. The men on the train have to take defensive action. Martin catches a pair of Greens attempting to hijack the train and run it off the broken rails. Show your support for the Siege stories. Become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, one-time virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome. --

What would bugging out to the woods really be like? Mic lays out five historical examples of people surviving in the woods for years. > Nicholas Cresswell, 1770s traveling through the American frontier. > The Lykov family, 1936-78, 42 years in Siberian wilderness. > Max, 1941-43, A young Jewish boy hiding in a Polish forest from Nazis for 2 years. > Christopher Knight, 1986-2013, 27 years in the woods of Maine. > Thomas Johnson, 1989-99, living secretly underground for ten years. If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

The train is finally on its way south. En route, Matt explains his group's plan to neutralize the Greens' northern outpost, then sneak in to free to slave laborers. With their increased numbers, they move on to free the political prisoners. With their larger ad hoc force, they will attempt to capture the Greens' leaders while the rest of the Greens are trying to capture the train. Martin is not too keen on being the bait. Even though it's already a hot summer, this would be a good time to buy Mic a cup of virtual coffee. Mic drinks coffee all year round. Go to Buy Me A Coffee. Your support helps keep the Siege story going. To become a monthly supporter, (and be even cooler than you are now) go to Patreon, or Buy Me A Coffee.

Will AI be the cause of human extinction? That's what some experts are warning of. Mic, Brian and Jeff discuss some of the many movies and news stories about artificial intelligence taking over. On the optimistic side, the AI establishes a harsh but overall benevolent dictatorship. On the darker side, the AI systematically tries to wipe out humanity -- as an "inferior" and troublesome pest. How is a prepper to prepare for an AI overlord? LInks: Atlas, 2024, Jennifer Lopez battles an AI villain trying to wipe out mankind. Colossus: The Forbin Project: 1970. A super-computer establishes itself as benevolent dictator of the earth, with the threat of nuclear destruction for disobedience. The Invisible Boy, 1957. A super-computer attempts to become unstoppable. eliminate mankind. It's goal is to rid the Earth of the troublesome humans. 100K! With this episode, the Siege Podcast has surpassed 100,000 downloads. Thanks to all you Buy Me A Coffee supporters and Patrons on Patreon. Your support has made this possible!

Martin convinces the three railroad partners to carry on the project, even if none of them fully knew what needed to be done. A key to getting the workers to resume work was for the partners to create their own money -- based on firewood -- as a medium of exchange. Once the rails are connected, the engine assembles the first train south. Martin rides in the gondola car to operate the gasifier and welder, if needed. Your support helps me keep the Siege story going. Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

In the preppersphere, zombies are a metaphor for the masses of the unpreppared, weakened after a prolonged collapse, who slowly fan out into the countryside seeking food. Mic, Jeff, and Brian look a few landmark films and a popular TV series. Does how the characters deal with their zombies hold lessons for how preppers might deal with a possible horde of weakened, emaciated city people? What can you do to help prevent yourself turning into a "zombie"? Movie Links: White Zombie, 1932, starring Bela Lugosi. The first actual zombie movie. The Minnesota Starvation Experiment, Army study in 1945 on effects of starvation. Plan 9 From Outer Space, 1957. Cheesy sci-fi in which aliens raise the dead as an army. Night of the Living Dead, 1968, George Romero's cult classic that launched the modern zombie trope. The Walking Dead, 2010-2022, Television series, with Romero-like zombies Survival Theory II, 2023, Audio book by Jonathan Hollerman If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

Martin, Charles and Tyler begin their second day of work for Farnum. The mood of all the workers starts out upbeat. The old and new tracks are connected and the locomotive is nearly to the old railhead. A squabble among the workers reveals that Farnum has massively over-promised everyone's stake in the profits. The angry mob attack Farnum, leaving him bloody and unconscious. Too late, do they realize that Farnum was the only one who knew what to do. Is the railroad project doomed? You can show your support for this ongoing Siege of NH story by buying Mic a cup of virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. You can becoming a monthly supporter too at both Buy Me A Coffee and Patreon. Your support means a lot!

Mic, Jeff and Brian discuss a few movies in which people expect to survive some SHTF event in an underground bunker. Bomb shelters (bunkers) were very popular in scary parts of the Cold War. While bunkers are best suited to surviving Nuke Doom, some people can see sheltering underground as a great way to survive a whole range of SHTF scenarios. But is it? Our trio of prepper movie watchers discuss this, as well as the movies listed below. Twilight Zone, S3 E3, 1961, The Shelter -- Stream-able with Amazon Prime Take Shelter, 2011, a Jeff Nichols film -- Stream-able with Amazon Prime & Hulu 10 Cloverfield Lane, 2016, starring John Goodman -- Stream-able on PlutoTV Article about wealthy people building bunkers, Hollywood Reporter, Sept. 2016 Updated article by same author, Hollywood Reporter, Feb. 2024

The three men from Cheshire finally arrive in Lincoln. They confront Mr. Farnum about the danger they had to face. Rather than make their ordeal a waste of time, they renegotiate a deal -- one day of labor for a trailer full of wood. Farnum suggests that they might wish to revisit the original terms at the end of the day. The Hendrick brothers repair broken drag saws and create new rail spacers. While Tyler still thinks the railroad scheme is all a scam, the evidence of all the other people working argues that it is legit. Will they work another day for 5%, or will they go with just a trailer full of wood? Monthly members at Buy Me A Coffee, and patrons on Patreon, already know what happens next. If you would like to read ahead in Book 6, consider becoming a monthly member. Your support helps keep this story going.

NH had a storm in early April that took out power for tens of thousands of people. It was a chance to practice using the homestead's grid-down preps. Somethings worked well and life was quite normal, despite the outage. Some things were not as good as they should be. The outage exposed a few weak spots in the preps -- things to fix up for next time. Here are links to some photos of the preps mentioned in this episode. At Buy Me A Coffee and at Patreon.

Martin, Tyler, and Charles are met with an unforeseen difficulty on their way north. The ongoing argument between the Hendrick brothers causes them to nearly crash. To compound their trouble, they learn that the road they were told to take, to get round the troublemakers in Plymouth, has become blocked by them too. How can they sneak a loud white truck past the guards at the new roadblock? While you're enjoying the ongoing story, this would be a good time to buy Mic a cup of virtual coffee, go to Buy Me A Coffee. Your support helps keep the Siege story going. To become a monthly supporter, (and be even cooler than you are now) go to Patreon, or Buy Me A Coffee.

Mic, Jeff and Brian review and discuss the newly-released movie "Civil War" by Alex Garland. The possibilities of civil unrest is an increasing concern among the preparedness-minded, so we approached our look at the movie from a prepper perspective. There is a no-spoilers synopsis in the beginning of this episode, as well as a spoiler warning and a point to which you can fast-forward to skip the spoilers, if you like. Later in the episode, we discuss questions engendered by the movie, like: what can a prepper do about civil unrest? Would the government actually fire upon disobedient citizens? How might a civil war affect citizens outside of the conflict zones? f you enjoy these 'Prepper Fiction' episodes, let Mic know by buying him a cup of virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. You could also become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, or drop him an email: mic (at) mic-roland (dot) com. Listener feedback is always welcome.

Join Mic and his regular co-hosts Brian and Jeff, as they venture into the world of environmental disaster through - literature, film, and real-world predictions. Unlike the commonly explored apocalyptic narratives involving comets or nuclear weapons, EcoDoom is a surprisingly scarce disaster narratives in Hollywood, despite it being trumpeted as an urgent crisis. Where are all the climate change-themed movies? Our trip down memory lane will discuss environmental disaster movies that come close: Soylent Green, The Day After Tomorrow, and an old British film about global warming, The Day the Earth Caught Fire. Scrutinize with us the underlying narratives, their practical survival lessons, and the politics of fear exploited by these films. We provoke the question – What lessons, if any, might a prepper take away from these films? We discuss common preparation practices and critique the approach towards the global warming conversation. Common sense reminds us to be discerning, respectful of nature, and above all, prepared for the ever-changing environmental landscape. Soylent Green (1971 movie) Imdb.com plot summaries. The Day After Tomorrow (2004 movie) Imdb.com The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961 movie) Full movie at archive.org Yellowstone (4-book series) by Bobby Akart (reviews on Goodreads.com) Climate: The Movie (The Cold Truth) Full movie at YouTube Climate Refugees (More of the usual predictions of dire doom) Review in Hollywood Reporter.

Martin and the Hendrick brothers set out for their journey north. While passing Indian Lakes, they are stopped at a roadblock. There, they meet up with Davy Walsh who was on an assignment to clear out the squatters around the lakes. While Davy hitches a ride to Concord, he tells Martin about the efforts to clean up Manchester's drinking water in hopes of curbing rampant sickness. In Concord, they learn that their trip north will be trouble. Your support helps me keep the Siege story going. Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

In this episode, Mic, Brian, and Jeff look at three famous fictional works in which an economic collapse is the cause of SHTF. What caused those collapses? Is there anything we can learn from them? How did the main characters and the populace respond to the collapse? Are there lessons there too? Links for titles in this episode: "Patriots" by John Wesley Rawles, 1995 (updated through 2011). Synopsis and reviews on Goodreads. "Atlas Shrugged" Ayn Rand, 1957. Synopsis and reviews on Goodreads. “The Grapes of Wrath” 1940 movie, based on 1939 novel by John Steinbeck Internet Archive link - https://archive.org/details/the-grapes-of-wrath-1940 “Our Daily Bread” 1934 movie. YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=166XhPVGfgU Show your support for this podcast by buying Mic a cup of virtual coffee, at Buy Me A Coffee. To be even more supportive, become a monthly supporter, go to Patreon, or Buy Me A Coffee, Your support helps keep the Siege story podcast going.

Mr. Farnum visits the Hendricks' farm and is impressed with Charles' new gasifier-generator-welder. He tells of the need the Central Rail Collaborative has for a bigger welder and some of the the difficulties the CRC has faced thus far. Charles tries to finagle profitable terms in exchange for helping the CRC. To his and Martin's surprise, Farnum agrees to a rather generous deal. "That was too easy," Martin says. While you're enjoying the ongoing story, this would be a good time to buy Mic a cup of virtual coffee, go to Buy Me A Coffee. Your support helps keep the Siege story going. To become a monthly supporter, (and be even cooler than you are now) go to Patreon, or Buy Me A Coffee.

Mic, Brian and Jeff explore some of the fiction featuring pandemics or plagues. They will narrow their scope to include the more realistic stories and save the zombie stories for another episode. They discuss several fictional stories with an eye toward what we really experience with the recent Covid pandemic. They also share their own experiences during Covid as well as advice on being ready for the next pandemic. Stories discussed in this episode: Edgar Allen Poe's short story: "Mask of the Red Death." Albert Camus' 1947 novel: "The Plague" The 1996 film: "Outbreak" The 2011 film "Contagion" Mic appreciates all of you who supported this podcast by buying him a coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. Or becoming monthly supporters on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon.

Nick attends his first Grange meeting and comes forward for membership. After some farmer-related business, and a lecture about corn by Clyde Graedig, a guest speaker addresses the group. Clive Farnum seeks support for his Central Rail Collaborative, a steam train project that he is promoting as the key to a revived New Hampshire economy. If you're enjoying these new chapters in the Siege story, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, to keep the story going. Of course, virtual cups of coffee are always welcome.

What would it be like to lose power at your house for two weeks? Mic interviews Jonathan, a Siege stories listener and farmer/prepper, who lost power due to an ice storm. Which of his preps worked well? What holes in his preps did the outage expose? Generators are a godsend but fuel for them is their Achilles Heel. What can be done about that? If you enjoy these 'Extra' content episodes, let Mic know by buying him a cup of virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. You could also become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, or drop him an email: mic (at) mic-roland (dot) com.

Martin and the Hendrick brothers resume work on their gasifier-engine-generator-welder trailer. Mrs. Hendrick tells of seeing her "Corn Ghost" again, with proof of some damaged corn at the edge of her field. Jeff Landers comes by, lobbying Grange members (which includes Martin, Tyler and Charles) for support of a pending warrant article to stem brewing trouble in town over water rights. Support the ongoing writing of Book 6 by buying Mic a cup of virtual coffee, at Buy Me A Coffee. To become a monthly supporter, go to Patreon, or Buy Me A Coffee, Your support helps keep the Siege story podcast going.

Mic takes you on an early spring / late winter walk-around the homestead. It is the start of maple syrup season and collection has begun. The days are getting longer and the chickens have started to lay more. The ice on the pond might be sturdy enough to cut a couple trees out in the pond. There's still too much snow for gardening, though. You can support this podcast by becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee. One-time virtual cups of coffee are always welcome.

Martin and Charles drive down to the border, noticing how life near the border is less tranquil. They meet up with the cranky Mr. Varney. Eartly the next morning, they meet a man named Harold out in the no-mans-land at the border but the trade does not go as planned. Fed drones interrupt. Some of them are equipped to shoot! If you're enjoying this new stage in the Siege story, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, to support this podcast. Of course, one-time cups of coffee are always welcome.

Mic, Jeff and Brian discuss books and movies about nuclear doom. There are two broad subgroups: Gloomy Doom -- in which no one survives, and Hopeful Doom -- in which people DO survive. Actual research suggests that a nuclear exchange could, indeed, be survivable if you aren't in or near a target zone. Mic, Jeff and Brian discuss preps to improve one's surviveability. Nuke Doom Movies and Books referred to in this episode: Five! -- a 1951 movie about five random survivors Day The World Ended -- 1955 movie about remote cabin of survivors. Alas, Babylon -- 1959 book: classic nuclear survivors' story. On The Beach -- 1959 movie about aftermath in which no one survives The Day After -- 1983 TV movie about the horrors of nuclear war.

Martin arrives at the Hendricks' farm to do the welding he promised. He finds out that the brothers' plans depend on overhauling an old tractor engine. While Walter was able to use his ham radio connections to find the necessary parts, it turns out that they are in Massachusetts -- Fed territory. They can still make the trade, provided Martin can persuade a thorny nemesis. While you're enjoying the ongoing story, this would be a good time to buy Mic a cup of virtual coffee, go to Buy Me A Coffee. To become a monthly supporter, (and be even cooler than you are now) go to Patreon, or Buy Me A Coffee, Your support helps keep the Siege story podcast going.

For over 200 years, people have been fearful that a comet would strike the earth and end civilization as we know it. For an event with so little probability of occurring, Comet Doom has produced many books and movies. This week, Mic looks into some of the amusing history of Comet Doom. He is joined by Brian and Jeff to discuss two more-recent Comet Doom movies -- Deep Impact and Greenland -- from a prepper's perspective. Check out a post with some images of Halley's Comet craziness from 1906 on Buy Me A Coffee or on Patreon. You can also buy Mic a cup of coffee on Buy Me A Coffee or become a monthly supporter on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon.

With this sixth book in the series, the story continues as Cheshire moves into summer. Martin laments about projects and work not getting done. Everyone is too busy. Margaret makes cheese. Andy digs out the septic tank, etc. Despite have more to do than he has hours in a day, Martin agrees to help the Hendrick brothers with yet another entrepreneurial scheme. Show Mic that you are enjoying the ongoing story by buying him a cup of coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. You can also become a monthly supporter on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon.

Mic, Jeff and Brian discuss the Get Home story -- a subgenera within prepper fiction -- of which Book 1 in the Siege of New Hampshire series is one of them. They discuss the novels: Going Home, by A. American. The Borrowed World, by Franklin Horton, 77 Days in September, by Ray Gorham, and others. And, since we're discussing Get Home Bags, here is a link to a video Brian made about HIS Get Home Bag. You can support this podcast by buying Mic a cup of coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. You can also become a monthly supporter on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon.

This was Mic's "week off" to drive out to the Midwest to see his newest grandson. Along the way, he listened to an EMP novel and mused about being stranded on the highways, farms and the cost of food, the future of farming, etc. Link Mic mentioned: Food Prices in 1919 and 2019 Link to Mic's Week-of-Groceries list To buy Mic a cup of virtual coffee, go to Buy Me A Coffee. To become a monthly supporter, go to Patreon, or Buy Me A Coffee, Your support helps keep the Siege story podcast going.

Mic shares some author's notes and some of the backstory on the development of Book 5. He also shares some ideas on what might be coming up next for the Siege Podcast Mic appreciates all of you who supported this podcast by buying him a coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. Or becoming monthly supporters on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon. Have a Happy New Year and stay tuned to find out what's next!

Martin is back home and breaking sod in his back acre field with Robert and Jasmine. Andy emerges from the woods with a swollen eye, the result of a 'spear-handling accident' when he tried to invite Mara to the Spring Planting Festival. Margaret is recovering from her MRSA and brings Martin a couple bits of good news, and to remind him that he still has time to ask her to the festival dance. This is the End of Book 5. Show Mic that you enjoyed this book by buying him a cup of coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. You can also become a monthly supporter on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon. Merry Christmas to all you faithful listeners out there.

The exchange of silver for medicine is complete on the river island. Susan realizes that she cannot return to New Hampshire with Martin, for his sake. After the patrol drone passes, Shively takes Erin hostage, intending to strand her and Susan on the island while he escapes. While Erin is disarming Susan (under duress) they are both reminded of how Susan stopped Baron Kirk. Buy Mic a cup of coffee on Buy Me A Coffee to show him you like the story. You can also become a monthly supporter on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon.

Susan meets Shively at the river's edge, awaiting the drone to pass so they can venture across the river to island. Susan discovers that Shivley has a double-cross planned with four henchmen prepared to cross the river after them. She sabotages that plan before she, Erin and Shivley cross. When the people from New Hampshire appear, Susan is dumbstruck to find out that one of them is Martin. Instead of joy, she is engulfed with a paralyzing realization. If you're liking the Siege story and wonder where it might go after Book 5, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, where you can read character sketches, novelettes, and chapters of Book 6 as I'm writing them. Of course, one-time cups of coffee are always welcome.

Three local men came to investigate the shot Robert fired. One of the men took his revenge on the dead bodies. Martin excused himself, briefly, to quietly tell the fallen raider in the woods that he was giving the man his best second chance by not telling the crazed man with the machete that he was there. Martin delivered the stark gospel that the raider was likely to die that night of hypothermia. His going to heaven or hell was his own choice. After getting Trevor rigged into a stretcher between Peaches and Jasmine, the group headed to a Christian camp at the foot of Mount Mondadnock. There, Trevor found some medical help. But, the day was spent. Would Martin get to the rendezvous island by noon the next day? If you're liking the Siege story and wonder where it might go after Book 5, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, where you can read character sketches, novelettes, and chapters of Book 6 as I'm writing them. Of course, one-time cups of coffee are always welcome.

Martin, Trevor and Robert escape from captivity in Jaffrey. They can only collect a few of their possessions and flee at a full gallop. They have their guns, but no ammo. They resume their trek following the power line cuts west. When they figure they're far enough away, they stop for rest and water. Four raiders jump them. The man fighting Martin gains the upper hand, but abandons the fight to try and ride away on Jasmine. Martin whistles, causing Jasmine to throw the rider. She tramples him savagely. Martin and Robert find Trevor with a nasty knife wound. Show your support for the Siege of New Hampshire podcast by buying Mic a cup of coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. You can also become a monthly supporter on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon.

Martin, Trevor and Robert ride long power line cuts and trails until they get close to the town of Jaffrey. When they try to cross a short bridge, a dozen men jump out and capture the three. They are held in an abandoned school. When the leader of one of the two factions controlling Jaffrey finds out the three are from Cheshire, she flies into a rage -- accusing them of causing the suffering and death of her people. She plans a public "trial" to punish them. If you're liking the Siege story and wonder where it might go after Book 5, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, where you can read character sketches, novelettes, and chapters of Book 6 as I'm writing them. Of course, one-time cups of coffee are always welcome.

Martin, Robert, and Trevor set out on horseback to make the rendezvous at Connecticut River. Saddle-riding is harder on the new riders than expected. While following trails in the power line cuts, they encounter a booby trap -- likely an outer defense for a settlement nearby. The three decide to go around. While pushing through the woods, they overhear a group of raiders attempting to break into a remote home. As much as Martin is in a hurry to get the medicine for Margaret, he can't leave the anonymous family to such a terrible fate. Enjoying the podcast? Let Mic know. Buying him a cup of virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee is an easy way to encourage him and support the story you're enjoying. You can also become a monthly supporter on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon.

Martin is thrilled at the news that someone out there has the medicine his wife needs. He is also exasperated that the cost exorbitant -- 500 ounces of silver. In an outpouring of support for Margaret, many townsfolk gather to contribute silver to the cause. They come up far short. Clyde Graedig enters to provide the remainder -- in exchange for Martin building him a gasifier. With the 500 in hand, the next hurdle is how to get it to the rendezvous island in just four days. Consider supporting this podcast by becoming a monthly member on Mic's Buy Me A Coffee page or his Patreon page. Monthly members have been getting previews of the chapters of the next book in the Siege series. Chapter 9 posted recently. Mic says 'thanks' for those who bought him virtual coffees at BMAC.

Susan and Erin walk up Doug's mountain to deliver the news that Shivley does have the medicine. This, so Doug can transmit the news to Cheshire. The problem is that the man Doug needs to set up a repeater for the call to Cheshire is being uncooperative. Doug needs Susan to convince the man that the cause is worth his effort. To do so, Susan must go up to Doug's radio attic. She wrestles with her demons again, worried that Doug and Erin may be in danger from her. To buy Mic a cup of virtual coffee, go to Buy Me A Coffee. To become a monthly supporter, go to Patreon, or Buy Me A Coffee, Your support helps keep the Siege story podcast going.

Erin visits Susan at Three Oaks, bringing gifts from the others at Five Corners. Erin seeing Susan's bloody knife prompts a confession about what happened. Erin tags along while Susan meets Shivley to find out if he found that medicine. Shivley suggests that he might trade the medicine for some certain "favors" from Susan. She barely contains her rage. She threatens to expose Shivley's black-marketeering to the new regime. He backs off, but still requires five hundred ounces of silver. Show Mic how much you are enjoying the Siege story, by buying him a cup of virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. You could also become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee,

Douglas visits Susan at Three Oaks, telling her how he heard that Mrs. Simmons was sick with MRSA. She needed a very particular type of antibiotic. Susan wants to help but her only idea is to ask Shivley if he can procure the medicine. Shivley reluctantly agrees to see if he can. Susan follows him, curious to see where he would get such a thing. She follows him into town and sees him hide a note behind a fire hydrant. While watching to see who would come to pick up the note, Susan is ambushed by a young man intent on dragging her into an abandoned house. You can listen to these episodes ad-free. Check out Mic's Patreon page. Click on Membership, and select Ad-Free Access. The episodes are then available on Spotify. You can let Mic know that you are enjoying the story by buying him a cup of coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. You can also become a monthly supporter on both Buy Me A Coffee and on Patreon.