rlfj: Blog

For those curious, the usage of Private Military Contractors is ubiquitous on military bases. Many think it is limited to overseas conflicts, but the reality is that they are used in military bases around the world. Much of this is due to the decline of conscription to maintain manning levels after the end of the Vietnam War. An all-volunteer army required considerably higher pay rates to attract recruits. A decision was made to shrink the military to ‘essential’ combat duties. No longer would soldiers be used for housekeeping duties such as cooks and cleaners and maintenance. Instead, we would contract those functions out to the private market.

There was, and is, considerable disagreement as to the wisdom of this system, but it is the system we have. In any case, there is a wide range of capabilities and specialization in the PMC community. Some specialize in the housekeeping and maintenance functions described early in the story. Others specialize in combat functions. For those curious, the description of the PMCs in this story passed both American and British military editors.

Enjoy!

When I wrote the story, I had completely forgotten about The Technicolor Time Machine by Harry Harrison. At the end of that story, the hapless hero is presented with a producer who wants to do a movie about the Crucifixion. I just happened to come up with it as well, as a potential disaster.

Enjoy!

As Travis says in this chapter, “I have the feeling this thing, whatever it is, is moving into the end game.” We are now in the final third of the story. Some of the chapters will be a little short, like 13, but others will be quite long. That’s just the way things work. We’ll also start learning what caused the Vikings to show up, as well as what is going to happen to them. Getting a little sci-fi in the next few chapters.

Enjoy!

Researching and writing Chapter 12 proved one of the most humorous of the entire book. Norse wedding rituals came up, specifically the negotiations involved in a marriage. Why so amusing? For one thing, the negotiations were between the two families, and my parents and my wife’s parents despised each other. We kept them apart as much as possible for over thirty years. For another, ask yourself just how many goats your spouse is worth. Then discuss that question with her (or him) and try to keep a straight face! Then you can talk about the reasons for a Viking divorce, and we haven’t even discussed how to ask your wife about her morning-gift!

Enjoy!

In Chapter 11 I mention the Runic alphabet. I know there are several, but I just couldn’t figure out which one would have been used, and I just couldn’t get WLC to display them properly. I don’t think it’s that critical, but please don’t complain. Thank you in advance.

Enjoy!