u/paganDilligaf

Rancher's Log 1

Sent a request out with the hunters. We need bricks to build a simple oven to bake bread etc.

Out of the 5 horses that have been broken and semi trained I am sending 2 to the mine to help around there and 3 with the hunters for the Fort uses.

The Harness and 1 Bridle is going to the Mine. The other three bridles are going with the horses to the Fort. They have been fitted for those horses.

Training a batch of 5 new horses now. Actually I am not the replacement Rancher is. I am trying to relax with my wife.

Because I have seen the Mine only in passing, on the way here, I have been told there is a small damn we can wash in. We will bring the horses there ourselves and spend a few days at the Mine and bring the wives some wool and see what they can do with it.

We sent a few older sheep to the Fort as food.

End of Rancher's Log 1

Hunter's Log 1

Left early this morning. By 8pm we were at the trap.. by 11pm we were at the Maple entrance East of Fort. Stopped for Lunch.

This is a bit slower with the extra horses with us and 2 wheel cart. The bags of wool to be worked on and extra sheep for food.

The trip West to the Fort was pretty slow as that road is pretty rough. We did manage to get to the Fort by 6pm.

James said he would make a sheep stew tomorrow. The wool went into a temporary shelter. All the horses were cooled down and unbridled. They love their Paddock. All 5 seems to get along fine. The Leathersmiths checked the Bridle fit on the horses.

I let John know about the Orchard and lit up.

The Ykanti jumped in the water and out again and then went to rest. We were asked to go hunting tomorrow and also examine the trail. Woodsman been working their butts off to expand it to the farm.

As for us we went for a swim and changed clothing. Rest of the night was clean rifles and gear.

End of Hunter's Log 1

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Visited the Garden at the Fort today with V. We were both amazed to find the transplanted doing so well and producing.

For some weeks Lady Light as transformed the day time Pod into her lab.

Using some modified boards and a whole bunch of interesting modifications Sha manage to create a radio. She is working on a second one now. Once that one is complete today she plans on sending one to an outpost and see if the two places could communicate.

She is taking a break from the Drazzan power device stating she needs fuel which the chemist as broken the source. It seems to be a type of bio jet fuel. The chemist is trying to reproduce it.

The Solar panels are being used to recharge tablets, rifles, and other type of devices like flashlight.

The Glassblower latest project was blowing globes for oil lamps. Instead of burning oil we are burning animal fat we have been collecting. When I saw one person lighting one was the first time I noticed what they been up to. The Glassblower also been working on tubes for the radios.

The Doc confirmed today that V is definitely pregnant. She is not showing yet but I worry. No hospital out here. Some farmers wives approached me stating they both had been Midwives and gave birth and helped other give birth. V was very happy to have both as Midwives.

I am either running around getting what V craves or driving her crazy being overly protective.

A bunch of Apples were dropped off to the Woodsmen yesterday and they brought them back. Supposedly the Hunters found a massive orchard.

The Woodsman been putting lots of effort on expanding the path into a road from Fort to Farm. 5 Woodsman were sent to the Island to help them cut wood for the ship. They left with pretty big pieces of maple to build the spine..

Glad to see the second (4 wheel) wagon coming along nicely. The workers acted like horses today pulling the Wagon around then brought it back for modifications.

Our hens are laying eggs like crazy. Using a backlight we can tell which have birds inside. There we put back with the hens. Those that have not been fertilized end up as food.

We now have goat milk cheese.

John Richman.

Rancher's Log 1

Thank to the bear we have fish and honey. Such a wyrd thing to say. The hunters are heading out again with the Ykanti. I wounder how many sheep they will bring back.

Using big scissors they manage to shave a sheep per hour. The Wagon and hunters are heading back to Fort tomorrow.

They will bring a few horses with them. The two horses that are use to pulling logs or wagons. The ranchers helper decided to take 5 minute break. He ended up chasing the horse with log down the trail.

I was surprised to see a horse dragging a log with no handler running out the path. He slowed down and stopped beside the log pile waiting to have the log removed.

The handler ran out a few minutes later. We unhooked the log and took the harness off the horse and brought him to the paddock.

End of Ranchers Log 1

Hunters Log 1

We took off after breakfast and went for one more day of sheep hunting.

We found tracks including smaller ones at the trap. The apples were gone. No gift for us this time.

We were just finishing off catching sheep when Killer let out a little bark. We saw the Bear again. We hunters walked half way to the bear and sat on the hill.

The bear hesitated but when Wendy pulled out an apple bag persuaded her to walk towards us. She was followed by 2 cubs.

Frank held Killer close by. When the mama bear sat down close to us her cubs were sniffing and finally went to Wendy to get apples.

With Killer tail wagging 90 km/h Frank let the lead go a bit. Killer and the Cubs sniffed then started playing together

Wendy showing and saying "APPLES" The bear tried saying "Apples" back. Wendy said "Throw" and threw an apple at mom.

The Ykanti were coming back with sheep. They dropped the sheep beside the Wagon.

I stood up and pointing at myself said "HUMAN" The bear tried saying Human then I stood by a Ykanti and said YKANTI" the bear repeated it as best she could.

The mama bear pointed at a sheep and said a growling word. I tried to repeat it then said sheep.

We spent the afternoon saying and repeating words showing items and learning a bit how to talk while Killer and the Pups played together.

We finally headed back to the Ranch waving at the bear which she copied a bit.

We went back to the Ranch and after releasing the sheep I explained to the Rancher about our exchange of words.

The Rancher would go or send somebody to the trap each day for a few hours sharing what they get and see if any gifts appear.

End of Hunters Log 1

We continued building our scaffolding to build the ship on. Two fisherman carried caught fish to the farm this morning. They dropped up extra fish and 1 sea turtle and came back.

Using a blade and hammer started making the ribs and seats. The seats will be used for us to relax but eventually will be mounted in the boat.

In the afternoon the Woodsman arrived with 4 nice piece of maple. These four will be used for the boat spine connected together. The ribs will be connected to it.

Made 2 devices over the construction site and hooked the blocks. This will guarantee we will easily lift any heavy pieces we need to.

Even tho this is a simple boat it will take minimum a month to build it. I have the Woodsman for 7 days and would cut as many of the trees needed as possible.

They will cut and split into planks the trees. 5 Woodsman can get a lot done in that time.

I will not write a daily log as this will be very repetitive. I rather spend my time building this boat.

I do know one thing the nails and splitting axes will come in very handy.

Shipwright

Typical Morning. With no so many people on R&R thing here are going back to normal.

Decided to send 5 Woodsman to the Island to see what wood they will need to build a ship and 10 helpers. They will bring blocks and tackles that JW and Ragnar made for them.

The rest of the Woodsman will start turning the path into a road between Fort and Farm. Once half way to Farm they will go live on the Farm until completed.

This forest is pretty thick so many trees will have to be cut to widen it. Some of the trails will have to be moved to make the road building easier.

Pod 3 is not being used for anything so thinking of tearing it apart to recycle the metals. Ragnar and I will discuss it tomorrow.

A few Seeding Pods have been found so far. Once we have. A bigger wagon we can start picking them up to recycle.

The iron bricks are being processed and even tho this is giving us some iron the recycling of Pods would go a long way into having reusable aluminum mostly.

John Richman

Ranchers Post 1

We all woke this morning. We harnessed 1 horse to pull logs which were stacked on the side of the road. The plan is tying the chain to logs or trees and drag them out using the horse.

The Hunters and Ykantiare heading to get more sheep. Two people are dividing the sheep field into two. The got big scissors and will start gathering the sheep wool once cut.

Training the new Ranchers as been entertaining. They are learning how to break horses first.

The plan is train them for 2 days and relax and take a few days off.

Sheep look riculous looking when sheered using scissors.

We built a small area and planted apple tree seeds. Once they start growing we will create an orchard by transplanting them there.

The ladies started a small garden near the Pod. This will take time to grow.

End of Ranchers Post 1

Hunters Post 1

Because of the bear encounter yesterday we decided to go back with the Ykanti today.

Wendy horse pulling the Wagon with her driving. Frank and I riding behind with Killer running beside us until he gets tired then jumps up on the wagon. The Ykanti are leading the way.

Once we got to the trap Killer jumped off the Wagon and started barking at the Post.

Frank, Wendy and I jumped off our horses to check what Killer was barking at. Beside the opening to the trap was a bunch of fish and a bee hive had been stacked there.

We looked at each other and I noticed the tracks first. Mammoth bear and her kids left us a gift. We decided to cover them and grab them on our return.

We found the sheep again but this time us Hunters acted as sentries. In the 4 hours we were there many sheep got bagged.

At noon we returned to the Ranch and deposited our new sheep and surprising the Ranchers with the river fish and Sounds full of honey.

We left a bag of apples hanging from the trap Post where the fish was deposited.

End of Hunters Post 1

Since we arrived here we set up camp and lifted the raft into the water.. The fisherman used the net we brought with us to see what the could catch.

In a deep conversation with all here we decided the simplest fishing and exploring vessel would be a viking long ship with two lowering pontoon to make it more stable in rough weather. The fishing nets could also be lowered and raised using those arms.

The flat bottom and benches could include rowers if wind is low. This will not be a deep sea ship but will work great for fishing along the shore.

We started building support for the ship to be. The ship will be built within the supports.

I believe a few Woodsman are joining us in the next few days to cut what will be our keel and ribs.

We will need to put the outer shell on those ribs. The Blacksmith will make us nails and other needed parts for the ship. JW will be making pulleys and snatch blocks to lift and lower the pontoon using ropes.

We hope to get a good strong maple to use for the sail.

In the short time the fisherman put out the nets they gathered so many fish of different types. Some fish was sent to the farm.

Shipwright

Typical morning for us.

With this many people working on the Wagon it should be done in 5 days.

The Farm will take time to provide vegetables but the garden near the Fort is doing much better at producing since the Ykanti growing tower was adopted.

The Farmers at both spots indicates the new seeds are visibly growing. The growing tower at the Mine should be planted this week.

The small fruit trees near the Fort are doing good but we could use many more fruit trees.

Fisherman at the Fort are doing well and we managed to dry and preserve the fish.

The Woodsman returned late tonight stating the road from here to prairie is completed and maple trees been transplanted near the entrance and a building been created at the entrance.

JW was the proud recipient of Maple Logs which he said he could work nicely carving this wood.

No news from the Fisherman at Pod 6 Island yet.

John Richman

Ranch Part 2

All went well with the training today. The horses don't mind the bridles and some harness.

The Ykanti and wagon came back early. The hunters just arrived with jeep on the back of their horses. Our ranchers and volunteers grab the sheep and brought them to their field. Untied their legs and released them. The Ykanti brought the ones they were carrying and released them.

To my shock there is what looks like a bear in the wagon also tied up. It was dressed in skins or furs. They put 3 guards to watch him. Rolled him off the wagon taking many hands. They tied the bear to the Pod.

The hunters explained using the darts. They brought the horses to the trained paddock and unsadled them.

We got a bowl of food and water and put it in reaching distance of the bear.

Wendy handed multiple bags of apples explaining the Orchard and seeds the brought.

About 5pm new Ranchers, helpers and security arrived on foot from the Mine. They are here to be trained from us so we can switch vacation time back and forth.

With double the workers we will keep working on the house tomorrow at a faster pace.

One of the hunters are observing in turn at the bear at a distance.

Wendy noticed it first. This is a female probably with children. She was worried about the babies.

The bear woke up about an hour later and started pacing not in an aggressive way.

She screamed pointing at the baby sheep we had caught. After a long discussion we decided that we could not keep the bear here.

We got the horse back pulling the Wagon. We sadled our horses and firing one laser to demonstrate to the bear we guided the bear to sit in the wagon.

The Driver terrified to have a bear behind him was replaced by Wendy driving and Gary and Frank following behind with weapons ready.

Ranch Part 2 End

Hunters Part 2

Ykanti joined us also with laser rifles. Two in front leading the way. 2 Ykanti on either side. Frank and I following.

The bear looked very confused in the forest but not aggressive. By the time we reached the trap the sun was going down.

We stopped the Wagon just past the trap. We took the bear down from the wagon. We walked her to the wagon trail and pointed in the direction where the sheep are. Pointed at the trail and said "follow the trail." Pointing again with everybody behind and either side of the bear I cut the ropes and said "GO TO CHILDREN" and pointed again.

The Bear looked confused and cautiously started moving in the direction I pointed.

Once the bear saw everybody distressing she started moving faster until her speed at full run was pretty good.

We watched the bear get further and further and then headed back to the Ranch.

We set up a double watch and went to bed after eating and cooling off our horses for a second time.

End of Hunters 2

Rancher Part 1

Last night the first Wagon arrived from the road leading to the trap.

The Ykanti were back. The driver and a bunch of gear. Got a bunch of bradles and one harness.

We also were very happy to get buffalo meat and a bunch of fruits and vegetables.

Went to bed early and woke up this morning. Made sure the sheep were watered and taken care of.

I chose my favorite horse and guided him around for half an hour. Then put the bridle and harness on him and got him use to these new things getting him use to them guiding him.

The driver joined us and adjusted everything to the horse. Eventually he guided the horse to the Wagon and connected him to the wagon.

The Mechanic checked everything on the Wagon making sure everything was secure.

The Driver, mechanic and Ykanti left for the prairie via the trap and see if they could catch more sheep.

I went back to training the horses. My assistants help me put bridles on a horse. Now knowing how to do it I let them put bridles on broken horses. Still not trained but getting there and broken from their wild side.

End of Rancher Part 1

Driver Part 1

Different horse but reacts pretty good to my directions. The road through the woods is still rough. Still pretty good getting through the woods.

The Ykanti ran beside the Wagon. Once in the prairie we headed toward the area they caught sheep before. They indicated for us to stay behind a small hill and we waited.

Laying on the top of the hill we observe the Ykanti catching the first 6 sheep and brought them to us. The bags were put in the back of the Wagon.

We played on the top of the hill again watching them chase down 6 more. Suddenly a large sound came from behind us. My mind was protesting when we looked back. Not that a huge bear was behind us growling. The part that messed with my brain was the clothing he was wearing. Ok not quite clothing but furs.

We scramble upright and started running toward the Ykanti. Suddenly the growls stopped and the sound of the bear falling.

We looked back and saw the 3 Hunters looking over the bear on the ground. We stopped and headed back. Gary was tying up the bear using probably more rope than needed.

"Did you kill it?" I asked.

Gary answered "Don't know yet." Showing the dart gun "One dart brought him or her down. Might kill him. We need to observe."

We moved the sheep tying them to horses and Ykanti would carry the sheep. With some prayers all of us lifted the tied bear and put it in the Wagon. The Wagon groaned but held.

We headed back to the trap with 12 sheep and 1 bear thing.

We went to the Ranch. The Ykanti dropped off the sheep in the sheep paddock and tied the bear security to the Pod.

End of Driver Part 1

Hunters Part 1

We left the orchard early morning. We headed to the entrance to road to Fort. We found a bunch of workers there. A new hitching post had been built so we tied our horses and watered them talking to workers. A new cabin had been started.

We found out the Ykanti had gone through here the day before to hunt sheep.

Half an hour later we were heading north. About half hour from where we hunted sheep before. Sure enough the Ykanti were heading to the heard the Wagon on the other side of a hill. Two bodies laying or siting on the hill observing.

"Bear" I spotted him through my scope. Frank said "Confirm but is he wearing other animals furs?" I confirmed it knowing this was strange.

We did not want to kill this creature not knowing if he was aggressive so decided to shoot at him with a dart which would knock it out or kill them. We would use laser rifles as last option.

We rode hard for 15 minutes then while Wendy watch the horses Frank and I snuck up.

We arrived just in time when the bear thing growled and stood to his full height.

I fired a dart. The bear looked back and dropped. When we checked it was sleeping so tied it up.

We were met by the others and decided on a plan. We moved the sheep from the Wagon and tied the bear thing.

Put sheep away while a sentry was organized on the tied up bear against the Pod still sleeping.

End of Hunters Part 1

We took off this morning up the road where we ended yesterday.

Our Woodsman and Volunteers divided in two groups. Half started here while the other half went to prairie entrance and worked back from there.

All Maple trees needing cutting are being brought to the Prairie or stacked beside the trail and will be brought later. Because how maples grow less trees needed cutting.

Many Maple Saplings were dug up and replanted near the prairie entrance. A hitching Post went up at the entrance and workers started working at a first cabin for those travelling through here.

An hour after we started working the Ykanti and Wagon joined up with us. The Wagon guided by Ykanti are taking the easiest path through the woods. The Ykanti adjusted the markers indicating the easiest path. They moved any dead trees to the side.

If dead trees had fallen accross the Wagon path the Woodsman would chop each end of the tree and the log moved to the side.

Both Woodsman teams met up by 2pm and the Wagon reached the prairie about that time and rode North towards the trap.

We set up an overnight camp in the woods near the entrance. We started a fire and warmed our food. Set up sentries and rested for the night.

The plan for tomorrow is clearing the path again from prairie to Fort.

The Woodsman will work on the Cabin here and a fence at either end of the Maple orchard to hopefully divert the buffalo is they come from North or South.

We marked 4 large maples on the edge of the forest. We will build a high observation platform from these 4 trees starting tomorrow. This will be a high tree house.

We will be collecting the wood that was stacked on either side of the road and stack them beside the start of the Cabin being built.

Woodsman Rep

Pretty good morning except V was acting strange. As we were waking up she looked upset. I asked her if everything was OK. She said everything was fine but looked sad.

James served us breakfast and many miners were gathered with us for breakfast. One of the Miners Wives stood up to speak.

"V since knowing you you have been very supportive for all of us. Counseling us when worried about missing family or grieving a death.

We got together with the Jewely Maker and he made a gift for us to give you."

She approached her reaching into her pocket.

"Nothing is confirmed yet but all the signs are there of you being pregnant."

Showing V and the rest of us was a pendant made of Gold with the letter V with a tree of silver between the two lines of the V in the middle of the letter.

"From all at the mine we thank you for all the support." and placed the pendant around her neck.

V stood and started crying then to my surprise being Noble V started giving hugs to everybody.

"We will visit I promise. I will miss you folks so much."

I would have never guessed it V had been sad because they were leaving today.

The driver got the harness on the horse and hooked the wagon to the horse. A guard rode the Wagon as shotgun. A Mechanic will ride along in case anything breaks.

The Ykanti will be running beside the Wagon. They left with tope and bags saying something about catching sheep.

A group of volunteers are finishing the outside cladding of the clinic.

The smiths handed 1 spare harness and a bunch of the spare bridles to give to the Ranchers.

A chunk of meat was made of wood with straw as insulation. Enough for the Ranchers and those that will join them this morning a load of fresh vegetable and fruit was placed in the back also.

The Road East from the Fort will be fully tested for the first time. If all goes well they will be in the Prairie and go north following the edge of the woods to the Trap and West to the Ranch.

The Miners left North towards the Mine via Pod 3 on foot. V hugged all leaving at the North Fence. Jaw still dropped but realized she sees the big vision that we are all survivors.

Funny seeing the farmers on their days off still manage to do some farming until told to rest.

Two wheels have been completed for Wagon 2 this week. The 2nd mechanic is helping build wheels with assistants.

Wagon 2 as mentioned will have 4 wheels. The two front wheel on a movable axle. They are testing with Ragnar and JW help how to make this front turning axle.

All back to normal here and back to routine of V doctor appointments and massages. Big difference is V is insisting we ride up to the Ranch, Mine and Farm soon and see the progress.

John Richman

Woke up before sunrise not being able to sleep anymore.

Wendy last on watch had a fire going and using a portable frying pan was cooking breakfast for us.

Killer was sleeping on Frank's feet. Only been just over a month. In that time our little killer doubled in size. No longer the runt.

We waited until sunrise put out the fire and walked until we got to we ended marking yesterday walking our sailed horses behind us. Killer walking like he owned the woods.

It took 3 hours of marking. We mounted our horses and rode to the opening. Instead of going left we rode right to explore.

We stopped around noon at a stream that crossed their path. They let the horses drink and cooled them off.

When we came accross a forest of apple trees we stopped for the night. Wendy went to pee and suddenly squealed. We rushed over. In front of her was another seeding pod. The list in this one was pear and apple seeds.

Half the dispensers were empty while the other half still held viles of seeds in liquid that preserved them.

No power on this one. We packed up as many of the seed viles in liquid as soon as we learned to release them from the dispenser.

We filled up with buffalo jersey and apples. These apples grew fast and had ripe red apples.

Wendy filled 4 bags with apples at least. When Frank and I stared at her... "What??? It is for the horses.." we laughed.

We decided tomorrow to go to the Ranch. Drop off the apples and see what needs fixed on the path from the trap to Ranch. Then head back to the entrance East of Pod 1 or to the Mine

Wendy took the first watch. Frank the 2nd and I would take the last. Killer nose and ears were on watch all night.

Gary Hunter

A small fire would burn all night.

The Couple hunters decided to go back this morning to the mine. Those that volunteered to train as Ranchers will go with them and be escorted to the Ranch the next morning along with their helpers.

Gary and his 3 hunters got rough looking sadles today. They rode North and came back two hours later.

Woodsman started working on the road East again to the prairie. I notice one of those taught little horses hauling logs to a gathering point.

When the bee keeper came out triumphant with the Queen Wendy resadled her horse. With a Ykanti carrying the hyve they took off for the farm. With their horse or Ykanti speed they were back soon mission completed.

She packed gear on her Summers and went down the path to join her boyfriend.

The Miners are in a great mood. They spent hours between swimming in the lake and massages.

The smiths been busy building new bridles. They will go to the ranch as soon as possible.

The first wagon was two wheels. They started working on a four wheel wagon now to carry heavier loads and more people. The Wheelright, which I forgot to mention, as been working on more wheels.

Having supervisors makes my life so much easier.

Some folks came to me and suggested we built some more towers to relay messages from tower to tower. Great idea. We can start working on a tower at the end of the road and at the mine and farm.

For now we complete the second road East.

Some Woodsman are heading to the mine working on the Mine road to Ranch tomorrow.

Miners finishing their vacation tomorrow and will take off for the mine in the morning.

John Richman

The Leathersmiths, JW and Ragnar gifted us with 3 saddles today. Buffalo skins tacked on to a wooden sadle frame.

We went to our 3 horses and adjusted the sadles to them and the foot stirrups to our leg length. We rode our horses North for about an hour letting the horse get use to the sadle and us not bare backing the horses.

When we got back driver one had the harness and Wagon tied to him. He was coming out of the woods with a load of logs.

Wendy change the sadlefor the pulling harness and continued training driver 2. Ragnar and his assistants had made a pulling chain and the started pulling almost full trees out of the woods.

Volunteers started pulling small trees aka saplings out and wrapping the roots in rags. We grabbed as many as we could when riding past where the maples had been gathered. We planted them in 4 rows on either side of the exit into the prairie. In ten years we should have two nice rows of maples at the entrance.

We rode our horses slowly back towards the West end of the trail marking this end of the trail.

The bee keeper met with Wendy and Wendy was used to carry the completed bee hive to the farm. An Ykanti followed her horse to the farm at a good pace. The Ykanti carried the bee hive on a backpack chair.

When she got to the farm they installed the beehive farthest from the farm. They put the Queen Bee in her space and headed back to the Fort.

She grabbed her gear and ours and started riding down the path eventually gathering with us.

By sunset we were setting up camp on the path. We removed the sadles and bridles and watered our horses. We walked them in the prairie and let them eat. We loosely tied the horses. Set up sentries and went to bed.

Gary Hunter

Wendy kept training driver 1 and two. The bridle worked great and only a few modifications had to be made for the harness. By midday driver 1 was pulling the simple wagon from the path East to the wood stacking spot. He got plenty of hands on training today as Wendy started training driver 2.

Frank and I started marking the easiest path to turn into a road. The path we had marked before was great for foot travel. Not so good for Wagons. For this reason we modified a bit of the original path.

We marked as far as where the forest changed to maples and called it a day heading back.

Discovered a bee hive on our mission. The second bee hive was completed today somehow so the Queen Bee will be moved tomorrow to it.

By tomorrow night we should have the path completely marked. We might sleep near the prairie overnight and return to Fort the next day.

For tonight we wash and go for rest.

John Richman

Woke up this morning to eggs and steak. V had w2 plates full. V went straight to her massage and doctor check up.

With that many people working on the two wheel wagon. The Leathersmith finished the 4th horse harness etc. Wendy and him figured out how to secure everything and the driver with Wendy got to training.

Gary and Frank started marking the trail from the Fort to the Prairie East. Woodsman decided to go back to work today cutting behind them. Volunteers are grabbing those logs and stacking them just outside on the North Side. The first stable is being worked on and plans for 2 more at least began.

The Ykanti are busy building another of their buildings having completed our house. This one will be a clinic. This will free the present as housing.

The glassblower is training the other artist. Using a small glass vial Ragnar made a lid finishing in a small needle. They presented me with 5 small darts. The vial contained some of the frogs dangerous juices. Using a long tube they made a dart gun to put to sleep animal if all goes well. Kill the animal if it goes wrong. A small dog of bees wax was put on the tip of the needle to keep juices in.

At the end of the day when the hunters returned from marking the trail I will give it to them.

The Miners are enjoying their time off. They will return to the Mine in two days. Seamus told me they will start rotating then.

The Noble named Force and the commoner in charge of the farmers approached me. They explained their rotation plan. Their rotation seemed to be best. Those that were just relieved would be on vacation for 5 days. 5 would be sent to the mine to plant their new garden in 3 days.

The hunting couple are taken a few days off then will be going to the mine also to hunt for them.

The fisherman, Shipwright and workers left for Pod 6 this morning. They carried a chunk of meat to the farm dropping it off on the way to Pod 6.

Caught my little squirrel eating one square of chocolates under her tree. I laughed. "How many of those do you have left?" She responded "3 more squares so 3 more days."

When Gary and Frank came back at the end of the day. Their quick movement occurred because they had marked the path before. The path was marked until the forest changed from soft wood to the Maple forest.

The soft wood grew high and thick. Tomorrow the path through the maple forest would start tomorrow. This forest was no as dense as the evergreens. For this reason he asked for a team to transplant saplings and smaller tree on the edge of the prairie.

John Richman

Majority of folks tried hard to sleep in today. We had no luck as V had to go pee bad.

James managed to stretch out our egg supply by making scramble using goat milk.

Knowing the girls would be busy giving single miners massages today V went first thing after breakfast.

The Wives of Miners ask to use the makeshift massage tables for their husband and vice versa. As a thank you the gave these girls massages. As long as everybody gets along well is what I care about.

The horse training and fixing of the horses goes on. Both drivers got many hours this morning of training with Wendy.

This is the first day many as off since the attack on the Neptune so most people are relaxing.

Lunch was a big buffalo stew. As desert I broke out the last bars of chocolate and everybody got a square. Funny enough V got her piece and mine and many people offered their square to her. At one point before the meeting I found her under a tree nibbling on many squares of chocolates.

After lunch we all gathered around the fire for our meeting. I got everybody attention and started talking.

"Hello Lord and Ladies and Commoners. For those that do not know me my name is John Richman.

Because we quadrupled the number of survivors at least since Pod 1 landed and those that were there voted for me I would like to see if there is a wish to hold a new election. If you wish to hold a new election raise your hand please." Nobody did.

"With 267 people total I believe it is time to try and break things down by groups. It makes sense to have farmers where we grow things. Rancher on the Ranch. Miners at the mine but dividing support staff makes sense.

This will also ensure a rotation so not the same people are doing all the work.

I would like to start with Artist. Emilie I believe your a sculpture. The other artist I know about is the Ykanti glass blower. Emilie can you work with the Ykanti as he as been very busy since we rescued them.

I believe with the farmers and miners wife cooking apart for certain things they cannot make. For this reason I believe the bakers should remain at the Fort with the majority of the chefs. We can send certain items from here to where they are needed.

So this will make 3 cooks and assistants, 2 bakers and 6 waitresses and waiters to help feed people.

Let me get through the list. At the end people can speak up if they have a better idea.

We have a few smiths with us. Ragnar as 2 assistant learning. JW also as 2 assistant. Recently we had a Leathersmith and his wife doing leather work with us. We were also joined by two drivers. I assigned those two to also help build carts. That is when Wendy is not training them to guide horses.

We have been lucky enough to have 52 farmers and spouses with us. With that many farmers and spouses I need one person with experience organizing to set up rotations so farmers don't work without breaks. So good Rotation and if a crop is coming out concentrate people for Harvest."

A shy Noble I have not met yet raised his hand and a Commoner also.

"Can you two get together and organize this? So far we have a grow op here and the farm. I have been advised that the mine will soon start to grow."

The commoner said "Yes my Lord." And the Noble agreed.

"With volunteers fishing is doing well here at the Fort. We have been joined by other deep sea fisherman and a ship right lately. I am sending them to Pod 6 near the island see what we can do about building a simple sail boat for deep sea fishing and exploring. I have already talked with them.

As for Hunters we have Gary and his son which were professional hunters. A couple have also proven themselves good at hunting. Wendy also as been learning a lot. Last but not least the Ykanti speed and resources as gotten us a bunch of sheep now at Ranch. Anybody that would like to join them in their adventures let them know.

Talking about sheep we have a bunch now. Does anybody as experience separating sheep from their winter coats?"

A few commoners raised their hands explaining they worked on sheep farms before. Some ladies said if JW could make them tools they could turn the wool into practical items to make sweaters.

"Anybody with scissors and a few volunteers can let the Smiths know what you need we will send you to strip those sheets of winter coats at the Ranch.

We now have 35 miners which elected Seamus O'Brian as Mine Supervisor. Seamus please ensure the Miners are rotated and that you folks get time off."

Seamus responded "yes my Lord."

I continued "I would also like to thank the wives for taking care of the workers and everybody else ensuring their hard work.

The 2 mechanics I got them working on the carts.

Thanks to all those helping the Rope Maker. Keep up the good work folks.

We have at least 20 Woodsman and many hands to help them gather the wood. Outstanding jobs folks. We are still working on getting new axes.

Thanks to the Yought for all the hard work.

We have 57 Miscellaneous workers. When ever we need hands all we have to do is ask.

This meeting would not be complete if we did not mention the 22 Nobles. Some of your skills we have put to good use while others we are still discovering what they are. Thank you. Unless your skills are needed elsewhere most Nobles will be situated at the Fort. Just a concentration of very high skills.

We have a bunch of folks trained and untrained doing security. We were just joined by a bunch of Auxilia.

If you have experience training and or leading troops please see me later as we would like to train folks properly.

So these are my future plans.

The Fort still need housing and a few other things but a lot of it as been done.

Farms are doing good and are self sufficient but might need a few houses at the farm aka Pod 2

Pod 6 might need help building a fishing aka exploring boat.

Pod 3 might be stripped of all electrical parts for Lady Light and her research.

The folks at the Mine been working their butts off. The still need a protective wall.

The Ranch needs a homestead built. If others want to learn how to Ranch see me after. The Rancher as been busy breaking horses and now taking care of sheep.

Project 1 for me is building 3 roads to prairies for wagon. Using the open space of the prairie to go to 3 roads West will cut down our time from the Mine (Road mostly completed) to Fort will start in a few days and finally to the Farm.

Instead of travelling 2 days from Fort to Mine it could be done in one day.

That's all I have for now.

Any Questions?"

I spent the next hour answering questions and directing people to who they should talk to.

After I was done I joined V under the tree and relaxed.

John Richman

Woke up and when I looked up I realized the Ykanti had already started on our roof. We slept in our incomplet house last night.

We did our morning needs and saw James burying all the buffalo. Some of it slow cooking into buffalo Jerky.

Any left over meat will be preserved and what does not remain with us will go to the Mine, Ranch and Farm

Some pure silver is made into buckles and hoops etc for the Bridles. Leathersmith, his wife and assistants are modifying the Bridles then measured the horses for pulling harnesses.

JW is making bases for saddles. Tomorrow the Leathersmith will work on the sadles.

Woodsman are playing axe throwing games and chopping ones. Glad they are enjoying their days off.

The Glass Bower as been making jars. Soon we will hopefully have honey to munch on.

The Wagon is getting lots of attention. The aids are assembling it pretty fast. The plan is for the Leathersmiths will be working on a pulling harness for the 4th horse.

The Hunters are taking care of their horses and one of the drivers is taking care of the 4th bonding with it.

Wendy taught all 3 men how to direct a horse from a wagon simply walking behind the fourth horse guiding it. They spent hours today guiding the horses switching the harness between the horses.

Even tho the hunters horses would be used mostly for riding Wendy wanted to also train them to pull things.

Late in the afternoon call came out that the Miners were coming. Sent a group to meet up with them. Looking tired from the journey they still seemed very happy to be at the Fort.

They handed the bars to the chemist for final separation of minerals.

They dropped off tools needing repairs to JW and other smiths and dropped off their gear.

Miners went swimming and were coming out of the water when farmers from Pod 2 were arriving.

The Feast was a great hit. V managed to keep everything down. At the end of the feast waitresses put the food in the cooling room.

No big speech tonight. Just advised everybody we would have a meeting the next day

We enjoyed the comeraderie and music until late then went to bed.

John Richman

Woke up early this morning. Packed all food we would not use for breakfast. We would stop about lunch. Our Security team took front and back. The road is mostly wide enough to walk as a tight group.

We got to Pod 3 in about 5 hours. Roads are better but we are still on foot and not all of us are spring chickens. We stay bunched together going at the speed of slowest walker.

Quick lunch at Pod 3 then back on the road about 1pm. Rosemary is getting pretty good blisters. Even tho she protested we made used a Ykanti back chair for the rest of the trip. Every half hour we switch who carries her.

We got within distance of the Fort by 4 and met for the last half hour by volunteers to help us carry gear.

Feels good to have most back together again. We definitely grew since day 1. Handed the bars to the chemist.

We were mostly wearing clean cloths as the Mining clothing was washed and left to dry.

After a day of travelling into the lake we went. By this time the farmers from Pod 2 joined us and all the cook pulled out the cooked mear from the fireplace.

For supper tonight.

- Buffalo meat

- Mashed potatoes made with goat milk.

- Vine vegetables

- Apple Crunch for dessert

The new group came with a couple acoustic guitars. We sang all kinds of songs.

A meeting is planed for tomorrow with most folks.

Seamus O'Brian

Mine Manager