2025

As it turned out, I wasn't the only person who realized the woods was a good hiding place.  The place was practically crawling with Trackers, groups of so called Patriots that were self appointed border patrol, bounty hunters and law and enforcement.  They were armed, with AR-15's strapped to their backs, pistols in holsters and usually a few knives in the mix as well.  They usually dressed in an assortment of camo, and combat boots, and many of them wore body armor.    I ran into my first one early that morning. I had decided to scout the area, to see which was the safest way to travel.   Unfortunately, he also saw me first, so the option of turning around and disappearing was out.    "Halt!" the man said, importantly, as his chest puffed out.  He was shorter than I was, and other than a wiry mustache, he was clean-shaven, and had severe buzz cut.  His hair was a sandy brown, and his eyes were brown.  His appearance would not ...