A Wake of Vultures

by Patrick Kansoer

  You have seen things and people who would just as soon not have you in a position to identify them or testify about what you had observed. From this point forward, you must be paying attention to people and activities that are abnormal or questionable, leading to possible criminal actions against you.”

  “You make it sound like some spy vs spy scene where the bad guys are going to hunt me down like in some B movie.

  “Keren have you forgotten that less than twenty-four hours ago you participated in a firefight to ward off an assassination attempt on a foreign leader? Are you forgetting that you personally took a life?

  These are seriously dangerous people, Keren. If they decide to seek you out because they believe you are a threat it will not be pretty and there is no reset button or do-over. These folks play for keeps.”

  “OK Petris you have my undivided attention. Hell, you’re scaring the crap out of me. Is there something I can do besides hire a bodyguard to follow me around?”

  “Keren, you need to develop what is called situational awareness. It’s hard to define what’s abnormal about a situation when one has no idea what normal would look like in the first place.

  As an example, today–you see a family riding down the road toward you on bicycles. Even if they have backpacks and panniers, you probably wouldn’t give them a second thought. Using situational awareness–You’ll watch them very closely to see if they have weapons, if they attempt to bring weapons to bear on you, and to ensure they continue on their way.

  Today–You see a vehicle on the side of the road with the hood up. You might stop to see if they need help, depending on your situational awareness. Using situational awareness–You might suspect the disabled vehicle is a trap and stay a comfortable distance from it, or you might approach it with armed caution.

  It’s a matter of being observant as to what is normal and what seems odd or out of place.

  It is an unfortunate truth that you will have to make changes, to face a new reality, and to adjust your situational awareness to fit the new reality if you intend to survive.

  It is an easily learned skill, but it does take practice. Again, a few examples might be useful.

  When you are driving, you should be constantly aware of your surroundings in busy areas, with unpredictable traffic, and scanning the road for likely hazards and traffic. Taxi drivers are doing this every day.

  Pilots and air traffic controllers are stringent about their surroundings in everything from weather statistics, weight limits, fatigue, other traffic, timings and the added pressure of a large responsibility of passengers and staff

  Police are faced with environments every day such as entering a house with a domestic violence dispute where they have to understand the emotional signs of body language, potential threats from people and nearby objects, risks and their own bearings

  Mothers with young babies carry out situational awareness in identifying dangerous objects, heights or any potential risks to their young one.

  Situational awareness is a method of identifying specific things that might lead to a change of status later, whether it be a high school student carrying a weapon to school, or a suspicious individual carrying a large package to a crowded sporting event.

  In these regards, situational awareness is very important your survival.

  One of the best tools you can master is something called the OODA loop. The idea centers — Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.

  It takes the basic ways we think, decide, and operate in the world — ways that often get confused and jumbled in the face of conflict and confusion — and codifies and organizes them into a strategic, effective system that can allow you to thrive in the heat of battle. It is a learning system, a method for dealing with uncertainty, and a strategy for winning head-to-head contests and competitions.

  Ambiguity and uncertainty surround us. Our inability to properly make sense of our changing reality is the bigger hindrance. When our circumstances change, we often fail to shift our perspective and instead continue to try to see the world as we feel it should be.

  While our perspectives work and match up with reality most of the time, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes the universe pitches us a curve ball that we never saw coming and the mental models we have to work with aren’t really useful. Trying to understand a randomly changing universe with pre-existing mental models only results in confusion, ambiguity, and more uncertainty. There is a limitation in our ability to observe reality with precision. We must see what is, not what we expect.

  By holding to our mental model that our usual life would always be around, we miss the fact that the landscape is rapidly shifting around us.

  The first step in the OODA Loop is to observe. This is the step that allows us to overcome the tendency towards closed thinking. By observing and considering new information about our changing environment, our minds become an open system rather than a closed one, and we are able to gain the knowledge and understanding that’s crucial in forming new mental models. As an open system, we’re positioned to overcome confusion-inducing mental entropy.

  Here are a couple things you can start doing now to improve your situational awareness;

  Start keying in on where all the exits are whenever you enter a public building. If, heaven forbid, a person enters with guns blazing, you want to know where their possible entry and exit points are and you want to know where your closest exits are located.

  Give the surrounding people the once over and be on the lookout for behavior that doesn’t seem “normal.” Normal will depend on the situation and environment having adequate mental models will be important in determining baseline behavior so just because someone is acting weird doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a threat. Just keep them on your radar.

  We need to get into town and get you some things to replace what you lost when your bag was lost on the way home, and we should also stop in at Cox hospital and see how Ted is doing. If you are agreeable, we can continue the situational awareness drill while we are out in public.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Keren replied. “This is a lot to absorb and I learn better by doing than by listening. I’d like to see Ted too and I do need some need duds and toiletries. Are there any non-touristy stores in Branson or will we have to go up to Springfield to shop?”

  “There’s an outlet mall called Tanger’s that had a number of stores. I know that there’s a Talbot’s and a Lane Bryant, an Old Navy and a place called Girlie Girls plus a bunch of shoe places. I think you should be able to find what you need there. After we finish there we can drive over to the hospital and see how Ted is getting along and I’ll treat you to dinner at the Saltgrass restaurant at the Landing.”

  “Sounds like fun Petris. Be careful though. If you keep spoiling me like this, I might be tempted to just stay here,” Keren teased.

  They piled into Petris’ Navigator and headed for Branson. Keren was surprised at the amount of traffic on ‘the strip’, which was what the locals referred to route 76 which was the main drag. Many of the tourist attractions and live entertainment venues were lined up along that route like so many dominoes.

  It was bumper-to-bumper from where they exited northbound US 65 for the four-mile stretch to Tanger boulevard. Tour busses filled with senior vacationers, cars and pickup trucks, many towing camping trailers, motor homes all seeming to crawl along at between five and ten miles per hour while most of the occupants gawked and rubber-necked.

  They passed a three-acre indoor automobile museum, the Dick Clark Bandstand theater, a ground-based sort of skydiving attraction, a place called Grand Country Theater and Resort and Pressley’s Country Jamboree.

  Petris surprised Keren by telling her that there were more live entertainment theater seats in Branson than in Las Vegas and on Broadway combined. The whole scene reminded Keren of the old Wisconsin Dells tourist trap that her family had visited in the 1980s.

  Tanger Outlet was as big or bigger than any of the outlet malls Keren had visited in the Chic
ago area. There were at least as many high-end and varied stores here as the big outlet mall in Gurnee, Illinois.

  While walking through the mall Petris continued tutoring her on situational awareness. “What is different about the man walking toward us Keren? Do you see the bump on his right side? What do you think that might be?”

  “I don’t know Petris. Maybe it’s a colostomy appliance?”

  “Maybe Keren, but he is a bit young for that type of surgery. Missouri is a Constitutional Carry state, so it is just as likely that he is carrying a firearm concealed under his shirt since the bump on his right side is at the five o’clock position and a colostomy appliance would be closer to the front. Without looking back, how many children were walking with the family that just passed us and how many were boys and how many were girls?”

  Keren couldn’t answer that question without looking back. It demonstrated to her just how much detail of the world around her went unnoticed on a regular basis. Petris instructed her on how to assess a space she was in, where the exits were, what expedient escape routes might be in case of a fire or an active shooter incident.

  He spoke to her about the theory of escaping from a riot scene without getting injured or trampled. He spent quite a bit of time explaining the Cooper Color Code in ascending order of awareness of danger: white, yellow, orange, and red.

  Code White

  You feel secure whether you are actually safe.

  Awareness is switched off.

  You are unaware of your environment, its inhabitants, and their rituals of attack.

  All attackers look for victims in this state.

  Code Yellow

  You are cautious. You should spend most of the time in this state.

  Awareness is switched on.

  State of threat awareness and relaxed alertness.

  You have a 360-degree peripheral awareness of such environmental danger spots as secluded doorways, entries, and alleys, as well as such psychological triggers as adrenal dump and attacker ruses. Be aware of people, vehicles, behind large objects, dark areas, etc.

  Code Orange

  You are in danger. You are aware of a potential threat.

  State of threat evaluation.

  Specific alert. A possible target has been identified. A particular situation that has drawn your attention and could present a major problem. Someone may be giving oral indicators such as direct threats or using suspicious language. Focus on the potential attacker.

  Check to see if there is an avenue of escape, potential weapons available, and if others around you are friend or foe.

  Decision is made to take action.

  Code Red

  You are in conflict.

  State of threat avoidance.

  Fight or flight. Flee, defend, or attack. You have evaluated the situation, and if there is a threat, you prepare to fight or run.

  Never stand or fight if there is a possibility of fleeing.

  Carry out decision to act made in Code Orange. You don’t have to think; no indecision on the course of action; you are prepared.

  If use of physical self-defense techniques is necessary, use the level of force appropriate to the threat. E.g., don’t treat someone who pushes you because he is rude like someone who is trying to stab you with a knife.

  The exercise continued throughout the shopping trip and during the trip to Cox medical center. It was interrupted only by the visit with Ted in his hospital room. Ted assured them that the doctors said that the wound was a fairly clean through-and-through wound that missed bone and major blood vessels and that while painful since there was damage to the gluteus muscle which was one of the largest muscles in the body, that he would most likely heal and be as good as new in between six and eight weeks. He was on a course of antibiotics and would probably be allowed to return home in a day or two.

  After their visit with Ted, Petris drove to the Landing where they had a rather ordinary and uneventful dinner at Saltgrass.

  The food was good if forgettable, and the conversation was light. When they returned to Totentanz Keren realized that she was physically wiped out from the stress of the past few days and begged off any further instruction.

  “I’m really beat, Petris. All I want right now is a hot shower and a good night’s sleep. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow flying back to Chicago and all. I hope you understand.”

  “Of course, Keren. I have crammed a lot of knowledge into your head over the past couple of days and you have certainly earned a chance to relax before you go home tomorrow. I’ll see you in the morning, my dear. Sleep well.”

  Keren dragged herself and her newly purchased bag and wardrobe up to her room, stripped off her clothes and stood under a steaming shower allowing the water beating down to wash away the tension. She slipped on one of her new night gowns and slid into the bed. Within minutes she was sound asleep and dead to the world.

  Keren awoke bright and early the following morning. She changed into her traveling clothes, packed away her nightgown and the toiletries she had used and made up her bed. As she descended the stairs to the dining room, her nose picked up the aroma of something that made her mouth water.

  Dropping her travel case next to what she had started to think of as her chair in the dining room, she walked through the kitchen door to see Petris at the stove.

  “Something smells out of this world, Petris. What epicurean delight have you conjured up to spoil me this morning?”

  “Just some shrimp and grits, Keren. Nothing special and nothing too heavy since you are traveling today. I hope that it meets with your approval. If not, we can always drive down to the Hollister fast-food joint for an egg biscuit,” Petris said with a mischievous tone to his voice.

  “An egg biscuit my butt, Petris. Shrimp and grits will be just dandy, thank you very much.”

  “Don’t talk to me about your butt, young lady. I’m not that kind of dirty old man,” Petris teased. “Here, carry your plate and utensils to the table while I carry mine. There is a fresh pot of coffee already on the table in an insulated carafe. I need to explain a few more things over breakfast before you leave today.”

  “OK boss, I’ll meet you in the dining room.”

  They both got themselves seated at the table and Keren poured a cup of coffee for both of them. She took hers with cream and one sugar, Petris drank his black. Once they were settled and had started to eat, Petris began;

  “Keren, the deep state is trying to program the collective unconscious of the people to bring about the outcome they want. Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth, or "Believe and you will receive...."

  Its Mass Mind Control — Hypnosis --- Schools, Movies, Games, Television, News, Books, Advertising.

  I realized a couple years ago, that people were being herded, in mass, by just a few. It was like watching a swarm of humanity, moving this way and that, at the will of the 'herders'. The deep state has put out the mantra, and it's been effective.

  Society getting dumber by the day. It is not just your imagination; the stupidity of the masses is by design. The deep state is purposely trying to dumb-down the masses. A dumber society is more easily controlled. The end-goal of the deep state is not to have a free and intelligent society; the globalists would rather turn us into a sea of malleable drones that do as they’re told.

  One thing the Cabal has always relied on was the complacency and disunity of the people who might otherwise oppose them, and the overwhelming magnitude of their material wealth.

  But, Keren, there is hope. There are those who will oppose the Cabal. There are those who will continue to work to thwart the schemes of the deep state. As long as The Brotherhood exists and continues to live the oath they have taken, there is hope.

  You need to remember that, continue to practice situational awareness and watch your back and you need to keep in touch.”

  They had finished eating and Petris said that he would deal with the dishes after Keren left. He carried her suitcase out to the
Porte-Cochere where Kerens rental car stood.

  Petris looked Keren in the eyes and said; “If anything or anyone crosses your path that alarms you, if you become aware of anything that may involve deep state actions, know that you are not alone facing these things. Keep my number with you and call me. Day, afternoon, middle of the night, I would rather have you call me to say I think there’s something going on and this is what it is, rather than have you or one of your associates calls be to say ‘guess what just happened’.

  Think of me as your newly found uncle who knows things and people, and can help you out of a jam. Now, drive carefully, have a good flight home and call me when you’re back in Chicago.”

  Keren smiled and leaned over to give Petris a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks for everything you old grump. It has been an unforgettable adventure and I appreciate all you have shared with me these past few days. Give Ted my love. I’ll call when I get home.”

  She threw her new overnight bag with the things they had bought at the Tanger Outlet into the back seat of the rental car, started the engine, waved at Petris and started down the driveway toward the road and ultimately to route 65.

  As Keren left Totentanz for the airport her head was crammed full of her conversations with Petris and what that meant to her, those she loved, her law practice and her native land. Finally, the one phrase that kept repeating in her consciousness was;

  “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”

  St. Augustine of Hippo

  It made sense to her troubled soul. It also distracted her from enjoying the beautiful Ozarks scenery.