Mark and Andrew arrived at Whiteman GFAF base to find everything had been moved successfully, but half the fleet of planes was gone. The Private saluted the men as they passed then Mark left instructions for the plane to be gone over with a fine tooth comb and given proper maintenance. Together they walked to their new quarters. Andrew turned the key in the lock and opened the door and began walking through each room checking the contents. He found everything to be in perfect order just as Lt. Henson had reported. He noticed the dishes had been placed in the cabinet and all the boxes were placed in the correct rooms. His personal papers were still sealed and Claire's box was sitting in his bedroom just as he had asked. He thought to himself, "Jason has managed to do as I asked of him now I need to get down to the bottom of where he was for the last two days."
Mark cleared his throat to get Andrew's attention, "Which room do you want me in?"
Andrew threw up his hands, "Well, this one is mine, the smaller room down the hall is my office so I guess you can have the room off the living room. It looks a bit larger than the one I will use as my office and should be comfortable enough for you. I'm still the Commander so the larger room will be mine," he said laughing.
The two men busied themselves settling in and making lists of things they would need to stock the pantry. Mark went to the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat and found it well stocked. He called out to Andrew, "Looks as though your little buddy, Jason, planned a head and your kitchen has lots of food just waiting to be eaten. You want a sandwich or something?"
Andrew found his uniforms neatly pressed hanging in the closet so Jason had done everything he had been asked to do. When did he have time to get this house readied and make a trip out of town? Andrew rubbed his chin as he walked to his office area to check the boxes marked personal. Everything seems to be undisturbed. He joined Mark in the kitchen, "You make a mean sandwich, Mark. I think we need to say thanks before we start gorging ourselves on this delicious meal," he said with a laugh.
They bowed their heads, "Father, we thank You for the many blessings we have received. We ask that You guide us in all we say and do for we cannot do this without You. Thank You, Father, for giving us traveling grace. We know Your plan is perfect and while we grieve over the loss of the Star Fleet, we know those that came to know You are now in a better place. We long for the day that we will stand before You and be taken from the evil this world has become. Thank You for the food we are about to eat and bless the hands that prepared it. In Your precious name we pray. Amen."
Mark studied Andrew's face, "I think it would be better if I took the helicopter to pick up Mark and bring him here for a meeting. We can present the plane to him and talk about strategy. We need a plan of escape for us and have you talked to Jerome about his plans should he be discovered? If Jerome is uncovered, we might also be at risk and we all need a plan. I've been thinking about it a lot lately and maybe there would be room for us at the cave. What do you think."
Andrew nodded in agreement. "You are right we need a plan and need to discuss it with Sam and Jerome. Right now I need to concentrate on finding out what Jason's been doing while we were away. He didn't expect us to be gone as long as we were so there's no telling what sort of mischief he's been getting into. Shannon sent an email saying Jason had not shown up there. She also said one of their friends had been killed. He was a close friend of Sam's and I'm certain that the loss of his friend and the fleet will have had it's effect on Sam so we need to give him a few days before bringing him here. I will call him tomorrow after he gets settled in and give him our condolences."
The two finished their meal in silence. It had been a long flight and the news of the loss of the fleet had taken it's toll. Andrew rose to leave and rested his hand on Mark's shoulder, "I'm glad you are here with me. Right now I need to rest so I can be fresh when I start work in the morning. I would like it if you would make your office in mine and help me figure this thing out with Jason. Sometimes I don't always read people correctly and you are sharper than I in that area. What do you say?"
Mark chucked and rubbed his chin as if he were thinking of a good response then said, "Andrew, thank you for having me and yes, I will help you watch over this young man. Now let's get some rest and we will discuss our plans for Jason tomorrow. Goodnight, my friend."
Mark cleared his throat to get Andrew's attention, "Which room do you want me in?"
Andrew threw up his hands, "Well, this one is mine, the smaller room down the hall is my office so I guess you can have the room off the living room. It looks a bit larger than the one I will use as my office and should be comfortable enough for you. I'm still the Commander so the larger room will be mine," he said laughing.
The two men busied themselves settling in and making lists of things they would need to stock the pantry. Mark went to the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat and found it well stocked. He called out to Andrew, "Looks as though your little buddy, Jason, planned a head and your kitchen has lots of food just waiting to be eaten. You want a sandwich or something?"
Andrew found his uniforms neatly pressed hanging in the closet so Jason had done everything he had been asked to do. When did he have time to get this house readied and make a trip out of town? Andrew rubbed his chin as he walked to his office area to check the boxes marked personal. Everything seems to be undisturbed. He joined Mark in the kitchen, "You make a mean sandwich, Mark. I think we need to say thanks before we start gorging ourselves on this delicious meal," he said with a laugh.
They bowed their heads, "Father, we thank You for the many blessings we have received. We ask that You guide us in all we say and do for we cannot do this without You. Thank You, Father, for giving us traveling grace. We know Your plan is perfect and while we grieve over the loss of the Star Fleet, we know those that came to know You are now in a better place. We long for the day that we will stand before You and be taken from the evil this world has become. Thank You for the food we are about to eat and bless the hands that prepared it. In Your precious name we pray. Amen."
Mark studied Andrew's face, "I think it would be better if I took the helicopter to pick up Mark and bring him here for a meeting. We can present the plane to him and talk about strategy. We need a plan of escape for us and have you talked to Jerome about his plans should he be discovered? If Jerome is uncovered, we might also be at risk and we all need a plan. I've been thinking about it a lot lately and maybe there would be room for us at the cave. What do you think."
Andrew nodded in agreement. "You are right we need a plan and need to discuss it with Sam and Jerome. Right now I need to concentrate on finding out what Jason's been doing while we were away. He didn't expect us to be gone as long as we were so there's no telling what sort of mischief he's been getting into. Shannon sent an email saying Jason had not shown up there. She also said one of their friends had been killed. He was a close friend of Sam's and I'm certain that the loss of his friend and the fleet will have had it's effect on Sam so we need to give him a few days before bringing him here. I will call him tomorrow after he gets settled in and give him our condolences."
The two finished their meal in silence. It had been a long flight and the news of the loss of the fleet had taken it's toll. Andrew rose to leave and rested his hand on Mark's shoulder, "I'm glad you are here with me. Right now I need to rest so I can be fresh when I start work in the morning. I would like it if you would make your office in mine and help me figure this thing out with Jason. Sometimes I don't always read people correctly and you are sharper than I in that area. What do you say?"
Mark chucked and rubbed his chin as if he were thinking of a good response then said, "Andrew, thank you for having me and yes, I will help you watch over this young man. Now let's get some rest and we will discuss our plans for Jason tomorrow. Goodnight, my friend."
- P4H
_________________________________________________________________
On the Ranch the Main House
Shade walked through the front door and carried Leon over to the loveseat. He laid him down while listening to see where everyone was.
Matt followed him in carrying Grumpy, with Skunk and Mo trailing after him.
Mo looked around the living room and gave a low whistle. Skunk peered around Mo and let out a sigh. “Let’s get to work.”
Shade walked into the kitchen and saw that Renee was tending to the scratches on Raul’s chest, and Becca working on Maddie’s thigh.
Trevor was wrapping an ace bandage around his knee as he instructed both girls.
“Madeline? Are you ok darlin?” Shade asked dropping to his knees next to his wife.
Maddie reached up and cupped Shade’s cheek. “I’m fine sweetheart. Becca is taking good care of me.”
Shade reached a shaky hand up and ran his hand over Maddie’s hair. “I love you.” He whispered.
“I love you too.” Maddie whispered back.
“Did you find the bear?” Trevor asked, interrupting the moment.
“It was at the little house trying to crawl in the window. Grumpy caught it by it’s hind leg and distracted it. It backed out the window and went after him. He took a pretty hard hit, I think his leg is broken. Anyway Dad shot it, but it took off.” Matt said as he dropped down next to his mother. “You ok Mommy?” He asked softly.
“You only call me Mommy when you’re scared.” Maddie said reaching out to brush his hair back. “I’m gonna be fine.”
With a half sob Matt leaned into his mothers touch. “I was so scared. I didn’t know you’d gotten hurt, until dad said you had. I’m so sorry I took off and left you here hurt.”
“Matt, finding that bear was more important than a couple of scratches. You and your dad did the right thing.” Maddie reassured both Matt and Shade.
“Where are Zoe and Kristen?” Mo asked as he walked into the kitchen.
“Upstairs. Their injuries need a little privacy to tend to.” Trevor said.
“I’m headed up there as soon as I finish getting Raul stitched up.” Renee said.
Mo nodded. “What about Nathan?”
“He headed out to the barn to get a piece of plywood to cover the window with.” Renee answered.
“Did he get hurt?”
“No. The cat jumped on him and knocked the air out of him, but he’s ok. He said that Zoe broke the cat’s lower jaw when she slammed her head back when it jumped on her.”
Matt let out a chuckle. “She broke it’s jaw?!” He looked at Nathan as he walked in carrying the piece of wood. “Zoe really broke the cat’s jaw?”
“Yeah.” Nathan replied.
“Well she does have a hard head.” Matt reached up and ran his finger down the bump in his nose.
Shade and Maddie both began to laugh as they remembered Zoe had broken Matt’s nose by slamming her head back into it when Earl had been at the ranch.
“I taught her that.” Nathan said with a smug grin.
“You may have taught her too well.” Trevor said joining in the laughter.
Mo looked quizzically around the room. “What?”
Skunk walked into the room to see everyone but Raul, Mo, Becca and Renee laughing. “What’s so funny?”
“Beats me. They said Zoe broke the cat’s jaw and then everyone started laughing.”
Nathan stopped laughing long enough to answer. “I’ll explain while we’re boarding up the window.” He hefted the wood and headed to the living room, still chuckling, Mo and Skunk following him.
“Why is it so funny that Zoe broke the cat’s jaw?” They heard Raul demanding of those left in the kitchen, causing even more laughter.
Shade walked through the front door and carried Leon over to the loveseat. He laid him down while listening to see where everyone was.
Matt followed him in carrying Grumpy, with Skunk and Mo trailing after him.
Mo looked around the living room and gave a low whistle. Skunk peered around Mo and let out a sigh. “Let’s get to work.”
Shade walked into the kitchen and saw that Renee was tending to the scratches on Raul’s chest, and Becca working on Maddie’s thigh.
Trevor was wrapping an ace bandage around his knee as he instructed both girls.
“Madeline? Are you ok darlin?” Shade asked dropping to his knees next to his wife.
Maddie reached up and cupped Shade’s cheek. “I’m fine sweetheart. Becca is taking good care of me.”
Shade reached a shaky hand up and ran his hand over Maddie’s hair. “I love you.” He whispered.
“I love you too.” Maddie whispered back.
“Did you find the bear?” Trevor asked, interrupting the moment.
“It was at the little house trying to crawl in the window. Grumpy caught it by it’s hind leg and distracted it. It backed out the window and went after him. He took a pretty hard hit, I think his leg is broken. Anyway Dad shot it, but it took off.” Matt said as he dropped down next to his mother. “You ok Mommy?” He asked softly.
“You only call me Mommy when you’re scared.” Maddie said reaching out to brush his hair back. “I’m gonna be fine.”
With a half sob Matt leaned into his mothers touch. “I was so scared. I didn’t know you’d gotten hurt, until dad said you had. I’m so sorry I took off and left you here hurt.”
“Matt, finding that bear was more important than a couple of scratches. You and your dad did the right thing.” Maddie reassured both Matt and Shade.
“Where are Zoe and Kristen?” Mo asked as he walked into the kitchen.
“Upstairs. Their injuries need a little privacy to tend to.” Trevor said.
“I’m headed up there as soon as I finish getting Raul stitched up.” Renee said.
Mo nodded. “What about Nathan?”
“He headed out to the barn to get a piece of plywood to cover the window with.” Renee answered.
“Did he get hurt?”
“No. The cat jumped on him and knocked the air out of him, but he’s ok. He said that Zoe broke the cat’s lower jaw when she slammed her head back when it jumped on her.”
Matt let out a chuckle. “She broke it’s jaw?!” He looked at Nathan as he walked in carrying the piece of wood. “Zoe really broke the cat’s jaw?”
“Yeah.” Nathan replied.
“Well she does have a hard head.” Matt reached up and ran his finger down the bump in his nose.
Shade and Maddie both began to laugh as they remembered Zoe had broken Matt’s nose by slamming her head back into it when Earl had been at the ranch.
“I taught her that.” Nathan said with a smug grin.
“You may have taught her too well.” Trevor said joining in the laughter.
Mo looked quizzically around the room. “What?”
Skunk walked into the room to see everyone but Raul, Mo, Becca and Renee laughing. “What’s so funny?”
“Beats me. They said Zoe broke the cat’s jaw and then everyone started laughing.”
Nathan stopped laughing long enough to answer. “I’ll explain while we’re boarding up the window.” He hefted the wood and headed to the living room, still chuckling, Mo and Skunk following him.
“Why is it so funny that Zoe broke the cat’s jaw?” They heard Raul demanding of those left in the kitchen, causing even more laughter.
- Zags
_________________________________________________________________
Two weeks had passed since the two men spotted a 52’ Bayliner. Noticing the lack of upkeep and some missing parts, Bob hopped aboard while Leon stood watch. Within minutes Bob had the engines fired up and soon B&L Fishing Company was in service.
Not understanding the magnitude and size of the Hudson River, the 52’ Bayliner and new owners fished for hours upon hours with no luck except small bass looking fish, a bunch of tires and once they pulled up a body.
Lou laughed at them but did feel a little sorry so he gave them $200.00 a week that went for fuel. Getting weaker each day from lack of good food, the two started to get bummed out and discouraged.
It was the Tuesday of their third week that Leon figured out that the big ships each day had to be going somewhere so he started following one to see if maybe that would change their luck.
Bob taken a nap, was holding on to his pole when a sudden jerk brought him out of the seat and onto the deck. “Stop the boat, stop the boat” he hollered as he pulled back on the pole to set the hook. The line on the reel sang as it paid out, “Yahoooo” Bob yelled.
Hearing the yelling, Leon walked back to where Bob was fighting this prized fish. Just as he got there, Bob started yelling to back the boat up and hurry. Leon raced to the controls and placed the engines in reserves. Two second later Bob was yelling to stop the boat. Leon couldn’t understand what the problem was; they had caught big fish before in a boat. Why Bob had Wyoming State Record for the largest Rainbow trout.
After 45 minutes Bob had the fish close to the surface. “Man that has to be one of those big sailfish look at the fin on the back.” Bob shouted out.
Leon looked and saw the fin but something was different from the ones he remembered seeing in those fishing magazines. “Oh well maybe this is the type that grows in the New York waters”
Getting the fish next to the boat Leon grabbed the gaff hook and waited
Bob pulled the fish up to the side were Leon thrust the hook into the back of the fish. It took both men to pull it up and set it on the deck. “Man Bob you did real good, let’s head back and turn him in for some real cash” Leon said smiling.
“Ready when you are partner” Bob replied out of breath
Leon raced to the controls again, pushed the GPS switch that would tell them how to get back to the pier they wanted to go. “Man old Lou will be happy to see us and maybe give us a bonus” Leon started to whistle.
- Alex
________________________________________________________________
“Help, help, Leon, get it off me, Help”
Leon placed the boat in neutral and head back to the rear, when he saw what Bob was yelling about, horror filled his mind. There sat at the far corner of the back Bob. He was standing on the gunnel with the hook pole in his hands. It was broken off and Bob was using it to keep the large fish from biting him. Bob’s legs and arms were covered in blood.
Looking around, Leon grabbed a fire extinguisher and started hitting the fish. “Watch out for his tail” Bob yelled but it was too late, the fish flung it around slapping Leon’s legs.
The power of the hit sent Leon to the deck. The mouth of the fish turned toward Leon and that is when Leon saw the many sharp teeth. Letting out a scream, Leon tried to back up as fast as possible, just as he moved his right foot the fish struck missed the foot but crushing the aluminum leg on the chair.
“Oh please God, save me” Leon yelled as he pushed and pulled himself away from the monster that now had control of the boat.
Bob watched what was going on, took the half stick and started beating the fish with it.
After five minutes of chase and be chase, the fish lost his energy and lack of oxygen died. Bob and Leon both ran to the bridge where they stayed until they arrived at the pier.
It was just before 4:30; Leon jumped on the pier and raced to get Lou and a truck while Bob wiping his wounds. Finding a large cut on his left leg, three on his right and some smaller ones on his arm. “Man he thought, these sailfish are tough, I would hate to meet a shark”
Leon got to Lou just before he was leaving, after convincing him that they had a whopper, Lou grabbed his pick up and he and Leon returned back to the boat. On the way, Leon told Lou the story how Bob caught and they fought this large sailfish that was now dead on the deck of the boat.
Lou walked down the pier and saw the fish in question, saw Bob and the blood and noticed the tore up boat. He started laughing and laughing so hard, he fell down laughing. Leon and Bob were getting a little upset, here they fight this fish and almost died and all Lou could do was laugh.
“Boys… haaaaaaa… Boys, you got Baaaaaa, Baaaaaaaa… Boys you are either the bravest men or the most dumbest. Haaaaaaaa… You don’t have a sailfish…… haaaaaaa, boy got hooked up on a large tiger shark. Haaaaaaaaaa, Heeeeeee, Lou laughed and rolled as Bob and Leon looked at each other then at the fish.
“So Lou, do we still get paid?” Leon asked
Through his laughter, Lou said yes he would pay and just because they survived this past fishing trip he would toss in an extra $800.00. Lou was still laughing as he paid the two then told them to take the fish and get rid of it because it was starting to stink.
“A sailfish… haaaaaaaaaaa” is all they heard as Lou walked back down the pier.
Both men were stunned by the news, guess they were not cut out to be fishermen, “Well we can still stay on this boat, we will just find another job” Leon stated so the next day they once again went in search of employment.
- Alex
__________________________________________________________________
On the Ranch the Main House
After a tense night the real clean up had gotten started. Matt and Shade had carried all the furniture outside at Maddie’s insistence. “The couch is probably full of glass so it has to go.” Maddie ordered from a kitchen chair. “And the leg on the coffee table needs to be fixed.” She continued to bark orders as Renee and Becca began sweeping up all the glass.
Zoe and Kristen had been relegated to light duty, as had Trevor.
Raul sat on another kitchen chair his chest swathed in bandages. Lying on the floor next to him was Grumpy one of his front legs in a cast. His sorrowful eyes followed people as they moved about the house doing various chores.
Leon sat quietly in the corner his hands still unbound. Kristen had insisted on it much to everyone’s chagrin.
Ryan and Nathan had dragged the cat out into the pasture to bury it’s body and had returned with their hands full of power tools.
Once Shade and Matt had cleared the room of furniture Nathan plugged in a power sander and got to work sanding the claw marks in the hardwood floor. The sander was so loud that no one heard the alarm to alert them that someone was coming up the road.
Maddie let out a scream when she heard someone banging on the door, and everyone froze.
Nathan quickly shut off the sander as Shade and Matt scooped up the rifles. Shade slowly approached the door and saw through the peep hole that it was a man banging on the door and not the bear attacking the house. He waved Matt away and dropped the rifle to his side as he opened the door.
“Can I help you?” Shade asked.
“Mr. Cooper? My name is Ira Shore. I’m with the Global Family Farmers and Ranchers Association. We met at the J&M Stockyard in Amarillo a few months back.”
“Oh, yes. What can I do for you Mr. Shore?”
“May I come in?”
Shade stepped back and nodded for the man to enter.
Ira looked around and saw the living room bare of furniture and Nathan holding the sander. He also noted that Shade and Matt were both holding rifles. “Is this a bad time?” He asked with a pointed look at the rifle Matt cradled in his arms.
“Just doing a little clean up. We had a mountain lion get in the house last night.” Shade explained quickly.
“A mountain lion? Is it still around?” Ira looked around nervously.
“No it’s dead.” Matt said. “Dad killed it.”
“So why the guns.” Ira asked.
“In case the bear shows up.” Nathan answered.
Ira’s head swung around to Nathan. “Bear?!”
“Yeah. The mountain lion and the bear were working together. While the cat attacked here the bear attacked the foreman’s house.” Ryan answered.
Ira, his eyes wide, spun to look at Ryan. “The bear attacked the foreman’s house?”
“Yeah.” Matt said.
“At the same time, as in tandem? Like a team?” Ira asked shocked.
“Yes.” Trevor answered.
“You cannot be serious. Bears and mountain lions are natural enemies, they don’t hunt together.” Ira scoffed.
“These do, or did.” Zoe said.
Ira let out a snort. “You must be mistaken.”
“Nope.” Skunk answered as he walked in the house with Mo behind him. They both had boxes loaded with their belongings.
“The little house is trashed. The bear must have gone back after we left. All the furniture is broken and most of the windows. Apparently he didn’t like you shooting at him Shade.” Mo stated grimly.
Ira’s eyes were glued to the Bible on top of one of the boxes. He then looked around the room and saw the timeline Zoe had tacked to the wall. With a sneer he said. “You all are a bunch of those Christians aren’t you.”
Shade straightened to his full 7’. “Yes. Is that a problem?”
Ira narrowed his eyes, his distaste clear. “Are you loyal the Global Family or to your God?”
“What difference does our faith make? Being a Christian isn’t a crime.” Maddie stated.
“Not yet anyway.” Ryan muttered under his breath.
Ira glared at Maddie.
“Mr. Shore. Is there any particular reason you’re here?” Shade drew the mans attention back to him.
Ira looked up at Shade, his eyes widening a bit as he took in how big Shade actually was. “Um, yes. I...uh came out here to do a count. Of the cattle.” Ira stuttered.
“I took the last of the cattle that are ready to be sold to J&M two weeks ago.” Shade told the man. “We’ve lost quite a few to the bear and cat. I thought it best to just cut back so there are fewer for them to hunt.”
“So how many cattle are left?” Ira asked.
“Twenty head.”
“Well lets go have a look then.” Ira said skirting around Shade and heading out the door.
Shade gave Maddie a look. She nodded and Shade followed Ira out the door.
After the two men drove off Maddie gave the order. “Start packing. We’re moving to Patterson’s hideout.”
After a tense night the real clean up had gotten started. Matt and Shade had carried all the furniture outside at Maddie’s insistence. “The couch is probably full of glass so it has to go.” Maddie ordered from a kitchen chair. “And the leg on the coffee table needs to be fixed.” She continued to bark orders as Renee and Becca began sweeping up all the glass.
Zoe and Kristen had been relegated to light duty, as had Trevor.
Raul sat on another kitchen chair his chest swathed in bandages. Lying on the floor next to him was Grumpy one of his front legs in a cast. His sorrowful eyes followed people as they moved about the house doing various chores.
Leon sat quietly in the corner his hands still unbound. Kristen had insisted on it much to everyone’s chagrin.
Ryan and Nathan had dragged the cat out into the pasture to bury it’s body and had returned with their hands full of power tools.
Once Shade and Matt had cleared the room of furniture Nathan plugged in a power sander and got to work sanding the claw marks in the hardwood floor. The sander was so loud that no one heard the alarm to alert them that someone was coming up the road.
Maddie let out a scream when she heard someone banging on the door, and everyone froze.
Nathan quickly shut off the sander as Shade and Matt scooped up the rifles. Shade slowly approached the door and saw through the peep hole that it was a man banging on the door and not the bear attacking the house. He waved Matt away and dropped the rifle to his side as he opened the door.
“Can I help you?” Shade asked.
“Mr. Cooper? My name is Ira Shore. I’m with the Global Family Farmers and Ranchers Association. We met at the J&M Stockyard in Amarillo a few months back.”
“Oh, yes. What can I do for you Mr. Shore?”
“May I come in?”
Shade stepped back and nodded for the man to enter.
Ira looked around and saw the living room bare of furniture and Nathan holding the sander. He also noted that Shade and Matt were both holding rifles. “Is this a bad time?” He asked with a pointed look at the rifle Matt cradled in his arms.
“Just doing a little clean up. We had a mountain lion get in the house last night.” Shade explained quickly.
“A mountain lion? Is it still around?” Ira looked around nervously.
“No it’s dead.” Matt said. “Dad killed it.”
“So why the guns.” Ira asked.
“In case the bear shows up.” Nathan answered.
Ira’s head swung around to Nathan. “Bear?!”
“Yeah. The mountain lion and the bear were working together. While the cat attacked here the bear attacked the foreman’s house.” Ryan answered.
Ira, his eyes wide, spun to look at Ryan. “The bear attacked the foreman’s house?”
“Yeah.” Matt said.
“At the same time, as in tandem? Like a team?” Ira asked shocked.
“Yes.” Trevor answered.
“You cannot be serious. Bears and mountain lions are natural enemies, they don’t hunt together.” Ira scoffed.
“These do, or did.” Zoe said.
Ira let out a snort. “You must be mistaken.”
“Nope.” Skunk answered as he walked in the house with Mo behind him. They both had boxes loaded with their belongings.
“The little house is trashed. The bear must have gone back after we left. All the furniture is broken and most of the windows. Apparently he didn’t like you shooting at him Shade.” Mo stated grimly.
Ira’s eyes were glued to the Bible on top of one of the boxes. He then looked around the room and saw the timeline Zoe had tacked to the wall. With a sneer he said. “You all are a bunch of those Christians aren’t you.”
Shade straightened to his full 7’. “Yes. Is that a problem?”
Ira narrowed his eyes, his distaste clear. “Are you loyal the Global Family or to your God?”
“What difference does our faith make? Being a Christian isn’t a crime.” Maddie stated.
“Not yet anyway.” Ryan muttered under his breath.
Ira glared at Maddie.
“Mr. Shore. Is there any particular reason you’re here?” Shade drew the mans attention back to him.
Ira looked up at Shade, his eyes widening a bit as he took in how big Shade actually was. “Um, yes. I...uh came out here to do a count. Of the cattle.” Ira stuttered.
“I took the last of the cattle that are ready to be sold to J&M two weeks ago.” Shade told the man. “We’ve lost quite a few to the bear and cat. I thought it best to just cut back so there are fewer for them to hunt.”
“So how many cattle are left?” Ira asked.
“Twenty head.”
“Well lets go have a look then.” Ira said skirting around Shade and heading out the door.
Shade gave Maddie a look. She nodded and Shade followed Ira out the door.
After the two men drove off Maddie gave the order. “Start packing. We’re moving to Patterson’s hideout.”
- Zags
_________________________________________________________________
Christina had been pacing back and forth waiting for the men to arrive when she noticed something lurking in the woods behind her. She made her way back down the hill to the entrance to the cave just in case she needed to make a run for it. Alexis joined her near the garden and both women embraced trying to ease their pain from the loss of Steven. They could hear the van coming down the road and they raced to greet the men. Bud pulled the van underneath the barn and Christina ran toward her husband. Sam pulled himself slowly out and Christina hit him full force hugging and kissing his face. "Sam, I'm so glad you're home. Thank God you are alright. We all have missed you so much."
Sam eased her gently away from him and slowly walked to the rear of the van. He didn't mean to push Christina away, but he needed some time and space to adjust to all that had happened. Kerri pulled Steven's truck into the barn next to the van and joined Sam and Bud at the rear of the van. The three men gently pulled the box from the van and took it inside the cave. Sobs could be heard throughout the room as Sam cleared his throat and began to speak, "Bud reminded me that we should be celebrating our friend's entrance into the heavenly presence of our Lord and savior. It hurts to lose a good friend and fellow Christian, but we rejoice and give thanks for the time we had with him. I thought we would have a simple grave side service and bury his body near his grandparents. We shall miss him greatly, but will see him again one day. It has been a rough 24 hours for me and not meaning to be abrasive, I need some time to gather my thoughts and regain my strength. I hope you all will understand and give me a little time. Andrew has asked me to come to the base for a meeting and Mark is coming for me tomorrow morning. Alexis, please prepare a song for the service and Kerri, could you say a few words and maybe read some scripture?"
Christina looked shocked at her husband's words and leaned back studying his face for clues. He was the one who usually took charge and was the leader and now he was asking others to lead. She knew he had to be exhausted and emotionally he was truly spent. The sting of him pushing her away was still fresh, but she would do as he had asked and give him time. Tears stung her face as she gently placed her hand in his, "Whatever you need, Sam, I am here to help."
He lifted her face to meet his, "Christina, I'm sorry that I pushed you away, but at that moment my emotions were too strung out to give you the proper greeting. I need to get my act together. I love you very much and glad to see you, but right now I need a little space."
Everyone busied themselves preparing the service for Steven. Sam left and went outside to clear his head. Christina watched as he walked into the woods disappearing from sight. Alexis seeing her pain joined her at the door, "Sweetie, he's in shock. Sam will come out of this just fine."
"It's difficult to watch my tower of strength show vulnerability. He's exhausted, too which doesn't help the situation," Christina said through her tears.
They stood watching the woods and again Christina saw movement. She ran to Bud, "There's something lurking in the woods and Sam is out there. Maybe you and Kerri need to take a look."
Bud grabbed his shotgun and Kerri was right behind him as they took off in the direction Sam had gone. Christina and Linda held each other and began praying.
Sam eased her gently away from him and slowly walked to the rear of the van. He didn't mean to push Christina away, but he needed some time and space to adjust to all that had happened. Kerri pulled Steven's truck into the barn next to the van and joined Sam and Bud at the rear of the van. The three men gently pulled the box from the van and took it inside the cave. Sobs could be heard throughout the room as Sam cleared his throat and began to speak, "Bud reminded me that we should be celebrating our friend's entrance into the heavenly presence of our Lord and savior. It hurts to lose a good friend and fellow Christian, but we rejoice and give thanks for the time we had with him. I thought we would have a simple grave side service and bury his body near his grandparents. We shall miss him greatly, but will see him again one day. It has been a rough 24 hours for me and not meaning to be abrasive, I need some time to gather my thoughts and regain my strength. I hope you all will understand and give me a little time. Andrew has asked me to come to the base for a meeting and Mark is coming for me tomorrow morning. Alexis, please prepare a song for the service and Kerri, could you say a few words and maybe read some scripture?"
Christina looked shocked at her husband's words and leaned back studying his face for clues. He was the one who usually took charge and was the leader and now he was asking others to lead. She knew he had to be exhausted and emotionally he was truly spent. The sting of him pushing her away was still fresh, but she would do as he had asked and give him time. Tears stung her face as she gently placed her hand in his, "Whatever you need, Sam, I am here to help."
He lifted her face to meet his, "Christina, I'm sorry that I pushed you away, but at that moment my emotions were too strung out to give you the proper greeting. I need to get my act together. I love you very much and glad to see you, but right now I need a little space."
Everyone busied themselves preparing the service for Steven. Sam left and went outside to clear his head. Christina watched as he walked into the woods disappearing from sight. Alexis seeing her pain joined her at the door, "Sweetie, he's in shock. Sam will come out of this just fine."
"It's difficult to watch my tower of strength show vulnerability. He's exhausted, too which doesn't help the situation," Christina said through her tears.
They stood watching the woods and again Christina saw movement. She ran to Bud, "There's something lurking in the woods and Sam is out there. Maybe you and Kerri need to take a look."
Bud grabbed his shotgun and Kerri was right behind him as they took off in the direction Sam had gone. Christina and Linda held each other and began praying.
- P4H
_________________________________________________________________
The HMS Wales had been underway for the past two hours under the cover of darkness. Running at 1/3 speed or 3 knots, they inched along on course getting closer to the mouth of the Hudson River and the completion of their mission.
It had been decided that after the Navy Seals left the submarine, they wouldn’t return. They would discard their gear and equipment then blend in with the world.
Sensor Enlisted Delin had stepped up and took over for Ben as the new Spiritual Leader. Spending a few hours with the Seals, they knew and understood where the crew of the Wales stood and what it meant for them. Naval Seal Petty Officer Hopkins did pray and gave his life to Christ while the others said they would think hard about it.
“Sir one hour to drop off point” Josh told Joe.
“Very well… Sonar how is the traffic?”
“Sir, Cannel traffic is getting lighter as well as the shipping traffic”
Joe smiled, he knew late at night few ships entered or exited port. “Sonar, find us a target to sail with please”
“Aye sir,”
Joe wanted to find a large ship entering port on or close to the course they were headed. This way they could sail just below the surface with this ship to keep radar or military vessels from pinging and tracking them.
“Josh, I will be forward with the Seals”
“Copy sir”
Joe head forward to the Torpedo launch room. From there, the compartment could be flooded with the men inside, once flooded; they could open a hatch and swim out.
“You men ready” Joe asked as he entered
“Yes sir, we have the package and our plans are to be complete five minutes prior to sunrise.”
“Good, we will be watching. I want each one of you to know, how much this will mean to all the men and women who don’t believe nor follow the Global Family. It might not be a big thing to some but in the hearts and minds of many it will be everything. I pray that anyone with a camera and internet see this and it get spread around before it stops.”
“Sir we will delivery the package.”
“That is all we can ask of you. Keep in mind we will monitor your traffic and at anytime anyone of you feel you want to return to the Wales, we will be at the pick up point.”
“Thank you sir, but the United States is OUR home and we plan to do our part to ensure others have the freedom we once had.”
“Men you must remember that this is a spiritual war, unless you ask Jesus to be your Lord, you are siding with the enemy. I know you all mean well and are heroes to your country but that means nothing now. We will be praying for each one of you”
“Thank you sir”
“Sonar to Captain, piggyback found, I recommend coming left 3 degrees to new course 274.”
“Make it happen”
“Gentlemen God speed” Joe stated before turning around and leaving. Next he headed for the Weapons Control room to find Mark.
It had been decided that after the Navy Seals left the submarine, they wouldn’t return. They would discard their gear and equipment then blend in with the world.
Sensor Enlisted Delin had stepped up and took over for Ben as the new Spiritual Leader. Spending a few hours with the Seals, they knew and understood where the crew of the Wales stood and what it meant for them. Naval Seal Petty Officer Hopkins did pray and gave his life to Christ while the others said they would think hard about it.
“Sir one hour to drop off point” Josh told Joe.
“Very well… Sonar how is the traffic?”
“Sir, Cannel traffic is getting lighter as well as the shipping traffic”
Joe smiled, he knew late at night few ships entered or exited port. “Sonar, find us a target to sail with please”
“Aye sir,”
Joe wanted to find a large ship entering port on or close to the course they were headed. This way they could sail just below the surface with this ship to keep radar or military vessels from pinging and tracking them.
“Josh, I will be forward with the Seals”
“Copy sir”
Joe head forward to the Torpedo launch room. From there, the compartment could be flooded with the men inside, once flooded; they could open a hatch and swim out.
“You men ready” Joe asked as he entered
“Yes sir, we have the package and our plans are to be complete five minutes prior to sunrise.”
“Good, we will be watching. I want each one of you to know, how much this will mean to all the men and women who don’t believe nor follow the Global Family. It might not be a big thing to some but in the hearts and minds of many it will be everything. I pray that anyone with a camera and internet see this and it get spread around before it stops.”
“Sir we will delivery the package.”
“That is all we can ask of you. Keep in mind we will monitor your traffic and at anytime anyone of you feel you want to return to the Wales, we will be at the pick up point.”
“Thank you sir, but the United States is OUR home and we plan to do our part to ensure others have the freedom we once had.”
“Men you must remember that this is a spiritual war, unless you ask Jesus to be your Lord, you are siding with the enemy. I know you all mean well and are heroes to your country but that means nothing now. We will be praying for each one of you”
“Thank you sir”
“Sonar to Captain, piggyback found, I recommend coming left 3 degrees to new course 274.”
“Make it happen”
“Gentlemen God speed” Joe stated before turning around and leaving. Next he headed for the Weapons Control room to find Mark.
- Alex
_________________________________________________________________
The Shop
MD and Amy sat in front of the computer screen staring at the images of the captain being given a medal of honor by the Potentate himself. He had destroyed the Star Fleet and was given one of the highest honors by the Anti-Christ. The crowd was drunk with glee as they continued celebrating the destruction of the fleet and all souls on board. MD squeezed Amy's hand, "We had just gotten the email thanking us for the supplies then they were blown to bits. I understand these things are going to be happening more frequently, but it doesn't make it any easier."
Amy wiped the tears from her eyes, "The Lord knew their hearts and some of those brave souls are now at rest in heaven. When Sam radioed the news, my heart ached for them. We must be faithful and continue our mission to help those that need us. Shannon has given me quite a supply list from the group at the cave and together we will be able to provide for those at the compound and others that have asked for our help. We have been blessed, dear."
MD bowed his head, "Dear Father in Heaven, we come before you this day to thank You for all that You have provided. We pray the fleet was spared severe pain and that many had come to know and love You as we do. Father, we ask that You give comfort to Sam and his friends in the loss of one of their own. Protect and guide Sam in how he deals with the loss of the fleet and Steven. We give You all the glory. Amen."
Amy and MD walked hand-in-hand to the break room to inform the rest of the crew of the loss of the fleet. Everyone had worked hard to get the supplies ready and Austin had worked long hours to make the flotation devices for the crates so they needed to be told the fleet probably had very little time to enjoy the supplies.
MD and Amy sat in front of the computer screen staring at the images of the captain being given a medal of honor by the Potentate himself. He had destroyed the Star Fleet and was given one of the highest honors by the Anti-Christ. The crowd was drunk with glee as they continued celebrating the destruction of the fleet and all souls on board. MD squeezed Amy's hand, "We had just gotten the email thanking us for the supplies then they were blown to bits. I understand these things are going to be happening more frequently, but it doesn't make it any easier."
Amy wiped the tears from her eyes, "The Lord knew their hearts and some of those brave souls are now at rest in heaven. When Sam radioed the news, my heart ached for them. We must be faithful and continue our mission to help those that need us. Shannon has given me quite a supply list from the group at the cave and together we will be able to provide for those at the compound and others that have asked for our help. We have been blessed, dear."
MD bowed his head, "Dear Father in Heaven, we come before you this day to thank You for all that You have provided. We pray the fleet was spared severe pain and that many had come to know and love You as we do. Father, we ask that You give comfort to Sam and his friends in the loss of one of their own. Protect and guide Sam in how he deals with the loss of the fleet and Steven. We give You all the glory. Amen."
Amy and MD walked hand-in-hand to the break room to inform the rest of the crew of the loss of the fleet. Everyone had worked hard to get the supplies ready and Austin had worked long hours to make the flotation devices for the crates so they needed to be told the fleet probably had very little time to enjoy the supplies.
- P4H
__________________________________________________________________
Bud was running up the hill in the direction Sam had gone and Kerri was fast on his heels. They pushed the heavy brush aside as they ran until they came upon a clearing where they knew Sam usually went when he wanted time alone. Bud searched the area and couldn't find Sam anywhere. Kerri grabbed Bud's arm, "Do you hear that weird sound? It seems to be coming from a little further up the hill."
Bud continued up the hill until he came to another clearing and could see five shapes all dressed in black gathered around a huge boulder. Bud lowered himself closer to the ground trying to keep out of view of the robed intruders. He looked back at Kerri and whispered, "You aren't going to believe what is going on up here. I think they are a bunch of devil worshipers. I still don't see Sam anywhere. I'm going to go around the backside to see if I can get a better look and you stay here."
Kerri only nodded his answer and lowered himself flat to the ground so he could observe the people. He watched Bud crawl toward the other side of where the group was standing and as one of them moved to the side he could see flames from the fire that was encircling the boulder and on the boulder was a person. Kerri let out a gasp, "Who is it?.....Oh my goodness....it looks like SAM."
- P4H
_________________________________________________________________
Joe found Mark talking to the Weapons Department personnel. He allowed Mark to finish up his training before pulling Mark to the side and asking what his plans were.
“Well, as much as I like this ship and it’s new crew, I like the Seals would like to return home to see about salvaging what I can.”
“Fair enough, we can swing by British Isles on our way home. It is the less we can do”
“I was hoping on that, I am not much of a flyer”
“That makes two of us, I could give you a good reference but now days I think being a part of the military might not be a good thing to make known.”
“Thanks but I plan to go back to my family farm, find out what is left and wait out the ending there.”
Joe hesitated a second then smiled “You know what the ending is going to be. You have heard us all talk about it. So where do you stand?”
Mark knew this question was going a sometime, he had thought about long and wanted to give a good answer, “Well I understand where you all are coming from and can see where you all might feel that what has happened is the work of Gods and Devils and that we are just their little pawns in life. Deep down I would like to believe your right but I think man is just man and all this will pass. The world will continue to spin and in ten years after everything has calmed down it will get ugly again. Man will never learn from his mistakes, maybe one day we can all live in peace but until that time blame it on God, Satan or the Bogyman we will fight and love all over again.”
Joe had no answer to that, he was not Ben who could quote the bible, “Mark I wish for your sake you were right but you are wrong. We will pray for you that before you take your last breath you seek Jesus but if you don’t you will in the end, wish you had… that is all I have to say, the choice is yours now.”
“Thank you, now I have to get these guys familiar with the mine deployment process in case you need them.”
Joe walked out of the compartment and returned to the Conn, as he walked he prayed that the Lord would show Mark he was wrong.
“Well, as much as I like this ship and it’s new crew, I like the Seals would like to return home to see about salvaging what I can.”
“Fair enough, we can swing by British Isles on our way home. It is the less we can do”
“I was hoping on that, I am not much of a flyer”
“That makes two of us, I could give you a good reference but now days I think being a part of the military might not be a good thing to make known.”
“Thanks but I plan to go back to my family farm, find out what is left and wait out the ending there.”
Joe hesitated a second then smiled “You know what the ending is going to be. You have heard us all talk about it. So where do you stand?”
Mark knew this question was going a sometime, he had thought about long and wanted to give a good answer, “Well I understand where you all are coming from and can see where you all might feel that what has happened is the work of Gods and Devils and that we are just their little pawns in life. Deep down I would like to believe your right but I think man is just man and all this will pass. The world will continue to spin and in ten years after everything has calmed down it will get ugly again. Man will never learn from his mistakes, maybe one day we can all live in peace but until that time blame it on God, Satan or the Bogyman we will fight and love all over again.”
Joe had no answer to that, he was not Ben who could quote the bible, “Mark I wish for your sake you were right but you are wrong. We will pray for you that before you take your last breath you seek Jesus but if you don’t you will in the end, wish you had… that is all I have to say, the choice is yours now.”
“Thank you, now I have to get these guys familiar with the mine deployment process in case you need them.”
Joe walked out of the compartment and returned to the Conn, as he walked he prayed that the Lord would show Mark he was wrong.
- Alex
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