Which Path Lord... Cont.
As Tom cleaned the rabbit, Dean felt guilty for being there; he didn’t want to take any food away from this man. Dean lowered his head and asked the Lord to give me a reason to leave before Tom ate.
“Son, look in that box there and grab a big handful of them potatoes, we are fixing to have us a feast.”
“Tom, you keep calling me son and I will return calling you Sir” Dean stated as he opened a wooden box.
“Hmm, agree Dean. I have a large pot out back I keep over the fire, lets dump the meat and Tatars in it then we can set and talk a spell.”
Dean noticed Tom had cut the rabbit up into small pieces and dropped them into the water. Both men grabbed a potato, pealed it, sliced it and continued until all were in the pot. Tom then walked around the yard grabbing wild onions and garlic from the ground and after pealing placed them in the black pot as well.
“OK the stew is brewing let’s grab a jug of water and set down.” Tom announced while wiping his hands.
Tom told about the night and days after the vanishing, Dean told of the battle of the south pole area and the flag and stance at the Statue of Liberty.
“Wow, I never figured the U.S of A. would have caved in like that, I guess going through the pain of my wife gone I closed the world out.”
“I think a lot of people did, plus the bible tells us that Satan is behind all this and he is the great deceiver. Anyone who was not taken to Heaven runs the chance of felling for his lies.” Dean said wanting to the subject back to Tom and finding the Lord.
“Baa, I can tell if a man is lying to me, I have read men’s faces for years, ol man devil comes around here and I’ll give him a blast from the past” Tom commented while tapping a metal box he was setting on.
“Tom, Satan is no man. The Lord Jesus is the only one who can control him”
“Control him… Hell son I don’t look to control him, I want to send his body packing back to where he came from” Again tapping on the box.
A half hour later, both men could smell the stew. Dean announced he had best be going but Tom was having no hear of that, Dean was going to eat before he left. After refusing a few times and making excuses, Dean gave in.
Dishing the stew up both men had a large bowl full and Tom had place some down for Timmy the dog.
Nothing was said and both men went back to the pot three times to get their fill. Finally after the buttons on their pants were stretched, they placed the bowls down.
“Man that was good” Dean announced
“Yes it was, the best I ever tasted” Tom replied leaning back. You might want to take a little nap before heading off, hate for you to waste good food.”
“Thank you, I just might do that” Tom smiled as he too leaned back and closed his eyes.
Timmy as well had a full gut and was to full to move when he thought he saw a shadow. The warm sun and light breeze sent all three into a deep, deep sleep.
As Tom cleaned the rabbit, Dean felt guilty for being there; he didn’t want to take any food away from this man. Dean lowered his head and asked the Lord to give me a reason to leave before Tom ate.
“Son, look in that box there and grab a big handful of them potatoes, we are fixing to have us a feast.”
“Tom, you keep calling me son and I will return calling you Sir” Dean stated as he opened a wooden box.
“Hmm, agree Dean. I have a large pot out back I keep over the fire, lets dump the meat and Tatars in it then we can set and talk a spell.”
Dean noticed Tom had cut the rabbit up into small pieces and dropped them into the water. Both men grabbed a potato, pealed it, sliced it and continued until all were in the pot. Tom then walked around the yard grabbing wild onions and garlic from the ground and after pealing placed them in the black pot as well.
“OK the stew is brewing let’s grab a jug of water and set down.” Tom announced while wiping his hands.
Tom told about the night and days after the vanishing, Dean told of the battle of the south pole area and the flag and stance at the Statue of Liberty.
“Wow, I never figured the U.S of A. would have caved in like that, I guess going through the pain of my wife gone I closed the world out.”
“I think a lot of people did, plus the bible tells us that Satan is behind all this and he is the great deceiver. Anyone who was not taken to Heaven runs the chance of felling for his lies.” Dean said wanting to the subject back to Tom and finding the Lord.
“Baa, I can tell if a man is lying to me, I have read men’s faces for years, ol man devil comes around here and I’ll give him a blast from the past” Tom commented while tapping a metal box he was setting on.
“Tom, Satan is no man. The Lord Jesus is the only one who can control him”
“Control him… Hell son I don’t look to control him, I want to send his body packing back to where he came from” Again tapping on the box.
A half hour later, both men could smell the stew. Dean announced he had best be going but Tom was having no hear of that, Dean was going to eat before he left. After refusing a few times and making excuses, Dean gave in.
Dishing the stew up both men had a large bowl full and Tom had place some down for Timmy the dog.
Nothing was said and both men went back to the pot three times to get their fill. Finally after the buttons on their pants were stretched, they placed the bowls down.
“Man that was good” Dean announced
“Yes it was, the best I ever tasted” Tom replied leaning back. You might want to take a little nap before heading off, hate for you to waste good food.”
“Thank you, I just might do that” Tom smiled as he too leaned back and closed his eyes.
Timmy as well had a full gut and was to full to move when he thought he saw a shadow. The warm sun and light breeze sent all three into a deep, deep sleep.
- Alex
_________________________________________________________
Mosul, Iraq
Abdul walked into his tiny bedroom and knelt beside his cot. Carefully, he lifted a corner of his thin mattress off the hard floor and felt beneath it for his Aramaic Bible. It was a new day in a new month. The big city, Mosul, had only partly been repaired in some places from the hailstorm. However many places still lay in various states of disrepair. Abdul had not heard any reports on Aini’s condition, but he had been told by a neighbor that the tough street kid’s chest injuries were healing rapidly.
He smiled as he thought of her courage in facing the pack of feral dogs and her plucky fight for life itself. “She’s brave and there’s no doubt about it.” Abdul mused. “First her mother died, then her sister disappeared, and now she, herself, gets injured.” He hugged his precious Bible a littler closer to his chest. “Soon, sigh she can come home – home?!” he started realizing there could be no permanent earthly home for Aini to go to. All he had to offer her was the garret in which he lived. But how long would it be before even that home was destroyed? Furthermore, Aini had no hope of an eternal home in Heaven. Abdul clutched the black bound book closer to his thumping heart. “Lord, he breathed “ I never told Aini about You. I’ve been too scared of what she’ll think….scared of what the police will do to me…” His thoughts trailed away and he opened the Bible on the floor before him and began to read.
Jonah Chapter Two:
1Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,
2And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.
3For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.
4Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.
5The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
6I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
7When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
8They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
9But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
10And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land
Abdul walked into his tiny bedroom and knelt beside his cot. Carefully, he lifted a corner of his thin mattress off the hard floor and felt beneath it for his Aramaic Bible. It was a new day in a new month. The big city, Mosul, had only partly been repaired in some places from the hailstorm. However many places still lay in various states of disrepair. Abdul had not heard any reports on Aini’s condition, but he had been told by a neighbor that the tough street kid’s chest injuries were healing rapidly.
He smiled as he thought of her courage in facing the pack of feral dogs and her plucky fight for life itself. “She’s brave and there’s no doubt about it.” Abdul mused. “First her mother died, then her sister disappeared, and now she, herself, gets injured.” He hugged his precious Bible a littler closer to his chest. “Soon, sigh she can come home – home?!” he started realizing there could be no permanent earthly home for Aini to go to. All he had to offer her was the garret in which he lived. But how long would it be before even that home was destroyed? Furthermore, Aini had no hope of an eternal home in Heaven. Abdul clutched the black bound book closer to his thumping heart. “Lord, he breathed “ I never told Aini about You. I’ve been too scared of what she’ll think….scared of what the police will do to me…” His thoughts trailed away and he opened the Bible on the floor before him and began to read.
Jonah Chapter Two:
1Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,
2And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.
3For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.
4Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.
5The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
6I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
7When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
8They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
9But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
10And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land
- KBR
________________________________________________________
Which Path Lord. Cont....
The sun was within 30 minutes from setting when the two men woke up, both feeling completely rested.
“Man I haven’t slept like that in years”, Dean stated with a yawn
“Been awhile for me as well” Tom add
Tom stood up, looked at the pot of stew and was amazed what he saw. “Man I thought I was scrapping the bottom a few hours ago on my last bowl. Did you add any more water after I fell asleep?”
“No not me” Dean replied looking at the pot.
The stew had cooled down but the amazing thing was the pot was full again. Tom took his ladle and stirred what he thought was just water but to both men amassment, big chunks of meat, potatoes and onions moved around.
“You are lying to me, you took off and killed another rabbit didn’t you?” Tom asked
“No sir, I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. It smells good, maybe a small bowl before I take off if you don’t mind”
“I’ll warm it up first and we… wait a minute… look here someone is playing a joke on us, or me.” Tom said raising his voice. “This isn’t rabbit, it’s quail! I count 5, 6 no 8 of them. Look son I appreciate the meat but don’t lie to me”
“Sir, if I caught 8 quail then I did it in my sleep, because I was asleep the whole time. Really!”
“Well whoever did this I thank them”
Dean closed his eyes, “Lord don’t know if you had a hand in this but I thank you for providing”
After another bowl of now quail stew and some more small talk, Dean was ready to leave. Tom invited him to stay the night but Dean said he liked walking at night; it gave him a closer feeling with the Lord. Both men shook hands and soon Dean was walking again down the path we allowed the Lord to choose for him.
After Dean had left, Tom tried to place the stew in a bowl for later but as he was about to pour, he missed his mark and the whole pot landed on the ground. Timmy let letting the spilled stew go to waste, took his fill before lying back down. The next morning while checking traps, Tom found each trap had a rabbit.
The sun was within 30 minutes from setting when the two men woke up, both feeling completely rested.
“Man I haven’t slept like that in years”, Dean stated with a yawn
“Been awhile for me as well” Tom add
Tom stood up, looked at the pot of stew and was amazed what he saw. “Man I thought I was scrapping the bottom a few hours ago on my last bowl. Did you add any more water after I fell asleep?”
“No not me” Dean replied looking at the pot.
The stew had cooled down but the amazing thing was the pot was full again. Tom took his ladle and stirred what he thought was just water but to both men amassment, big chunks of meat, potatoes and onions moved around.
“You are lying to me, you took off and killed another rabbit didn’t you?” Tom asked
“No sir, I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. It smells good, maybe a small bowl before I take off if you don’t mind”
“I’ll warm it up first and we… wait a minute… look here someone is playing a joke on us, or me.” Tom said raising his voice. “This isn’t rabbit, it’s quail! I count 5, 6 no 8 of them. Look son I appreciate the meat but don’t lie to me”
“Sir, if I caught 8 quail then I did it in my sleep, because I was asleep the whole time. Really!”
“Well whoever did this I thank them”
Dean closed his eyes, “Lord don’t know if you had a hand in this but I thank you for providing”
After another bowl of now quail stew and some more small talk, Dean was ready to leave. Tom invited him to stay the night but Dean said he liked walking at night; it gave him a closer feeling with the Lord. Both men shook hands and soon Dean was walking again down the path we allowed the Lord to choose for him.
After Dean had left, Tom tried to place the stew in a bowl for later but as he was about to pour, he missed his mark and the whole pot landed on the ground. Timmy let letting the spilled stew go to waste, took his fill before lying back down. The next morning while checking traps, Tom found each trap had a rabbit.
- Alex
_________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Shade didn’t look at Maddie as they were led to Frank’s office. Outwardly he appeared calm, but inside he felt dread. He gave Maddie’s hand a gentle squeeze to reassure her, but silently berated himself for putting her in this position.
Seeing the extra guards at the entrance Shade had thought about turning around and making a run for it, but Maddie had said that would only make them look guilty of something. So Shade had pulled up to the gate and asked if anyone knew what was happening.
Within moments he and Maddie were told to exit the car and upon seeing Shade several of the new guards dropped back a step. He had almost laughed aloud but had managed to keep silent.
It had taken ten minutes for Travis to find Frank and tell him that there were visitors at the gate. Thankfully none of the guards who knew who Shade and Maddie had acknowledged having ever met them before. Shade knew that Frank’s men were doing everything they could to keep both him and Maddie safe, and by acting as if they had never seen either of them, they were putting their own lives at risk.
Shade took a steadying breath as they entered Frank’s office. Immediately he saw the General sitting behind the desk, Frank standing to the side.
“Please have a seat.” The General indicated two chairs.
After settling Maddie in a chair, Shade took the other. “Thank you Sir. I appreciate you taking time to talk to us. My name is Stan Cooper and this is my wife Madeline.”
The General gave Shade a brief nod. “I understand you were asking some questions at the main gate. Perhaps I will be able to give you some answers.”
“We’d sure appreciate it.” Shade said nodding his head eagerly. “Our son left a few weeks ago to go up to Colorado Springs to see if he could be of help and we saw on the news that a bomb or something had hit the city. My wife and I are desperate to find out any news. With television and internet being down we were hoping we might get some information here.”
“Of help to whom?” The General asked shrewdly.
Maddie narrowed her eyes. “Why, the Global Family of course.” Maddie lied indignantly. “And now someone, probably those extremist groups we have been warned about, have gone off the deep end trying to kill innocent people like my son.” Maddie’s eyes filled with tears.
Shade reached over and caught her hand in his. “Please forgive my wife’s outburst, but we are desperate for news about our boy.” Shade quelled the urge to shout. “Please, do you have any information about what really happened in Colorado Springs? Do you know where was hit?”
“I’ve been unable to make contact with anyone who may have any information.” The General said. “But please feel free to make yourselves comfortable here and I will do everything in my considerable power to find out any information for you that I can.”
Shade stiffened imperceptibly. “How long could that take?”
“A few days, a week at most. In the mean time we have accommodations here that I’m sure you will find more than satisfactory.” He glanced at Maddie. “You see we have to be very careful now. You never know who the enemy is and who is a friend. I’m sure you understand.”
Shade didn’t look at Maddie as they were led to Frank’s office. Outwardly he appeared calm, but inside he felt dread. He gave Maddie’s hand a gentle squeeze to reassure her, but silently berated himself for putting her in this position.
Seeing the extra guards at the entrance Shade had thought about turning around and making a run for it, but Maddie had said that would only make them look guilty of something. So Shade had pulled up to the gate and asked if anyone knew what was happening.
Within moments he and Maddie were told to exit the car and upon seeing Shade several of the new guards dropped back a step. He had almost laughed aloud but had managed to keep silent.
It had taken ten minutes for Travis to find Frank and tell him that there were visitors at the gate. Thankfully none of the guards who knew who Shade and Maddie had acknowledged having ever met them before. Shade knew that Frank’s men were doing everything they could to keep both him and Maddie safe, and by acting as if they had never seen either of them, they were putting their own lives at risk.
Shade took a steadying breath as they entered Frank’s office. Immediately he saw the General sitting behind the desk, Frank standing to the side.
“Please have a seat.” The General indicated two chairs.
After settling Maddie in a chair, Shade took the other. “Thank you Sir. I appreciate you taking time to talk to us. My name is Stan Cooper and this is my wife Madeline.”
The General gave Shade a brief nod. “I understand you were asking some questions at the main gate. Perhaps I will be able to give you some answers.”
“We’d sure appreciate it.” Shade said nodding his head eagerly. “Our son left a few weeks ago to go up to Colorado Springs to see if he could be of help and we saw on the news that a bomb or something had hit the city. My wife and I are desperate to find out any news. With television and internet being down we were hoping we might get some information here.”
“Of help to whom?” The General asked shrewdly.
Maddie narrowed her eyes. “Why, the Global Family of course.” Maddie lied indignantly. “And now someone, probably those extremist groups we have been warned about, have gone off the deep end trying to kill innocent people like my son.” Maddie’s eyes filled with tears.
Shade reached over and caught her hand in his. “Please forgive my wife’s outburst, but we are desperate for news about our boy.” Shade quelled the urge to shout. “Please, do you have any information about what really happened in Colorado Springs? Do you know where was hit?”
“I’ve been unable to make contact with anyone who may have any information.” The General said. “But please feel free to make yourselves comfortable here and I will do everything in my considerable power to find out any information for you that I can.”
Shade stiffened imperceptibly. “How long could that take?”
“A few days, a week at most. In the mean time we have accommodations here that I’m sure you will find more than satisfactory.” He glanced at Maddie. “You see we have to be very careful now. You never know who the enemy is and who is a friend. I’m sure you understand.”
- Zags
________________________________________________________
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Becca opened her eyes, full awareness upon her at waking. She had always been that way. As soon as she woke up she knew where she was, and was wide awake ready to face the day.
None of her siblings had been that way nor had her mother. She had never understood how a person could take ten minutes to an hour to “wake” up.
Becca sat up looking at her watch. “3:30am.” She muttered. She figured she had gotten around five hours of sleep. She was a bit surprised that she had managed to fall asleep so quickly, but she had.
She sat for a moment listening for sounds outside the truck. Cocking her head, she was surprised to hear silence. “Humph.” She grunted. She slowly made her way to the front of the cab and looked out the windows. She didn’t see anyone moving around and decided the initial rush of adrenaline everyone had experienced after the bombing had waned, hopefully leaving any would be attackers incapacitated with exhaustion.
Slipping back into the sleeper she turned on a small flashlight and began rummaging around for things she would need to get home. She found three bottles of water, two large cans of beef jerky, a bag of miniature candy bars, several small bags of potato chips and a jar of jellybeans. She searched around for something to put her newly found treasures in and found a backpack.
Quickly stuffing the food and water into the bag she grabbed a book of matches and a lighter. She rolled up the comforter, using two bungee cords she had found to keep it rolled and secured to the backpack. Crawling to the front of the truck she began looking for a map. She knew where she was going, but had decided to go on foot. She wanted to steer clear of roads to avoid detection. She planned to go cross country thinking she could be back in Black Mesa within a week or two at most.
Not finding a map in the sun visor she reached past the body of the driver and opened the glove box. She barely contained her excitement at seeing the two hand guns. She pulled them both out and quickly checked to see if they were loaded. Both guns had full magazines. “Thank You Lord.” She said aloud.
Eager to get moving before everyone began to wake she reached back into the glove box and pulled out two extra magazines. Smiling at her good fortune she also found a small pair of binoculars and a map of Colorado. She saw as she turned to place the extra magazines of ammunition in the backpack that the driver had a knife secured to his belt. She quickly and without thinking about it too hard removed the drivers belt and secured it around her waist. She tucked one of the guns into the belt and put the other in the pack.
“What else could I use?” She sat thinking for a moment. “I have some water, food, a blanket, knife, two guns with extra ammo. A lighter for a fire, a flashlight and a compass…What else do I need?”
She rummaged around and found a sweatshirt and a light jacket and stuffed them in the pack. Lifting it she gave a small nod. “Not too heavy, but after a few hours it could get to be a bit much.” She chewed her lip wondering if she should leave anything behind. Shaking her head deciding she needed everything she had packed, she slowly made her way to the front of the truck and crawled out.
Dropping to the ground she slipped on the backpack and grabbed the gun out of the belt. Checking her watch she saw it was a few minutes after 4:00am. She carefully looked around to see if anyone was moving around. Not seeing or hearing any movement she took off, her eyes watching for any sign of someone out and about.
Her days of cross country track were going to come in handy she thought to herself. She hadn’t run for a couple of years, not since graduating from high school, so she planned to run for an hour and then walk for half an hour once she got out of the city.
Two hours later she was on the outskirts of the city. She sat down to eat a piece of beef jerky and a candy bar. After taking a few drinks of water she stood up and began to run praying the Lord would guide her home and keep her from harm.
Becca opened her eyes, full awareness upon her at waking. She had always been that way. As soon as she woke up she knew where she was, and was wide awake ready to face the day.
None of her siblings had been that way nor had her mother. She had never understood how a person could take ten minutes to an hour to “wake” up.
Becca sat up looking at her watch. “3:30am.” She muttered. She figured she had gotten around five hours of sleep. She was a bit surprised that she had managed to fall asleep so quickly, but she had.
She sat for a moment listening for sounds outside the truck. Cocking her head, she was surprised to hear silence. “Humph.” She grunted. She slowly made her way to the front of the cab and looked out the windows. She didn’t see anyone moving around and decided the initial rush of adrenaline everyone had experienced after the bombing had waned, hopefully leaving any would be attackers incapacitated with exhaustion.
Slipping back into the sleeper she turned on a small flashlight and began rummaging around for things she would need to get home. She found three bottles of water, two large cans of beef jerky, a bag of miniature candy bars, several small bags of potato chips and a jar of jellybeans. She searched around for something to put her newly found treasures in and found a backpack.
Quickly stuffing the food and water into the bag she grabbed a book of matches and a lighter. She rolled up the comforter, using two bungee cords she had found to keep it rolled and secured to the backpack. Crawling to the front of the truck she began looking for a map. She knew where she was going, but had decided to go on foot. She wanted to steer clear of roads to avoid detection. She planned to go cross country thinking she could be back in Black Mesa within a week or two at most.
Not finding a map in the sun visor she reached past the body of the driver and opened the glove box. She barely contained her excitement at seeing the two hand guns. She pulled them both out and quickly checked to see if they were loaded. Both guns had full magazines. “Thank You Lord.” She said aloud.
Eager to get moving before everyone began to wake she reached back into the glove box and pulled out two extra magazines. Smiling at her good fortune she also found a small pair of binoculars and a map of Colorado. She saw as she turned to place the extra magazines of ammunition in the backpack that the driver had a knife secured to his belt. She quickly and without thinking about it too hard removed the drivers belt and secured it around her waist. She tucked one of the guns into the belt and put the other in the pack.
“What else could I use?” She sat thinking for a moment. “I have some water, food, a blanket, knife, two guns with extra ammo. A lighter for a fire, a flashlight and a compass…What else do I need?”
She rummaged around and found a sweatshirt and a light jacket and stuffed them in the pack. Lifting it she gave a small nod. “Not too heavy, but after a few hours it could get to be a bit much.” She chewed her lip wondering if she should leave anything behind. Shaking her head deciding she needed everything she had packed, she slowly made her way to the front of the truck and crawled out.
Dropping to the ground she slipped on the backpack and grabbed the gun out of the belt. Checking her watch she saw it was a few minutes after 4:00am. She carefully looked around to see if anyone was moving around. Not seeing or hearing any movement she took off, her eyes watching for any sign of someone out and about.
Her days of cross country track were going to come in handy she thought to herself. She hadn’t run for a couple of years, not since graduating from high school, so she planned to run for an hour and then walk for half an hour once she got out of the city.
Two hours later she was on the outskirts of the city. She sat down to eat a piece of beef jerky and a candy bar. After taking a few drinks of water she stood up and began to run praying the Lord would guide her home and keep her from harm.
- Zags
__________________________________________________________
Black Mesa, Oklahoma
Kristen paced around the great room of the cave. “What time is it?” She asked.
Renee let out a yawn and looked at her watch. “5:30am” She reached for the coffee pot.
Nathan sat at the table his eyes following Kristen’s pacing. “They’ll be back in a few hours. Would you please stop pacing around? You’re making me dizzy.”
Kristen walked over to the table and dropped into a chair.
Renee set a cup of coffee in front of Nathan and sat down next to him. “I’m sure as soon as they talk to Frank they’ll head back.” She reassured the younger girl.
Kristen began tapping her fingers on the table. “I don’t know.” She mused aloud. “I just have a bad feeling. Maybe it’s just nerves.”
“Of course you’re nervous.” Renee said reaching out and covering Kristen’s hand with hers. “Since Shade found you, neither one of them have been out of reach before. Even when you went on the road to tell your testimony they were just a phone call away.”
Nathan nodded as he took a sip of coffee. “We’ve all become pretty dependant on both Shade and Maddie. Since the rapture, they have always been here, always accessible. It feels weird knowing we can’t get hold of them.”
Kristen nodded. “I want them here where I know they’re safe.”
“Now we know how they feel when we go out on the road.” Renee said softly. “It’s a wonder Maddie doesn't tie us up and refuse to let us go.”
Nathan couldn’t help grinning. He looked at Kristen and saw her fighting a smile. “Or duct tape us to the furniture” He laughed.
Kristen burst out laughing. “Maddie’s more the super glue type.”
“We’d better hide all the rope, duct tape and super glue so she doesn’t use it.” Renee said between giggles.
After a few minutes everyone sobered, and Kristen resumed tapping her fingers on the tabletop.
“Don’t drive yourself crazy worrying.” Nathan told Kristen. “They’ll be back later today, tomorrow night at the latest.”
Kristen paced around the great room of the cave. “What time is it?” She asked.
Renee let out a yawn and looked at her watch. “5:30am” She reached for the coffee pot.
Nathan sat at the table his eyes following Kristen’s pacing. “They’ll be back in a few hours. Would you please stop pacing around? You’re making me dizzy.”
Kristen walked over to the table and dropped into a chair.
Renee set a cup of coffee in front of Nathan and sat down next to him. “I’m sure as soon as they talk to Frank they’ll head back.” She reassured the younger girl.
Kristen began tapping her fingers on the table. “I don’t know.” She mused aloud. “I just have a bad feeling. Maybe it’s just nerves.”
“Of course you’re nervous.” Renee said reaching out and covering Kristen’s hand with hers. “Since Shade found you, neither one of them have been out of reach before. Even when you went on the road to tell your testimony they were just a phone call away.”
Nathan nodded as he took a sip of coffee. “We’ve all become pretty dependant on both Shade and Maddie. Since the rapture, they have always been here, always accessible. It feels weird knowing we can’t get hold of them.”
Kristen nodded. “I want them here where I know they’re safe.”
“Now we know how they feel when we go out on the road.” Renee said softly. “It’s a wonder Maddie doesn't tie us up and refuse to let us go.”
Nathan couldn’t help grinning. He looked at Kristen and saw her fighting a smile. “Or duct tape us to the furniture” He laughed.
Kristen burst out laughing. “Maddie’s more the super glue type.”
“We’d better hide all the rope, duct tape and super glue so she doesn’t use it.” Renee said between giggles.
After a few minutes everyone sobered, and Kristen resumed tapping her fingers on the tabletop.
“Don’t drive yourself crazy worrying.” Nathan told Kristen. “They’ll be back later today, tomorrow night at the latest.”
- Zags
________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Matt tried to stretch his legs out and bumped the seat in front of him, again. Again the woman sitting in front of him turned around and glared at him.
“Sorry.”
“Humph.” The woman grunted at him.
“Be still!” Trevor hissed.
The van slowed as it entered town and Matt glanced at Trevor. “Do you think they'll take us to Franks?” He whispered as quietly as he could.
“I hope so.” Trevor whispered back.
After a few minutes the van made a turn. Matt tried to quell his excitement and he glanced at Trevor. He could see Trevor staring straight ahead, no expression on his face. Matt glanced next to him to see Mikhail sitting staring forward his eyes as cold as ever.
“Should we tell Mikhail?” Matt whispered.
Before Trevor could answer the van stopped at the gate and after a few minutes was allowed through.
The GF officer driving got out of the van and spent a few minutes talking to some of Frank’s men as well as some men Matt didn’t recognize.
“Look. Those are new guards.”
Trevor nodded imperceptibly.
One of the guards opened the side door to the van and Matt recognized Travis. Travis’ eyes roamed over the prisoners and kidded to a halt when he spotted Matt and Trevor. He quickly looked away and turned to another guard.
“Let’s get them off the van and categorized.” Travis said.
“Okay! Everyone out of the van! Now! Move it!” The guard lifted his rifle in his arms and half pointed at them. “Move it!!”
Matt scooted over and stepped out of the van. He felt Trevor bump into him from behind and stepped to the side. As Mikhail stepped out he simply stood there his eyes cold as he stared at the guard with the rifle.
“You got a problem?” The guard sneered lifting his rifle.
Mikhail just continued to stare his eyes frozen.
Matt saw the guard tremble. Travis stepped forward. “If you could step to the side please?”
Mikhail looked at Travis for a long moment and then stepped next to Trevor.
“Dude has eyes like a shark.” The other guard muttered.
“Yeah. Cold. Lifeless.” Another guard piped up. “Predators eyes.” He gave an involuntary shiver.
“Gentlemen, Ladies. Welcome to Boise City, Oklahoma.” Travis said his eyes going back to Matt. “If you could give us some information about yourselves we’ll get you settled in your bunks as quickly as possible.” He nodded to one of the other guards.
The guard reached Mikhail. “Name?”
Mikhail stood silently.
“Name!?” The guard asked impatiently.
Matt and Trevor both looked at Mikhail, silently imploring him to cooperate.
Sensing Matt and Trevor’s anxiety, Mikhail relented. “Mikhail Mekhdiev.”
“Nationality?”
“Russian.”
“How did you come to be in the North American Union?”
“Business.”
“What kind of business?”
Mikhail gave a cold smile. “Security.”
“Security for what company?”
Mikhail gave a soft humorless laugh. “No company.”
The guard frowned. “No company? What does that mean?”
Mikhail’s eyes went even colder.
Travis stepped forward. “Let it go. You have all the information required. You don’t need the man’s life story.”
The guard glared at Mikhail for a moment and what he saw in Mikhail’s eyes made dread curl in his stomach. Quickly he turned to Trevor.
“Name?”
“Trevor MacLeod”
“Nationality?”
“American.”
With a grunt the guard moved to Matt.
“Name.”
“Matt Cooper.”
The guard was writing his name down when he paused. He turned to Travis. “Hey, isn’t that couple that’s being detained named Cooper?”
Matt stiffened his eyes going to Travis.
“Yes. Stan and Madeline Cooper.” Travis said trying not to look at Matt.
Matt felt as if he had been punched in the gut. What were his parents doing here, and why were they being detained?
Matt tried to stretch his legs out and bumped the seat in front of him, again. Again the woman sitting in front of him turned around and glared at him.
“Sorry.”
“Humph.” The woman grunted at him.
“Be still!” Trevor hissed.
The van slowed as it entered town and Matt glanced at Trevor. “Do you think they'll take us to Franks?” He whispered as quietly as he could.
“I hope so.” Trevor whispered back.
After a few minutes the van made a turn. Matt tried to quell his excitement and he glanced at Trevor. He could see Trevor staring straight ahead, no expression on his face. Matt glanced next to him to see Mikhail sitting staring forward his eyes as cold as ever.
“Should we tell Mikhail?” Matt whispered.
Before Trevor could answer the van stopped at the gate and after a few minutes was allowed through.
The GF officer driving got out of the van and spent a few minutes talking to some of Frank’s men as well as some men Matt didn’t recognize.
“Look. Those are new guards.”
Trevor nodded imperceptibly.
One of the guards opened the side door to the van and Matt recognized Travis. Travis’ eyes roamed over the prisoners and kidded to a halt when he spotted Matt and Trevor. He quickly looked away and turned to another guard.
“Let’s get them off the van and categorized.” Travis said.
“Okay! Everyone out of the van! Now! Move it!” The guard lifted his rifle in his arms and half pointed at them. “Move it!!”
Matt scooted over and stepped out of the van. He felt Trevor bump into him from behind and stepped to the side. As Mikhail stepped out he simply stood there his eyes cold as he stared at the guard with the rifle.
“You got a problem?” The guard sneered lifting his rifle.
Mikhail just continued to stare his eyes frozen.
Matt saw the guard tremble. Travis stepped forward. “If you could step to the side please?”
Mikhail looked at Travis for a long moment and then stepped next to Trevor.
“Dude has eyes like a shark.” The other guard muttered.
“Yeah. Cold. Lifeless.” Another guard piped up. “Predators eyes.” He gave an involuntary shiver.
“Gentlemen, Ladies. Welcome to Boise City, Oklahoma.” Travis said his eyes going back to Matt. “If you could give us some information about yourselves we’ll get you settled in your bunks as quickly as possible.” He nodded to one of the other guards.
The guard reached Mikhail. “Name?”
Mikhail stood silently.
“Name!?” The guard asked impatiently.
Matt and Trevor both looked at Mikhail, silently imploring him to cooperate.
Sensing Matt and Trevor’s anxiety, Mikhail relented. “Mikhail Mekhdiev.”
“Nationality?”
“Russian.”
“How did you come to be in the North American Union?”
“Business.”
“What kind of business?”
Mikhail gave a cold smile. “Security.”
“Security for what company?”
Mikhail gave a soft humorless laugh. “No company.”
The guard frowned. “No company? What does that mean?”
Mikhail’s eyes went even colder.
Travis stepped forward. “Let it go. You have all the information required. You don’t need the man’s life story.”
The guard glared at Mikhail for a moment and what he saw in Mikhail’s eyes made dread curl in his stomach. Quickly he turned to Trevor.
“Name?”
“Trevor MacLeod”
“Nationality?”
“American.”
With a grunt the guard moved to Matt.
“Name.”
“Matt Cooper.”
The guard was writing his name down when he paused. He turned to Travis. “Hey, isn’t that couple that’s being detained named Cooper?”
Matt stiffened his eyes going to Travis.
“Yes. Stan and Madeline Cooper.” Travis said trying not to look at Matt.
Matt felt as if he had been punched in the gut. What were his parents doing here, and why were they being detained?
- Zags
_________________________________________________________
Julie could feel herself being lifted up in some very strong arms. She opened her eyes as He smiled down on her. The happiness that envelped her seemed to wipe all memories of how she got here. He kissed her softly on her head as she felt His love penetrate her.
He sat her gently on her feet and took her hand in His. The love she felt was beyond anything she could remember even though she knew she had loved someone or something. It was there, just on the edge of a memory. But she felt no sadness. Only the power of His love as they walked.
The Rabbi was almost at the entrance to the wall. He could hear Joys screams as she cried hysterically. He had awoke a few minutes after Julie had slipped out and had felt that something was not right. He had sensed for the last few days that Emily was getting restless and he knew where she would go and so he had slipped out not waking anyone as he left.
- Renee
_________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Frank watched the General as he sat behind the desk. He looked over at Matt as he sat in the chair and noticed that he looked bored. He almost smiled, but the feeling of dread was overwhelming.
The General thumbed through the tract. He then looked at Matt. “You realize that this is contraband?”
Matt gave a shrug. “I found it next to the tracks in La Junta. I didn’t know what it was, just thought I’d have something to read on the train.”
The General smirked. “Interesting. You find contraband material, in Russian, and one of your car mates is Russian.”
Matt gave another unconcerned shrug. “What are the odds?”
“You say this Mekdiev was on the train when you got on in La Junta?”
“Yep. He helped me when I almost missed jumping on.”
“Why were you jumping on the train again?” The General sat back his hands clasped together, his fingers tapping his chin.
“Because me and my friends were just outside of Colorado Springs when the bomb hit.” Matt left out the part about the wreck and stealing a car. “Our car died outside La Junta and we decided to jump the train. We just wanted to get home.”
“Who are your friends again?”
“Trevor and Zoe.”
“Zoe?”
“Zoe Collins. “
“Ahh yes, the dead girl on the train.”
“Yes.” Matt looked down at his hands.
The General looked at Frank and gave him a smile. He then turned back to Matt. “You spin quite a tail young man. And this Mekdiev must be a good friend for you to take responsibility for what is obviously his contraband material. Are you sure you want to take responsibility?”
“I said it was mine.” Matt looked the General in the eye.
“Very well. You will remain here, in this facility indefinitely as an enemy of the Global Family.”
Frank watched the General as he sat behind the desk. He looked over at Matt as he sat in the chair and noticed that he looked bored. He almost smiled, but the feeling of dread was overwhelming.
The General thumbed through the tract. He then looked at Matt. “You realize that this is contraband?”
Matt gave a shrug. “I found it next to the tracks in La Junta. I didn’t know what it was, just thought I’d have something to read on the train.”
The General smirked. “Interesting. You find contraband material, in Russian, and one of your car mates is Russian.”
Matt gave another unconcerned shrug. “What are the odds?”
“You say this Mekdiev was on the train when you got on in La Junta?”
“Yep. He helped me when I almost missed jumping on.”
“Why were you jumping on the train again?” The General sat back his hands clasped together, his fingers tapping his chin.
“Because me and my friends were just outside of Colorado Springs when the bomb hit.” Matt left out the part about the wreck and stealing a car. “Our car died outside La Junta and we decided to jump the train. We just wanted to get home.”
“Who are your friends again?”
“Trevor and Zoe.”
“Zoe?”
“Zoe Collins. “
“Ahh yes, the dead girl on the train.”
“Yes.” Matt looked down at his hands.
The General looked at Frank and gave him a smile. He then turned back to Matt. “You spin quite a tail young man. And this Mekdiev must be a good friend for you to take responsibility for what is obviously his contraband material. Are you sure you want to take responsibility?”
“I said it was mine.” Matt looked the General in the eye.
“Very well. You will remain here, in this facility indefinitely as an enemy of the Global Family.”
- Zags
_________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Frank handed the General fax that Jerome had sent on Mikhail Mekhdiev.
After several minutes the General grunted and set the file to the side. Picking up the satellite phone he began dialing. “Excuse me Frank.” the General said as he indicated that Frank should leave.
Frank stepped out of the office closing the door behind him. Seeing none of the General’s men in the outer office he walked over to Travis.
“We need to find a way let the kids know what’s happening.” He whispered.
“The Internet and cell towers are still down.” Travis whispered back. “There is a landline now, but no landline out at the cave.”
“The satellite phones are working but the kids don’t have one.” Frank said under his breath.
“That’s on my list of things to get out there. I think I could get a couple of our guys...” Travis stopped and pointed towards his computer screen. One of the General’s men was walking into the office and Travis began to babble about the inventory. “We could stand to get some more meat in the freezer. With the General and his men to feed, plus the detainees we could run short very soon. Maybe a couple of the boys should go out hunting.”
“I’ll run it past the General.” Frank said. Looking up he saw that the General’s man continued to stand there watching
“Can I help you?” Travis asked looking at the man.
“I need to speak to the General.”
“He’s on a phone call. I don’t know how long he’ll be. You’re welcome to have a seat and wait.” Frank said.
“Who’s he on the phone with?” The man asked.
Frank stood to his full height and frowned. “I didn’t take the liberty of asking and neither should you. You answer to the General, not the other way around.”
“Oh, of course... I mean...um... I didn’t mean... Sorry Sir.” the man stammered. “Um, I’ll just check back later..” He almost ran from the room.
“Punk kid.” Frank said loud enough that the man heard him as he made his hasty exit. “What else are we short on?” Frank picked up the conversation. He knew Travis was racking his brain trying to think of a way to get a few of the men out of the compound for long enough to get a message to the kids at Black Mesa.
“Let me go over the rest of the inventory and I’ll get back to you this afternoon.”
Frank nodded as his office door opened. “Frank.” the General waved him back into the office.
Frank followed him into the office. “Close the door.” The General said.
Closing the door Frank took a seat across the desk.
“I spoke with Babylon about one of our detainees.” He picked up Mekhdiev’s paperwork. “Looks like we have a bona fide hit man in our midst.” He handed the papers to Frank.
Frank quickly scanned the paperwork. Letting out a whistle Frank looked up at the General.
“I honestly don’t know what to say.” Frank shook his head. “I’d rather not have a man who kills people so easily here. What if he tries to escape? Who knows how many people he’d kill before we could take him down.”
Ignoring Franks concerns the General said, “Looks like maybe that kid may have been telling the truth about that contraband.”
“It seems suspicious that it was in Russian, and Mekhdiev is Russian.” Frank said doubtfully. Frank began to wonder if he was being tested.
The General waved his hand. “I know. But this Mekhdiev is a straight up killer. I’m not saying he’s in the clear of being one of those religious extremists, but it will be easy enough to test him.”
“How?”
“Give him an assignment for the global family.” The General smiled. “One that’s right up his alley. You’ve heard about those two preachers in Jerusalem?”
Frank nodded.
“Mekhdiev is supposed to be one of the best at what he does. Babylon wants us to send him to kill those two preachers.”
Frank frowned. “But everyone who tries to end up dead.”
“Maybe we just haven’t sent the right man. We need to know where the man’s loyalties lie and this is the perfect way to find out. If he kills them than we know he’s part of the global family. If he doesn’t, we know he’s one of them.” the General explained.
“And if he dies trying to kill the preachers?”
“Then he dies.”
- Zags
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