After weeks of steaming, dodging storms and Globe Forces, the battle group Bright Star has comes together. One hundred and twenty three ships of all kind, makes and nations have anchored off a small island at the tip of South America. Each crew member cheers as they spot another ship coming over the horizon and finds its place in this vast array of steel. Carriers, Cruisers, Frigates, submarines, troop landing ships and supply ships all mast together under one common goal, or so they think.
Jack, Hank, Joe and Ben walked out on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan. All the aircraft had been removed to below decks in the hangers so the flight deck could be used as a meeting place for all the senior officers. Vice Admiral Ken St. John was the senior officer so it was upon him to lead the group. As each Captain and normally the Operation Boss found a seat, the chatter slowly died down.
“Test, test. Can you hear me in the back” Captain Mark King, Commanding Officer of the Reagan asked in the microphone. A wave of a few hands and he knew they were ready to get started.
“Men and Women, we all are here off the coast of Chile for many reasons and for many goals. Why you choose to head south I don’t know but we are here. Before I turn the microphone over to Admiral St. John, I want you all to know that since you have made this journey south you have gain a brother in arms, and if there is anything my crew or I can do to assist your visit here onboard please let us know. Now since we are all military, mostly Navy with some civilians onboard different vessels we all know and we live by the senior officer is to take charge. So unless anyone here holds a recognized rank higher then Vice Admiral I will turn it over to Vice Admiral St. John.”
Ken St. John stood up and walked to the microphone. Looking out over the men and women who now sat before him he stood at attention and saluted them all.
“Thank you Captain King. It is with sad regrets that I stand here today for this reason. But it is just as well and an honor to stand here today and thank each one of you and each member of your crew for being here today. As I look out over the side of this large ship I see over a hundred other ships setting at anchor with the same questions, problems and possible the am answers that I have and that we all have. These stars on my collar only mean that when I retired I could play golf more then some.” The crowd chuckled. “We have over one hundred ships here from all over the world. We have ships that just four months ago would be shooting at each other given the chance but here today we are setting together because there are thousands of ships somewhere else possibly anchor together having this same meeting but their ideas are to sink and kill each one of us.” Ken stopped and let that sink in and it did.
“Why and what happen to this world? Can anyone tell me? Please if you can please tell me now so we can hopeful correct this and get back to our friends and family.” Ken pause again
Ben knew the answer but also knew now was not the time. He would be given the time.
Admiral St. John continued talked telling everyone that group of 15 units will gather and discuss the hows and whys. They would ask each man and women from the lowest sailor to Ken himself what their thoughts were. No one was to be excluded. Why did this happen?
After speaking for ten more minutes, Captain Kings stood back up and called out ship names in groups of fifteen. As each group formed they went off to another part of the flight deck to talk.
When they first got onboard, the crew took down the name of the vessel each captain was coming from, Hank told them he was with the USS Ross but he had the Captain of the Samuel of Ramah with him as well as the Skipper of the USS Gettysburg, but Jack corrected him and said he gave up his ship and was now a member of the Ramah.
The Ross was called with other ships and as the list grew down, Jack and Joe was feeling as if maybe they might be over looked. Ben looked around and saw seven other men setting after the last group were called.
“IDF Samuel of Ramah and the rest of you Captains will meet personally with Admiral St. John up here.”
“Oh great now I know I will not be able to smoke” Jack said stand up and heading towards the front.
“Ask he might surprise you” Ben replied as he slapped Jack on the back and gave him a smile.
The Bright Star Battle Groups started the task of forming. What was ahead of them no one knew but a few had an idea.
Jack, Hank, Joe and Ben walked out on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan. All the aircraft had been removed to below decks in the hangers so the flight deck could be used as a meeting place for all the senior officers. Vice Admiral Ken St. John was the senior officer so it was upon him to lead the group. As each Captain and normally the Operation Boss found a seat, the chatter slowly died down.
“Test, test. Can you hear me in the back” Captain Mark King, Commanding Officer of the Reagan asked in the microphone. A wave of a few hands and he knew they were ready to get started.
“Men and Women, we all are here off the coast of Chile for many reasons and for many goals. Why you choose to head south I don’t know but we are here. Before I turn the microphone over to Admiral St. John, I want you all to know that since you have made this journey south you have gain a brother in arms, and if there is anything my crew or I can do to assist your visit here onboard please let us know. Now since we are all military, mostly Navy with some civilians onboard different vessels we all know and we live by the senior officer is to take charge. So unless anyone here holds a recognized rank higher then Vice Admiral I will turn it over to Vice Admiral St. John.”
Ken St. John stood up and walked to the microphone. Looking out over the men and women who now sat before him he stood at attention and saluted them all.
“Thank you Captain King. It is with sad regrets that I stand here today for this reason. But it is just as well and an honor to stand here today and thank each one of you and each member of your crew for being here today. As I look out over the side of this large ship I see over a hundred other ships setting at anchor with the same questions, problems and possible the am answers that I have and that we all have. These stars on my collar only mean that when I retired I could play golf more then some.” The crowd chuckled. “We have over one hundred ships here from all over the world. We have ships that just four months ago would be shooting at each other given the chance but here today we are setting together because there are thousands of ships somewhere else possibly anchor together having this same meeting but their ideas are to sink and kill each one of us.” Ken stopped and let that sink in and it did.
“Why and what happen to this world? Can anyone tell me? Please if you can please tell me now so we can hopeful correct this and get back to our friends and family.” Ken pause again
Ben knew the answer but also knew now was not the time. He would be given the time.
Admiral St. John continued talked telling everyone that group of 15 units will gather and discuss the hows and whys. They would ask each man and women from the lowest sailor to Ken himself what their thoughts were. No one was to be excluded. Why did this happen?
After speaking for ten more minutes, Captain Kings stood back up and called out ship names in groups of fifteen. As each group formed they went off to another part of the flight deck to talk.
When they first got onboard, the crew took down the name of the vessel each captain was coming from, Hank told them he was with the USS Ross but he had the Captain of the Samuel of Ramah with him as well as the Skipper of the USS Gettysburg, but Jack corrected him and said he gave up his ship and was now a member of the Ramah.
The Ross was called with other ships and as the list grew down, Jack and Joe was feeling as if maybe they might be over looked. Ben looked around and saw seven other men setting after the last group were called.
“IDF Samuel of Ramah and the rest of you Captains will meet personally with Admiral St. John up here.”
“Oh great now I know I will not be able to smoke” Jack said stand up and heading towards the front.
“Ask he might surprise you” Ben replied as he slapped Jack on the back and gave him a smile.
The Bright Star Battle Groups started the task of forming. What was ahead of them no one knew but a few had an idea.
- Alex
_____________________________________________________________________
On the Ranch
Shade had left to take another load of cattle to Amarillo, and Zoe and Trevor had left to go syphon gas out of abandoned cars in the surrounding area. They had taken the ranch gas truck and hoped to fill it by days end.
Travis and Nathan had stayed at the house with Maddie, and while Nathan read Tori's journal, (she had written down all her ideas about how to spread the gospel), Maddie tried to keep Travis from burning down her kitchen.
Since accepting Jesus Travis had been doing everything he could think of to make up or being such a pain in the neck. He had decided to fix supper. Maddie had thought it would be nice to have a day off from cooking just to study her Bible, but instead she was getting a lesson on patience and prayer. The first time she had heard a crash from the kitchen she had started to get up, but sat back down when she heard Travis say "That pan is heavier than it looks."
Then a few minutes later the fire alarm had gone off, and she raced to the kitchen. It was filled with smoke and she saw the pan sitting on the burner and no Travis in sight. She had quickly grabbed a potholder in one hand and grabbed the pan off the stove and turned off the burner with the other. Nathan had rushed into the kitchen behind her and opened the back door and Maddie had racedout the door and tossed the pan into the rain cache.
Nathan had begun opening windows and waving a towel to try and clear the room of smoke. Maddie walked back into the room as Travis came through the basement door. "Whoa!" he exclaimed. "Where'd all the smoke come from?"
"You left the pan on the stove unattended." Nathan gritted his teeth to keep from shouting.
Maddie saw Travis' face fall and immediately tried to reassure him. "Nathan go back to what you were doing, and I'll help Travis with dinner. I'm guessing that you haven't done alot of cooking?" She questioned.
"Not much." Travis admitted. "I can use a microwave like a pro, but I've never cooked on a stove. You make it look so easy." Travis looked so down that Maddie had to hide her smile. "How about I stay with you and if you have any questions you ask me."
He immediately brightened. "Ok." He set the bag of flour on the counter and turned to the stove. "Hey where'd the pan go?" He looked at Maddie with horror. I melted the pan didn't I?"
Maddie let out a laugh. "It would take alot more heat than that to melt cast iron." She quickly reached under the counter and grabbed another pan. "Use this one. It's lighter and easier to handle."
Half an hour later Maddie had decided that if there was one person left in the world who could actually burn water, it was Travis.
Nathan came into the kitchen. "Aunt Maddie, somebody just drove up."
Maddie reached and shut off the burners on the stove. "Don't do anything until I get back." She spared a glance at the globby mess in the pan.
She left the kitchen as there was a knock on the front door. Travis followed behind her and pulled her to a stop before she could get to the door. "Thats the GF Farmers and Ranchers Association. Oh no."
"What do you mean? Why are they back?" Nathan asked.
"Probably to see if you put the GF brand on the cows." Travis said shaking his head.
The knock sounded again, this time sounding impatient.
"Oh man. I'm so sorry." Travis looked at Maddie with sad eyes.
"They can't see you." Nathan shoved Travis toward the stairs. "Go on, Maddie and I will take care of this."
Shade had left to take another load of cattle to Amarillo, and Zoe and Trevor had left to go syphon gas out of abandoned cars in the surrounding area. They had taken the ranch gas truck and hoped to fill it by days end.
Travis and Nathan had stayed at the house with Maddie, and while Nathan read Tori's journal, (she had written down all her ideas about how to spread the gospel), Maddie tried to keep Travis from burning down her kitchen.
Since accepting Jesus Travis had been doing everything he could think of to make up or being such a pain in the neck. He had decided to fix supper. Maddie had thought it would be nice to have a day off from cooking just to study her Bible, but instead she was getting a lesson on patience and prayer. The first time she had heard a crash from the kitchen she had started to get up, but sat back down when she heard Travis say "That pan is heavier than it looks."
Then a few minutes later the fire alarm had gone off, and she raced to the kitchen. It was filled with smoke and she saw the pan sitting on the burner and no Travis in sight. She had quickly grabbed a potholder in one hand and grabbed the pan off the stove and turned off the burner with the other. Nathan had rushed into the kitchen behind her and opened the back door and Maddie had racedout the door and tossed the pan into the rain cache.
Nathan had begun opening windows and waving a towel to try and clear the room of smoke. Maddie walked back into the room as Travis came through the basement door. "Whoa!" he exclaimed. "Where'd all the smoke come from?"
"You left the pan on the stove unattended." Nathan gritted his teeth to keep from shouting.
Maddie saw Travis' face fall and immediately tried to reassure him. "Nathan go back to what you were doing, and I'll help Travis with dinner. I'm guessing that you haven't done alot of cooking?" She questioned.
"Not much." Travis admitted. "I can use a microwave like a pro, but I've never cooked on a stove. You make it look so easy." Travis looked so down that Maddie had to hide her smile. "How about I stay with you and if you have any questions you ask me."
He immediately brightened. "Ok." He set the bag of flour on the counter and turned to the stove. "Hey where'd the pan go?" He looked at Maddie with horror. I melted the pan didn't I?"
Maddie let out a laugh. "It would take alot more heat than that to melt cast iron." She quickly reached under the counter and grabbed another pan. "Use this one. It's lighter and easier to handle."
Half an hour later Maddie had decided that if there was one person left in the world who could actually burn water, it was Travis.
Nathan came into the kitchen. "Aunt Maddie, somebody just drove up."
Maddie reached and shut off the burners on the stove. "Don't do anything until I get back." She spared a glance at the globby mess in the pan.
She left the kitchen as there was a knock on the front door. Travis followed behind her and pulled her to a stop before she could get to the door. "Thats the GF Farmers and Ranchers Association. Oh no."
"What do you mean? Why are they back?" Nathan asked.
"Probably to see if you put the GF brand on the cows." Travis said shaking his head.
The knock sounded again, this time sounding impatient.
"Oh man. I'm so sorry." Travis looked at Maddie with sad eyes.
"They can't see you." Nathan shoved Travis toward the stairs. "Go on, Maddie and I will take care of this."
- Zags
______________________________________________________________________
Amarillo, Texas
Shade turned into the cattle yard and noticed a black SUV parked in front of the office. He stopped the truck and got out. Stretching he saw Jose come rushing out of the building.
"Shade my friend. You should have called first." Jose whispered.
"Why?" he asked confused.
A man in a suit walked out of the office and walked toward both of the men.
"Who's that?" Shade asked.
"GF Farmers and Ranchers Association." Jose whispered.
The man stopped in front of Shade and held out his hand. "Hello. I'm Ira Shore with Global Family Farmers and Ranchers Association. I'll be checking the cattle as they get unloaded."
Shade turned into the cattle yard and noticed a black SUV parked in front of the office. He stopped the truck and got out. Stretching he saw Jose come rushing out of the building.
"Shade my friend. You should have called first." Jose whispered.
"Why?" he asked confused.
A man in a suit walked out of the office and walked toward both of the men.
"Who's that?" Shade asked.
"GF Farmers and Ranchers Association." Jose whispered.
The man stopped in front of Shade and held out his hand. "Hello. I'm Ira Shore with Global Family Farmers and Ranchers Association. I'll be checking the cattle as they get unloaded."
- Zags
______________________________________________________________________
On the Ranch
"Sir I assure you that if we had been instructed to brand our cattle with the GF brand assigned to us we would have, but we were not told or given a new brand." Maddie told the GF official.
"We have it in our records that you were notified and given notice." the man said sternly.
"Two of your fellow workers did show up a few weeks ago, but they didn't say anything about a new brand."
"Hmm." The agent looked at Nathan. "So they did actually make contact?"
"Yes sir." Nathan replied.
"Hmm. We haven't heard anything from those two agents since they reported that you had been given notice. You wouldn't happen to know why?"
Maddie felt the hair on her arms stand up. "No." She immediately asked God to forgive her for the lie.
"Hmm." The man replied as he made more notes in his notebook. "You're the third cattle operation that has reported that they weren't notified that you needed the new brand." he said. "Interestingly enough the same two agents were to notify those operations."
"Really?" Nathan said.
"Yes. We are going to need to investigate this. Do you have a phone number so we can reach you if we have any more questions?"
Nathan rattled off the number quickly. He just wanted the man to leave.
The agent then went on to explain the need for the new brand and informed them they need to begin using it as soon as possible. He went out to his car and came back with the branding iron. "You will still use you're regular brand, but you will need to use this one as well. Just place it to the right of the ranch brand."
Nathan nodded and the man asked if they had any other questions.
Maddie and Nathan both said no, and the man left.
Nathan hefted the branding iron, and after looking at it dropped it to the floor.
"What?!" Maddie asked turning from the window. She had been watching the man drive away.
Nathan pointed at the brand on the floor. Maddie picked it up and looked at it.
There on the end Maddie could make out the additional brand. It was a serpant.
"Sir I assure you that if we had been instructed to brand our cattle with the GF brand assigned to us we would have, but we were not told or given a new brand." Maddie told the GF official.
"We have it in our records that you were notified and given notice." the man said sternly.
"Two of your fellow workers did show up a few weeks ago, but they didn't say anything about a new brand."
"Hmm." The agent looked at Nathan. "So they did actually make contact?"
"Yes sir." Nathan replied.
"Hmm. We haven't heard anything from those two agents since they reported that you had been given notice. You wouldn't happen to know why?"
Maddie felt the hair on her arms stand up. "No." She immediately asked God to forgive her for the lie.
"Hmm." The man replied as he made more notes in his notebook. "You're the third cattle operation that has reported that they weren't notified that you needed the new brand." he said. "Interestingly enough the same two agents were to notify those operations."
"Really?" Nathan said.
"Yes. We are going to need to investigate this. Do you have a phone number so we can reach you if we have any more questions?"
Nathan rattled off the number quickly. He just wanted the man to leave.
The agent then went on to explain the need for the new brand and informed them they need to begin using it as soon as possible. He went out to his car and came back with the branding iron. "You will still use you're regular brand, but you will need to use this one as well. Just place it to the right of the ranch brand."
Nathan nodded and the man asked if they had any other questions.
Maddie and Nathan both said no, and the man left.
Nathan hefted the branding iron, and after looking at it dropped it to the floor.
"What?!" Maddie asked turning from the window. She had been watching the man drive away.
Nathan pointed at the brand on the floor. Maddie picked it up and looked at it.
There on the end Maddie could make out the additional brand. It was a serpant.
- Zags
______________________________________________________________________
The rain no longer pelted the ground, the tremors had finally ceased and the dawn of a new day had brought the sun. Steven had fallen asleep beside Tom’s cot and he looked at his friend and knew he was no longer of this world. Tom had quietly and peacefully gone home to be with the Lord and Steven had said a prayer of thanks that his death had been swift and painless. He rose to his feet feeling the stiffness from kneeling by the cot all night and stretched trying to get the kinks out of his body. He covered Tom with the blanket and went to tell everyone what had taken place as they slept.
He found Sam and Christina having coffee and put his hand lightly upon Sam’s shoulder to alert him of his presence. “Sam and Christina, Tom left us last night. He has gone home to be with the Lord. I stayed with him all night and while I dozed off, he went home. We will need to go into town this morning and get a casket and then prepare him for burial.”
Sam rose to his feet and gave Steven a hug, “Why didn’t you awaken me? What happened?”
Steven cleared his throat, “He was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago and he was kept alive long enough to find Jesus. He knew when he met us that his time was short, but he didn’t want to burden any of us with his illness. He was ready and we can celebrate his life in Christ and know he is now in heaven with his family.”
Sam and Steven left in the van to get a casket from the funeral home leaving Christina to tell the others and prepare for Tom’s burial. One by one they were told of Tom’s death and all rejoiced that he would no longer know pain and was now in the presence of God and Jesus. He wouldn’t be around to see the evil that would soon take over the world or knowing that just by saying the name, Jesus, would probably be signing a death certificate. They were only sad because they would miss his presence. Jason was very sad and told everyone, “Tom was good to me from the very beginning and showed great patience when I didn’t deserve it. He was a good man.” Everyone agreed that Tom had been a good friend and helpful to everyone in the group.
Sam and Steven lowered Tom’s body into the casket and both noticed the smile on his face. “It’s as though he is telling us how happy he is to finally come into the presence of the Lord. Maybe the Lord held out his hand to him and said, “Come home,” and when he saw the Lord, he smiled,” Sam said.
The men carried the casket to the van and drove to the cemetery where Tom’s grandparents were buried. Everyone gathered around the gravesite and each bowed their head as Sam began to pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven, we come to You today to lay to rest the body of our good friend, Tom. We celebrate his life and his death for we know he has gone home to be with You in heaven. Father, we are assured of this man’s goodness in Your sight, that he had received forgiveness for his sins, and had accepted Your son, Jesus, as his personal savior and Lord. We thank You for Your love and goodness. Amen.”
They all thought they heard an angel singing and turned toward the sound only to see Alexis’ face looking upward toward heaven and her voice sweetly singing.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like a sea billows roll:
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well with me soul.
Though Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
“Even so” it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
He found Sam and Christina having coffee and put his hand lightly upon Sam’s shoulder to alert him of his presence. “Sam and Christina, Tom left us last night. He has gone home to be with the Lord. I stayed with him all night and while I dozed off, he went home. We will need to go into town this morning and get a casket and then prepare him for burial.”
Sam rose to his feet and gave Steven a hug, “Why didn’t you awaken me? What happened?”
Steven cleared his throat, “He was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago and he was kept alive long enough to find Jesus. He knew when he met us that his time was short, but he didn’t want to burden any of us with his illness. He was ready and we can celebrate his life in Christ and know he is now in heaven with his family.”
Sam and Steven left in the van to get a casket from the funeral home leaving Christina to tell the others and prepare for Tom’s burial. One by one they were told of Tom’s death and all rejoiced that he would no longer know pain and was now in the presence of God and Jesus. He wouldn’t be around to see the evil that would soon take over the world or knowing that just by saying the name, Jesus, would probably be signing a death certificate. They were only sad because they would miss his presence. Jason was very sad and told everyone, “Tom was good to me from the very beginning and showed great patience when I didn’t deserve it. He was a good man.” Everyone agreed that Tom had been a good friend and helpful to everyone in the group.
Sam and Steven lowered Tom’s body into the casket and both noticed the smile on his face. “It’s as though he is telling us how happy he is to finally come into the presence of the Lord. Maybe the Lord held out his hand to him and said, “Come home,” and when he saw the Lord, he smiled,” Sam said.
The men carried the casket to the van and drove to the cemetery where Tom’s grandparents were buried. Everyone gathered around the gravesite and each bowed their head as Sam began to pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven, we come to You today to lay to rest the body of our good friend, Tom. We celebrate his life and his death for we know he has gone home to be with You in heaven. Father, we are assured of this man’s goodness in Your sight, that he had received forgiveness for his sins, and had accepted Your son, Jesus, as his personal savior and Lord. We thank You for Your love and goodness. Amen.”
They all thought they heard an angel singing and turned toward the sound only to see Alexis’ face looking upward toward heaven and her voice sweetly singing.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like a sea billows roll:
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well with me soul.
Though Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
“Even so” it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
- P4H
______________________________________________________________________
As the plane engines shut down, Heidi opened the door then told the three guests that they will re-board in thirty minutes after refueling. Ryan, Renee and Becca walked into the terminal and found a place to set down.
“I’ll buy if someone flies” Ryan said pulling out some money.
“I will go, I want to freshen up a bit, that restroom on the plane was cramped” Becca replied
“OK but don’t be like Renee and take all day, I would like a soda before having to board again.”
Renee punched Ryan saying she didn’t take all day and besides it was a girl’s prerogatives to take as long as she wanted so take as long as you like Becca. They all laughed as Becca walked off leaving the two siblings to fight among them selves.
“Well” Renee said
“Well what?”
“What is going on between you and Becca?”
Ryan looked at Renee with a blank stare, “Nothing that I know of why, is she mad at me?”
“Mad at you, Ryan, she is head over heels for you, back on the plane when we went in the back to talk, all she could talk about was you. I asked her if she liked you in a way more then a brother or friend and she said yes but was afraid you would not want to be around her anymore.”
“She said that. Wow”
“She told me not to say anything but you being a male I figured you would never figure it out and do something stupid.”
“Oh come on sis, give me some credit”
“So you knew she like you before I said something?”
“Well no, but I would have figured it out… maybe”
“Maybe is right when it was too late. Ryan I love you and Becca both, and I will be happy and still love you both no matter what happens but if you have any feelings for her anymore then you better play them cause we are living in a short life span. We don’t have the rest of our lives anymore.”
Ryan shook his head in agreement and mumbled “Oh wow” again
Becca returned with two waters and a super size soda for Ryan. “Here ya go, try and finish it before we board” she said laughing
Ryan took a sip and started to spit out the drink. “What is this” he asked acting like he was choking
“Diet, one calorie, caffeine free, coke. Next time you shouldn’t rush a girl”
Both Renee and Becca laughed as Ryan walked over to the trash and tossed the soda. “Well two can play that game” Ryan replied looking at his watch, “Let’s go ladies, it is time to board my private plane. Follow me for a time of your life.”
Both girls raced up and grabbed his arms, “Oh thank you fine sir, we are just country girls, not use to your fine dinning and lifestyle” All three of them laughed as they boarded the plane.
The Hawker 700 pulled back and taxied on to the tarmac, after a few minutes, the captain released the brakes and headed down the runway and into the late morning sky.
“Welcome back aboard Tree Top Airlines our next and final leg into Oklahoma City should be a smooth trip and we should be landing around 1pm local time. Again if you need anything Heidi will be more then happy to give it to you.”
“I bet she would” Becca said under her breath
“I’ll buy if someone flies” Ryan said pulling out some money.
“I will go, I want to freshen up a bit, that restroom on the plane was cramped” Becca replied
“OK but don’t be like Renee and take all day, I would like a soda before having to board again.”
Renee punched Ryan saying she didn’t take all day and besides it was a girl’s prerogatives to take as long as she wanted so take as long as you like Becca. They all laughed as Becca walked off leaving the two siblings to fight among them selves.
“Well” Renee said
“Well what?”
“What is going on between you and Becca?”
Ryan looked at Renee with a blank stare, “Nothing that I know of why, is she mad at me?”
“Mad at you, Ryan, she is head over heels for you, back on the plane when we went in the back to talk, all she could talk about was you. I asked her if she liked you in a way more then a brother or friend and she said yes but was afraid you would not want to be around her anymore.”
“She said that. Wow”
“She told me not to say anything but you being a male I figured you would never figure it out and do something stupid.”
“Oh come on sis, give me some credit”
“So you knew she like you before I said something?”
“Well no, but I would have figured it out… maybe”
“Maybe is right when it was too late. Ryan I love you and Becca both, and I will be happy and still love you both no matter what happens but if you have any feelings for her anymore then you better play them cause we are living in a short life span. We don’t have the rest of our lives anymore.”
Ryan shook his head in agreement and mumbled “Oh wow” again
Becca returned with two waters and a super size soda for Ryan. “Here ya go, try and finish it before we board” she said laughing
Ryan took a sip and started to spit out the drink. “What is this” he asked acting like he was choking
“Diet, one calorie, caffeine free, coke. Next time you shouldn’t rush a girl”
Both Renee and Becca laughed as Ryan walked over to the trash and tossed the soda. “Well two can play that game” Ryan replied looking at his watch, “Let’s go ladies, it is time to board my private plane. Follow me for a time of your life.”
Both girls raced up and grabbed his arms, “Oh thank you fine sir, we are just country girls, not use to your fine dinning and lifestyle” All three of them laughed as they boarded the plane.
The Hawker 700 pulled back and taxied on to the tarmac, after a few minutes, the captain released the brakes and headed down the runway and into the late morning sky.
“Welcome back aboard Tree Top Airlines our next and final leg into Oklahoma City should be a smooth trip and we should be landing around 1pm local time. Again if you need anything Heidi will be more then happy to give it to you.”
“I bet she would” Becca said under her breath
- Alex
______________________________________________________________________
The boy ran staight to Bill and threw his arms around him, with tears in his eyes, he tells Bill. "Not only did you save my life, but the angel that took me from you has shown me some things that you must know. God put his healing hand on me and made my body all better, then the angel sent from God showed me how to ask Jesus into my heart. After getting Jesus in my heart, the angel then showed me some things about you, and about this shop. He told me that I must come here and help out. He also told me that you, Bill are my....."
Just then, Doug walked into the room rambling on about BJ. "Wait until I get my hands on him, I will...", then suddenly noticing the boy that was clinging to Bill. "Oh, I'm sorry, am I interupting something?"
MD chuckled, no your not interupting, we understand why you might be looking for BJ, but let me introduce our new friend Connor. He was just about to tell Bill something when you came in.., turning to Connor, please continue.
Connor, looking up at Bill, "Do you remember a woman named Sandy?"
"Wow, that takes be back a little bit, I could never forget her. She was such a good woman. I think I actually fell in love with her, then after we had been together for a while, she just disappeared."
"She was my mother" interjected Connor.
Surprised by that revelation, Bill told Connor, " he never knew that she actually had any kids. Where is she now?"
"I am the only child, and she is with the Lord now. She was killed in a car crash about a week before the rapture. The Sunday before that, she had gone to some little bible church just outside of town and came home singing and as happy as I had ever seen her. She told me that she had accepted Jesus at church that day. Then a week later she was taken by a drunk driver. After that, i hated God for taking my mom. Then the next thing I knew the rapture had taken place and a few months later I find myself blessed in Jesus and then came knocking on your door today."
" So that brings me back to what i started to say earlier. Bill you are my father. Mom didnt want you to know she was pregnant, thats why she ran away. She always said that she wished that I could get to know my father, but she didnt have the heart to tell you about me. But surprise, here I am..."
Just then, Doug walked into the room rambling on about BJ. "Wait until I get my hands on him, I will...", then suddenly noticing the boy that was clinging to Bill. "Oh, I'm sorry, am I interupting something?"
MD chuckled, no your not interupting, we understand why you might be looking for BJ, but let me introduce our new friend Connor. He was just about to tell Bill something when you came in.., turning to Connor, please continue.
Connor, looking up at Bill, "Do you remember a woman named Sandy?"
"Wow, that takes be back a little bit, I could never forget her. She was such a good woman. I think I actually fell in love with her, then after we had been together for a while, she just disappeared."
"She was my mother" interjected Connor.
Surprised by that revelation, Bill told Connor, " he never knew that she actually had any kids. Where is she now?"
"I am the only child, and she is with the Lord now. She was killed in a car crash about a week before the rapture. The Sunday before that, she had gone to some little bible church just outside of town and came home singing and as happy as I had ever seen her. She told me that she had accepted Jesus at church that day. Then a week later she was taken by a drunk driver. After that, i hated God for taking my mom. Then the next thing I knew the rapture had taken place and a few months later I find myself blessed in Jesus and then came knocking on your door today."
" So that brings me back to what i started to say earlier. Bill you are my father. Mom didnt want you to know she was pregnant, thats why she ran away. She always said that she wished that I could get to know my father, but she didnt have the heart to tell you about me. But surprise, here I am..."
- mdulik
______________________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Frank Keller logged onto his video conference with Jerome. "Jerome. Frank Keller here. How are you?
"I'm doing good, Frank. Thanks for asking. And how is your mother? I hope she's doing well and you had a wonderful visit." Jerome smiled.
Frank answered automatically. His mind whirling. There was genuine concern in Jerome's eyes, and relief when he reported that his mother had not been injured in the tornado.
Frank was jerked back to awareness by Jerome's laughter. "Sounds like your moms a riot Frank. You're a lucky man."
Frank had no idea what he had said and quickly decided he needed to focus on the conversation. He couldn't risk Jerome discovering that he was a Christian. The Education Center that he was overseeing the building of was not going to be used for GF purposes, but for the spreading of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. With Jerome being the personal assistant of Teodor Argryos, Frank had to tread carefully with the man. He couldn't afford to make any slips that might make Jerome suspicious.
Frank turned the coversation to the progress on the fence and new dorms. "The fence should be up and operational within thirty days and the dorms should be finished within the next fourty five to fifty days if we stay on schedule." Frank said.
"That's what I needed to speak to you about. The Pontentate is pleased with the progress there, and would like to congratulate you." Jerome said with a slight frown.
Frank took notice, and again his mind began to whirl with suspicion. Jeromes mouth had turned down when he mentioned the Pontentate. "Thank you." Frank replied.
"You've heard the Pontentate is rebuilding the city of Babylon?" Jerome asked.
"Yes. I received the memo."
"Well, he needs additional guards and workers. He is asking that all personnel who can be spared be sent to Babylon. He has decided that the city is top priority." Jerome said.
Frank tried to hold his composure as a sick feeling began turning in his stomach. "Ok."
"He needs you to send most of your crew to Babylon. You will keep fifteen men and send the rest to Iraq. Of course the deadline for the Center will be moved back to accommodate the lack of workers." Jerome assured Frank.
Frank let out the breath he had been holding slowly. "When do I need to send them on their way?"
"The Pontentate want them all on their way within seventy two hours. I know it's short notice, but the Pontentate has been speaking with Brett Reed and they both are in agreement that more men are needed. If you could e-mail me the list of personel you'd like to keep by this evening, we will have transport sent to begin moving them to the nearest airports."
Frank nodded. They exchanged a few more pleasantries and then disconnected the feed.
Frank picked up the phone and called his wife. "I need you to come to the center. I have to pick fifteen men to stay here and the rest are getting shipped to Iraq." Tansy said she would be there in ten minutes. Then Frank called his mother with his cell phone and explained what was going on and asked her to get everyone together to pray that the Lord would help him pick Christian men and women to stay. Belle assured him she would be praying and told him she would call Maddie and Shade and get them praying as well.
Within minutes Tansy arrived. They both quickly and quietly said a prayer then Frank opened the first employee file.
Frank Keller logged onto his video conference with Jerome. "Jerome. Frank Keller here. How are you?
"I'm doing good, Frank. Thanks for asking. And how is your mother? I hope she's doing well and you had a wonderful visit." Jerome smiled.
Frank answered automatically. His mind whirling. There was genuine concern in Jerome's eyes, and relief when he reported that his mother had not been injured in the tornado.
Frank was jerked back to awareness by Jerome's laughter. "Sounds like your moms a riot Frank. You're a lucky man."
Frank had no idea what he had said and quickly decided he needed to focus on the conversation. He couldn't risk Jerome discovering that he was a Christian. The Education Center that he was overseeing the building of was not going to be used for GF purposes, but for the spreading of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. With Jerome being the personal assistant of Teodor Argryos, Frank had to tread carefully with the man. He couldn't afford to make any slips that might make Jerome suspicious.
Frank turned the coversation to the progress on the fence and new dorms. "The fence should be up and operational within thirty days and the dorms should be finished within the next fourty five to fifty days if we stay on schedule." Frank said.
"That's what I needed to speak to you about. The Pontentate is pleased with the progress there, and would like to congratulate you." Jerome said with a slight frown.
Frank took notice, and again his mind began to whirl with suspicion. Jeromes mouth had turned down when he mentioned the Pontentate. "Thank you." Frank replied.
"You've heard the Pontentate is rebuilding the city of Babylon?" Jerome asked.
"Yes. I received the memo."
"Well, he needs additional guards and workers. He is asking that all personnel who can be spared be sent to Babylon. He has decided that the city is top priority." Jerome said.
Frank tried to hold his composure as a sick feeling began turning in his stomach. "Ok."
"He needs you to send most of your crew to Babylon. You will keep fifteen men and send the rest to Iraq. Of course the deadline for the Center will be moved back to accommodate the lack of workers." Jerome assured Frank.
Frank let out the breath he had been holding slowly. "When do I need to send them on their way?"
"The Pontentate want them all on their way within seventy two hours. I know it's short notice, but the Pontentate has been speaking with Brett Reed and they both are in agreement that more men are needed. If you could e-mail me the list of personel you'd like to keep by this evening, we will have transport sent to begin moving them to the nearest airports."
Frank nodded. They exchanged a few more pleasantries and then disconnected the feed.
Frank picked up the phone and called his wife. "I need you to come to the center. I have to pick fifteen men to stay here and the rest are getting shipped to Iraq." Tansy said she would be there in ten minutes. Then Frank called his mother with his cell phone and explained what was going on and asked her to get everyone together to pray that the Lord would help him pick Christian men and women to stay. Belle assured him she would be praying and told him she would call Maddie and Shade and get them praying as well.
Within minutes Tansy arrived. They both quickly and quietly said a prayer then Frank opened the first employee file.
- Zags
______________________________________________________________________
On the plane in the cabin there was a recliner chair, a couch plus a small desk and chair area. When they boarded Renee made her way to the recliner that Ryan had been setting in on the first flight. This forced him and Becca to share the couch.
Renee closed her eyes and prayed to herself, “Heavenly Father, you are a God of Love and understanding, you know what is in this two hearts and I just ask that you give them a chance to share joy together if that is your plan for them. Lord I know I have no right to ask anything, but Father I would give my life to ensure these two were happy. Jesus as we travel this last part, watch over us and keep the spirits of evil away from us and let us be a lighthouse for you. I love you and pray that you can forgive Becca, Ryan and I of our sins, we once were a part of the world but now we want so much to be a part of you and your family. These things I ask in your name Jesus my Lord, Amen”
“So what do you think it will be like living at the ranch? Do you think they will welcome us to stay?” Becca asked Ryan
“Oh sure, I bet there are more people there now and I hope we just fit right in. Heck I bet there is a big strong cowboy who will take you on horse rides and sing songs to you over a campfire”
“Oh I doubt that, besides I like 4 wheeling better, a lot easier on my legs”
“That’s right; I remember a few years ago you crashed on one you might want to try a horse”
“Look here I can out ride you any day”
“No way, I can go places you would be afraid to go?” Ryan said
“Your on, when we get there, I say we find two and see who is the chicken”
“OK but what are we betting for?” Ryan said with a smile
Becca thought for a second then said “The loser has to take the other one on a campout, fix supper and sing over the fire.”
Ryan rubbed his hands together “Oh boy, I win either way”
“How you figure”
“Because if I win, I get to hear your voice which is very nice and if I loose then I get to cook my famous campfire stew for you. So I win”
Becca face turned red “thank you but I don’t think I sing very well”
“Are you joking, when you sang in school choir I thought you sounded like a angel”
“That was three years ago, I have not song since.”
“Ya back when you were dating Peter Brady, the lucky dog”
“Gee Ryan a little jealous, besides we only dated for six months that is when I found out he was a jerk”
“I told you I had a crush on you”
“Yes you did.” Becca smiled, “Back then I was a senior and I thought you as Renee little brother who was always hanging around doing dumb stuff”
“Ryan lowered his head, “I guess I did, I was only trying to get you to notice me.”
“Hey, it was cute, most of the time I laughed except that time you dumped cold water over the fence on me. I could have killed you that day.” Becca said as she reached over tickled Ryan side.
Ryan jumped then leaned back in the couch, “Oh ya I remember, but in my defense it was hot that day and I wanted to cool you down, just being a nice guy.”
“Ryan I have to ask and please I am very embarrassed for asking but I have to know something.”
“Sure anything”
“Do you still like me… I mean… I hope more then just a friend” Becca asked as she looked into Ryan’s eyes.
Ryan gazed back at Becca for the second time in his life she saw the most beautiful girl in the world setting just inches away. Her eyes had sparkles, her hair flowed down just perfect and her whole body and face would have made a peacock blush. Ryan knew he still loved her, even if he was 17 and she was 19, she was a gift from God himself smiling back at him.
“Becca, I… I… you mean some much to me, I have never stopped being in love with you. You can’t guess how many hours I have spent think of ways to get you to see me, or the hours I sat at school or at home thinking of you and I married living in a log cabin up at strawberry lake. Oh heck I bet I sound like a little teenager saying all this but Becca yes you mean more to me then just a sister or friend, I would die for you.”
Becca lend over and kissed Ryan on the check, “I love you too” she whispered
Renee closed her eyes and prayed to herself, “Heavenly Father, you are a God of Love and understanding, you know what is in this two hearts and I just ask that you give them a chance to share joy together if that is your plan for them. Lord I know I have no right to ask anything, but Father I would give my life to ensure these two were happy. Jesus as we travel this last part, watch over us and keep the spirits of evil away from us and let us be a lighthouse for you. I love you and pray that you can forgive Becca, Ryan and I of our sins, we once were a part of the world but now we want so much to be a part of you and your family. These things I ask in your name Jesus my Lord, Amen”
“So what do you think it will be like living at the ranch? Do you think they will welcome us to stay?” Becca asked Ryan
“Oh sure, I bet there are more people there now and I hope we just fit right in. Heck I bet there is a big strong cowboy who will take you on horse rides and sing songs to you over a campfire”
“Oh I doubt that, besides I like 4 wheeling better, a lot easier on my legs”
“That’s right; I remember a few years ago you crashed on one you might want to try a horse”
“Look here I can out ride you any day”
“No way, I can go places you would be afraid to go?” Ryan said
“Your on, when we get there, I say we find two and see who is the chicken”
“OK but what are we betting for?” Ryan said with a smile
Becca thought for a second then said “The loser has to take the other one on a campout, fix supper and sing over the fire.”
Ryan rubbed his hands together “Oh boy, I win either way”
“How you figure”
“Because if I win, I get to hear your voice which is very nice and if I loose then I get to cook my famous campfire stew for you. So I win”
Becca face turned red “thank you but I don’t think I sing very well”
“Are you joking, when you sang in school choir I thought you sounded like a angel”
“That was three years ago, I have not song since.”
“Ya back when you were dating Peter Brady, the lucky dog”
“Gee Ryan a little jealous, besides we only dated for six months that is when I found out he was a jerk”
“I told you I had a crush on you”
“Yes you did.” Becca smiled, “Back then I was a senior and I thought you as Renee little brother who was always hanging around doing dumb stuff”
“Ryan lowered his head, “I guess I did, I was only trying to get you to notice me.”
“Hey, it was cute, most of the time I laughed except that time you dumped cold water over the fence on me. I could have killed you that day.” Becca said as she reached over tickled Ryan side.
Ryan jumped then leaned back in the couch, “Oh ya I remember, but in my defense it was hot that day and I wanted to cool you down, just being a nice guy.”
“Ryan I have to ask and please I am very embarrassed for asking but I have to know something.”
“Sure anything”
“Do you still like me… I mean… I hope more then just a friend” Becca asked as she looked into Ryan’s eyes.
Ryan gazed back at Becca for the second time in his life she saw the most beautiful girl in the world setting just inches away. Her eyes had sparkles, her hair flowed down just perfect and her whole body and face would have made a peacock blush. Ryan knew he still loved her, even if he was 17 and she was 19, she was a gift from God himself smiling back at him.
“Becca, I… I… you mean some much to me, I have never stopped being in love with you. You can’t guess how many hours I have spent think of ways to get you to see me, or the hours I sat at school or at home thinking of you and I married living in a log cabin up at strawberry lake. Oh heck I bet I sound like a little teenager saying all this but Becca yes you mean more to me then just a sister or friend, I would die for you.”
Becca lend over and kissed Ryan on the check, “I love you too” she whispered
- Alex
______________________________________________________________________
After confessing each others love to one other, Ryan and Becca tried going back to just being friends in front of Renee but the playfulness and whispering was too much for even a blind man not to see. Like little kids in a candy story, the giggles would start without notice. Finally Renee had enough.
“OK you too spill the beans” Renee stated as she turned to look at them.
“What” Ryan replied giggling?
“Ryan, you know what I’m talking about now out with it.” Her voice a little tighter and more direct
“Now Renee, we are just playing around” Becca piped in
“Becca you two are acting like little 5 year olds on a new swing set, now I don’t mind one bit but I don’t like being left in the dark when I have my two best friends holding the light switch. If you don’t want to tell me that is fine but I think I have a right to enjoy your two’s enjoyment.” Renee turned away and acted like she had started to cry.
“Oh Renee, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry” Becca said quickly standing and rushing to her friend.
“Hey sis, I sorry too, it was my fault, please I’ll tell you but please don’t get upset at Becca”
Renee hid her face and acted more intense with the sound of crying. Becca wrapped her arms around Renee and started to cry herself. “Oh sister, snob, snob Ryan and I talked and we both like each other and maybe one day we will be real sisters or sisters in laws.”
“What? (fake snob) are you saying you two really like each other that much?”
“Yes Renee, in the past four months I have grown closer to Ryan but never thought anything about it until this trip. I love him Renee, I love Ryan”
(Fake snob) “And do you like Becca, Ryan?”
“Oh yes sis, I would do anything for her” Ryan added as he got down on the floor next to the chair.
Renee stood up fast with a big smile on her face and no tears. “Oh you two are so wonderful, I love you both, I’m not made or sad, I am glad and happy, I asked the Lord to help you two and he answered my prayers.”
The three of them hugged and cried happy tears just as the pilot turned on the fasten seat belt sign.
“We are making our final approach into Oklahoma City; it is sunny with highs around the 80’s. Again we hope you enjoyed your flight and you can grab your luggage at the bottom of the plane once you depart.” The Captain spoke of the intercom.
Renee looked out the window and never really realized how big Oklahoma was, she always thought was a plain Jane cowboy town. “Hmm I wonder if there is someone out there for me or did my God chosen man get called home before I met him.” A tear filled her eye.
“OK you too spill the beans” Renee stated as she turned to look at them.
“What” Ryan replied giggling?
“Ryan, you know what I’m talking about now out with it.” Her voice a little tighter and more direct
“Now Renee, we are just playing around” Becca piped in
“Becca you two are acting like little 5 year olds on a new swing set, now I don’t mind one bit but I don’t like being left in the dark when I have my two best friends holding the light switch. If you don’t want to tell me that is fine but I think I have a right to enjoy your two’s enjoyment.” Renee turned away and acted like she had started to cry.
“Oh Renee, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry” Becca said quickly standing and rushing to her friend.
“Hey sis, I sorry too, it was my fault, please I’ll tell you but please don’t get upset at Becca”
Renee hid her face and acted more intense with the sound of crying. Becca wrapped her arms around Renee and started to cry herself. “Oh sister, snob, snob Ryan and I talked and we both like each other and maybe one day we will be real sisters or sisters in laws.”
“What? (fake snob) are you saying you two really like each other that much?”
“Yes Renee, in the past four months I have grown closer to Ryan but never thought anything about it until this trip. I love him Renee, I love Ryan”
(Fake snob) “And do you like Becca, Ryan?”
“Oh yes sis, I would do anything for her” Ryan added as he got down on the floor next to the chair.
Renee stood up fast with a big smile on her face and no tears. “Oh you two are so wonderful, I love you both, I’m not made or sad, I am glad and happy, I asked the Lord to help you two and he answered my prayers.”
The three of them hugged and cried happy tears just as the pilot turned on the fasten seat belt sign.
“We are making our final approach into Oklahoma City; it is sunny with highs around the 80’s. Again we hope you enjoyed your flight and you can grab your luggage at the bottom of the plane once you depart.” The Captain spoke of the intercom.
Renee looked out the window and never really realized how big Oklahoma was, she always thought was a plain Jane cowboy town. “Hmm I wonder if there is someone out there for me or did my God chosen man get called home before I met him.” A tear filled her eye.
- Alex
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