tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64886361160286250832024-03-13T12:16:55.695-07:00Behind a Veil of DarknessShort stories about the subsidiary characters of the trilogy "Behind a Veil of Darkness, Books One, Two and Three."
ASYLUM: A book exploring population reduction through genocide. dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-58707502599946425952021-07-15T18:21:00.001-07:002021-07-15T18:21:36.968-07:00ASYLUM: Asylum is now completely posted. <p> Please note that Chapters 31 through 37 have been posted and are available from the archives listed to the right of this notice. I hope you enjoyed the story and be aware, I am currently working on my next book, which will also be presented here, at zombiefictionandothertales.com.<br /></p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-12931027527001089502021-07-11T23:38:00.000-07:002024-02-15T00:57:57.134-08:00ASYLUM: Epilog<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><b>Epilog</b></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>General Debra Monroe-Menendez smoothed the last page and then closed the
binder. Daniel’s journal would be a good addition to the Cadet Library.
She had been reluctant at first to allow it to be added to the listings, but
yes, a good addition. Rising from her desk, she leaned on her cane until she
reached the large bay windows that overlooked the Parade Ground. The huge
manicured lawn was bigger than two football fields and directly across the
parade aground was the Menendez Tomb, Daniel’s final resting place. There was a
formation of Cadets standing at attention for reveille and the American flag was being
raised, she drew herself to attention and raised her hand in salute as she
remembered her and Daniel doing the same thing, fifty years earlier. The flag reached
its apex and the Cadets shifted to parade rest as they listened to one of their
instructors. Behind her, she heard the door to her office open.</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Carrie Michaels walked in with a tray and sat it down on Debra’s desk,
“Cornflakes, just like you asked for and some of that god awful Krank. Why
anyone would even want to drink that crap is beyond me and to think you send
all the way to Kansas for it.” She shook her head and her once red, but now
white ponytail, flopped back and forth from one shoulder to the next. She was
still a tiny little thing, but she carried her sixty plus years with authority.</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Still leaving for Holloman this morning?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yep, I’ll be there until my grand-daughter, Tabitha, gives birth and
then head back this way as soon as I can.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Take some time, Carrie, you’ve earned it,” Debra replied.</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Carrie kissed Debra’s cheek and quickly left as Debra returned her eyes
to the Tomb.</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Commandant Monroe?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Debra smiled and said, “Becky? You know how I feel about that.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The young woman smiled in return and said, “I know Grammy, but we’re
both in uniform and Grandma Danni bit my butt the last time I called her
Grandma when we were both dressed to kill.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Has she arrived?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, she has, and boy is she full of piss-n-vinegar.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Debra chuckled, “Danni is always full of piss-n-vinegar.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Colonel Danni Monroe walked past Becky, her grand-daughter, and said, “I
heard that, you old bitch.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Debra’s smile widened and she held her arms open as Danni stepped into
her embrace, “I’ve missed you, how was Seattle?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Wet, does the sun ever shine there?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Debra laughed, “How is the new rain gear doing?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Most of the Rangers prefer the old ponchos, they say the new stuff
holds water vapor and you may as well not wear anything once you’ve sweated in
it all day.” </p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Same thing we said during the trials; remember when Daniel said those
who don’t study the past are doomed to repeat it?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Of course, and he was right.” Danni walked to the bay window and stared
across to the tomb, “Oh! They finished the marble facing!”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Debra stepped beside her and looked, “Last week, it’s beautiful, isn’t
it?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danni shrugged and said, “Daniel wouldn’t have liked it, he would have
preferred the original concrete.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, he would have, but he would have also recognized the importance of
it being grand instead of utilitarian.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danni looked at Debra’s desk and asked, “His journal?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, the head librarian wants several copies for the Autobiography
section and I was wondering if I should allow it. There’s a lot of personal,
private talk in there.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“And?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I was talking to some of the new Cadets, the ones from Seattle.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The orphans we sent back here?”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes,
I was telling them about Daniel, what he means for us, why he was important.
One, in particular, made the comment that no one could live up to his legacy
and I explained how he had been an orphan also, just like they were. I told
them about his humility, how he always thought he wasn’t enough and yet he was
everything.” She sighed, “They need to know we all come from humble beginnings,
we all have things about us that maybe we aren’t proud of, but those things
help create who we are.” She nodded and finally said, “I’m going to allow ten
copies, but it needs an epilog; it ends abruptly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We all end abruptly,” Danni said. “And we have lost another grandchild
and a great-grandchild.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Combat?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Childbirth. Mary Elizabeth. She was in labor for thirty-six hours,
then, massive hemorrhage. The baby had the umbilical cord around his neck.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It was better for us, sometimes I wonder why the girls today…”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Because they want the same things we wanted.” Danni sighed and added,
“Are you going to write the epilog?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No, I don’t think I can. It would be too…no. You?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m willing to try, but what would I say?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Just tell the truth, how he waited until we were all there in the
clinic and just went to sleep.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I should lie, you know? Something about insurmountable odds, heroic
bravery while killing scores of the enemies of the Republic. A legendary death
for a legendary man. People would believe that, but not dying in his bed from
pneumonia.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Did he ever tell you how he envisioned his death?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, and he got what he wanted, you, me, and the children gathered
around him.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“He wanted a family so bad. Do you ever wonder what he would think of
what we created, our extended family?”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“God, are you kidding? He would have been so proud; all the kids running
everywhere.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Do you remember his last words?” Debra asked.</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danni closed her eyes and said, “I am loved, by those I love, I finally
feel special.”</p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The End</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-46744274069369008122021-07-11T23:37:00.004-07:002022-08-12T09:33:25.418-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 37<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Chapter
37</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir! Lieutenant Colonel! Take cover!” He
started pushing me sideways as I realized something was, repeatedly, buzzing
past my head. I found myself behind a column and I could see machinegun rounds
impacting the walls farther inside. “Sir! Sir! Lieutenant Colonel Menendez!
What are your orders!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need the Raiders to deploy their
recoilless rifle, and we need counterfire, now!” I swung up my bullpup, leaned
out past the pillar I was behind and started popping off rounds at the LAV 300
that was rolling to a stop and firing another 90-millimeter round into the
mine. The vehicle commander lowered himself down, but kept his head high enough
to still see out of the open hatch as he communicated with his crew. I drew a
tighter bead, exhaled and squeezed the trigger; the commander dropped from
sight as dust popped off the front of his helmet. I began to hear additional
fire from within the mine, and without, as infantry appeared from the
surrounding area and rushed across the open area and past the destroyed guard
shack and gate. A second armored vehicle drove slowly past the blown apart
guard shack and there was at least a squad of infantry following closely
behind, using the vehicle as cover while it approached the entrance to the
mine. I dropped down prone and began to fire underneath the belly of the second
armored car which caused several men to drop to the pavement with wounds to
their lower legs. I put additional rounds into them as they lay upon the
blacktop.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main gun of the LAV fired again and I
heard a corresponding explosion deeper inside of our mine. It rolled forward
until it was almost inside while Zipper infantry began to cluster behind it for
cover. My face was hit by shards of salt impregnated material and began to sting intensely, as I rolled around the pillar and started firing from the opposite side,
but as I did, I saw the Raiders’ Fast Attack Vehicle pull to a stop and one of
the Marines start firing their M-240 machinegun at the infantry behind the
second armored car. From the trailer behind the FAV, the recoilless fired its
first round and struck the LAV 300 directly between the two rear axles. I spun
back around the pillar and started shooting the LAV’s crew as they tried to
exit the vehicle, it was beginning to burn fiercely.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second armored car was now past the
guard shack and its small turret turned towards the Marines’ FAV and fired
several rounds from a short, fat barrel. One of the rounds hit the passenger
area and the vehicle exploded, but the recoilless gunner fired a second round
that punched through the front of the M1117 and exploded inside. The armored
car rolled to a stop as the remaining infantry hiding behind it, turned their
weapons on the recoilless. Suddenly, the blacktop around the FAV erupted and a
steady series of impacts traveled across the parking lot and over the top of
the M1117 and its infantry detachment. I heard the roar of a prop driven engine
and looking up, saw an aircraft bank away and begin to climb higher. It sort of
looked like the old P-51s, but the nose was narrower, more pointed, and the
pilot’s bubble cockpit looked taller.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the Marines ran from the trailer with
the recoilless mounted on it, but they both were carrying large plastic cases.
Once under an overhang at the loading dock, they opened the cases and pulled
out surface to air missiles. As they were prepping the missiles, another Super
Tucano made another strafing run over the top of the Mine entrance. Like the
first aircraft, it banked and climbed away as a third began another strafing
run, but the Marines were ready, as the plane pulled away the same as the
previous two, one of the Raiders stepped out from beneath the overhang and
fired a missile at the departing plane. The missile streaked upwards and
impacted the rear of the aircraft which blew off the tailfin. The aircraft
tumbled from the sky and crashed somewhere out of sight. I wanted to step out
also, to see if the fourth Tucano was approaching, but the Marines were now
taking small arms fire and were retreating inside the loading dock. I turned my
bullpup on the remaining infantry and started picking them off. Finally, as the
gunfire was dissipating, I stepped out and started advancing on the two burning
armored cars with my weapon at my shoulder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone grabbed my shoulder from behind and
when I looked backwards, Captain Stark was saying something, but my ears were
roaring so loudly I couldn’t understand him, “What? I can’t hear you!” Hell, I
couldn’t hear myself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tugged on my arm and pointed upwards in
the direction the previous Tucanos had come from and the ground around us
erupted just moments before the plane swept by. Both of us were hit with debris
from the asphalt surface of the parking lot as we knelt down too late. He stood
and started dragging me back to the shelter of the mine, but in my peripheral
vision I saw another missile streak skyward. I managed to get my feet under me
and we retreated inside the mine. Once inside, I ejected my partially empty
magazine and slid a full one in, “Report?” I asked. His mouth started moving,
but all I could hear was the roaring in my ears, “What? I can’t hear you!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He used his hands to pantomime a strafing
aircraft, then held up two fingers and drew them across his throat. Two
destroyed. Then he held up two fingers and swept his hand away to the
North-east, two had broken off and left, probably because of the Marines
destroying the previous two. I nodded, “Good, get medical personnel up here and
gather our wounded. Have the Marines stand by with their Stingers in case the
Tucanos return. Are there any survivors from the attacking force?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shouted and I faintly heard,
“Yes…retreating…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Organize a team to chase and harass them,
take them all out if you can!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and trotted away; I looked back at
where the Comms tent had been and started walking towards it. I don’t know what
I thought I was going to do when I got there, no one could have survived the
explosion, but I needed to know she was dead. I needed to be certain. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were cables for the comm gear
scattered everywhere. Pieces of radios, tent fabric, uniform fabric, parts of,
people. I found myself looking for pieces of fabric that would match the OCP
cammies she was wearing, but finally, I just stopped and stood in the middle of
the debris and closed my eyes. It was too much; I was afraid I would find
something that removed all doubt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a tugging on my sleeve and when I
turned, Corporal, no, Sargent Sanchez, was standing there with a concerned
expression on his face as his mouth moved.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll have to speak louder, Sargent, my
hearing is shot to hell.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to sit down, Sir, so we can treat
your wounds, but not out here in the open.” He pulled and I began to follow
him. Once we were deeper inside the mine entrance, Jennings opened a folding
chair and had me sit on it. Sanchez removed the insert from my IFAK, opened
several alcohol wipes and started wiping my face down; it stung like a bitch.
“I’m going to clean you up, Sir, if the Major sees you all bloody the way you
are, she’ll have a shit fit.” After wiping down my face he said, “Not too bad,
Sir, looks like a lot of minor cuts and scrapes, it looked a lot worse than it
is; you’ll be fine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sargent, but my wife…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, what the hell happened to you?”
Her scent enveloped me as she tipped my face up to look me over.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra? Wha…how…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned as she asked, “Daniel? What’s
wrong?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were in the Communication tent…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at where the tent had been and
then said, “Oh, shit, Honey! You thought…?” She stepped closer and pulled my
head to her chest, “I’m fine, Daniel, I went to move the kids and Maggie,
remember?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I literally began to shake.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sargent Sanchez?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, Jennings and I did exactly as
you ordered, as soon as you left with Miss Chancellor and the children, we came
here to inform the Lieutenant Colonel of where you were, and the safety of the
children. The fight was already in progress when we arrived and we tried to
help where we could. It wasn’t until the Marines shot down the second enemy
plane that I saw the Lieutenant Colonel and we were able to catch up to him
where the Comm tent was. I know he’s looking a little rough, but the wounds
seem to be minor.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped back and tilted my face up again
and softly asked me something.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned and said, “What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sanchez said, “You’ll have to speak up,
Major, he was close to the muzzle blast of that armored car’s main gun.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me and said louder, “Are you
injured anywhere else?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “Nothing serious, where’s
Captain Stark? He was next to me during the last strafing attack.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Medics have him, Sir,” Jennings said. “He
picked up some shrapnel and debris from the .50 Cal rounds hitting the pavement
so close to the two of you.” He dropped down and touched my pants leg before
showing it to Debra, “Looks like the Lieutenant Colonel caught some of it too,
Ma’am.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knelt next to Jennings and untied the
blousing of my combat pants and then pulled her Air Crewman’s knife to slit the
fabric open, “Oh, no you don’t!” I said. “I’m running out of good pants!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up and me and said, “Dan…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!” I emphatically said. I unzipped my
Flick and shrugged it off. Then I released my sustainment belt and dropped it
beside me. Standing up, I unbuckled my belt as Debra glanced around.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, there’s other women around…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And your point is?” I waved to a female
medic who had just arrived and she turned and trotted over to us, “Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a few flesh wounds that need
patching up so, I can continue my duties.” I dropped my pants and pointed to
the numerous seeping wounds, “Do you mind?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, Sir.” She dropped down beside
Jennings and went to work on my legs with his help.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra,” I said. “Did you get hold of your
Air Force people and give the go-ahead for the attack on the warehouse?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and I stayed on the line until they
gave me confirmation of the strike. They’re waiting until things settle down
and then they’ll check inside to make a damage assessment. They said they
doubted anything would be salvageable, but they’re going to stay on-site anyway
until the Kansas Militia sends people to go through it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered what type of bombs were used, if
they were thermobaric, she was probably right. “How was the building
constructed?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, any idea how old it was? That might
give me an idea of how it was built.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about…” I realized I was beating a
dead horse; Debra knew nothing of construction and had never seen the building
in question. “Never mind. Are we in contact with our forces at the Zipper
facility?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed at the remains of the Comms
tent, “I doubt it.” She looked past me and said, “I hope this isn’t trouble
coming.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked in the direction she was and saw
Thorpe walking quickly towards us. He started talking as fast as he was moving,
“They have an Air Force? How could we not know that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged, “It was news to me also, Harris
told me just before the attack started.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wonderful! Can we call off the attack at
the other mine?” He asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we can locate some communication gear,
have you got a spare communications room somewhere?” I asked him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I never dreamed, I should have listened
to my military advisors and put it deeper into the mine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Recriminations come later, right now, let’s
find out what we can do.” I looked around and saw a motorcycle a short distance
away, “Sargent Sanchez, see if you can find the rider of that bike, if he’s
alive, we have a courier.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra knelt down and assisted the medic
who was wrapping my leg with gauze. Looking up at me she said, “You’re good,
Hon, all minor wounds.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Good, are you done?” The medic
nodded and then grabbed her gear and took off looking for someone else to
treat. “Governor, how many armed people have you on hand?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe was looking frantic, “Uh, I’m, I’m
not sure, maybe forty? The rest are at the other facility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, your job right now is to assist
your military command to get organized in case you are attacked again.” I
pointed at the burning LAV and said, “If you can, get those fires out and hope
you can salvage what’s left. Those vehicles could be very valuable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How? They’re burning.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re steel, but if you don’t get the
fires out, the ammo is going to start cooking off.” I pulled my pants back up
and squared them away. Debra handed me my sustainment belt and after I put it
on, Jennings stepped forward and held my FLC up for me to slide into. “Thank
you, Jennings.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sanchez came trotting back and said, “Found
the bike rider, Sir, he’ll be here shortly.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, Debra? How many of our people stayed
here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One squad of ours and the Marines, but I
know one is seriously wounded.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I know the Marines’ equipment took
some hits, see if the recoilless is still viable.” She trotted away as she
called out for the Raiders.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Menendez,” Thorpe said. “What are we doing?
Should we…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held up my hand as Jake Cummings ran up to
me, “You were looking for me, Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, is your bike good to go?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, not even a scratch.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, mount up an get your ass over to the
Zipper facility, find the CO for our people and tell them we’ve lost our comms
here. Get a situation report and run it back to Governor Thorpe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake threw me a casual salute and trotted
away. Thorpe was turning very red in the face and I began to become concerned,
“Governor, it might be best if you tried to calm yourself somewhat, I know this
is extremely stressful, but we need you in top form, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was returning and looked at him before
she said, “Henry?” She placed her hand on his arm, “Why don’t you go join
Maggie, you can keep track of what’s going on there as well as you can here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I need to be in touch with my people, I
sent them out to fight and now things aren’t going the way we planned!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No battle goes as planned,” she said.
“There are always SNAFUs, things we didn’t see coming, that’s why we try to
prepare for contingencies. Getting our comms knocked out is bad, yes, but we’ve
got this, Henry, we train for these situations.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be out of contact and not know what is
happening!” I could see he was starting to become obstinate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled at him as she said, “I took the
twins and Maggie to the old Souvenir Shop, there’s a phone there; we can keep
you constantly updated and run everything through you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stuttered and finally said, “It will look
like I ran away and hid with the women and children, no, I’m staying here. The
people need to know I’m with them, that I will put my life on the line and not
just theirs.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You had to give the man his due, “He’s
right, Debra,” I said. “He knows his people better than we do and they need
confidence. They need to see him calm and in control.” The last part was
intended for Thorpe, not Debra, and she recognized what I was doing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, they do, but we need to get him
informed which means he needs to be somewhere he can communicate with his
people.” She looked at Thorpe and asked, “Where can you go that’s close-by, but
has phone comms within the mine?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a shaky, but deep breath and
exhaled, “I, uh, damn, the Souvenir Shop.” He pulled a handkerchief from a
pocket and wiped his face, “Shit, I guess I’m screwing this up, aren’t I? I’ve
never… I’ve always wondered, what the hell is a SNAFU anyway?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra patted his arm and said, “It’s an
acronym, it means Situation Normal All Fucked Up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose the two of you are right, you’re
used to this crap and I’m not.” He took another breath and added, “But I won’t
get used to it if I bail out; how can I help?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need some sort of communication,” I
said. “Concentrate on that first.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have wounded people…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have medics tending to them,” I said.
“Let them do their jobs and you concentrate on your own. You can’t be
everywhere, so be where you are.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He frowned for a moment and then smiled,
“Sort of like, be in the moment?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged, we’re always in the moment,
leave it to some new age guru to coin a philosophical phrase that mystifies
everyday life. “It’s one way to look at it, but I always preferred, ‘Just Do
It.’”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He actually chuckled as he said to Debra,
“No nonsense, just like you said.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled in return.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a dull pop and looked at the burning
LAV, “It’s ammo is starting to cook off, we better…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That I can do something about!” Thorpe said
as he turned and trotted away. The vehicle was partially within the entrance of
the mine and once the 90-millimeter rounds inside started to go off, it was
going to be dangerous to be around.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouted, “Get this area cleared out! The
LAV is going to start cooking off!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People started rushing around and the medics
started transporting the wounded away from the vehicle. Moments later, a small
bulldozer came from within the mine with Thorpe in the operator’s seat. He
drove the dozer up to the front of the LAV and started pushing it out of the
entrance. One of the rear tires was locked in place and refused to turn, but it
steadily moved backwards. Thorpe kept pushing until the LAV was close to
seventy-five yards away and then stopped, reversed, and started backing away.
He was a good fifty yards from the LAV when the first main gun round went off.
Everyone retreated deeper into the mine.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe parked the bulldozer, climbed down
and stood next to me, “Wow, that was kind of scary,” he said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the Kansas Militia walked by and
said, “Good job, Governor.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Elliot.” The man continued
walking away as Thorpe watched him. “First civil words that man has said to me
since the election.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced after the man and asked, “I take
it the two of you don’t get along?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “He ran against me in
the election and wasn’t very gracious when I won.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, he’s been working on the next election
ever since the first?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pretty much.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra returned, “The FAV is toast, but the
recoilless is good to go if we can find something to pull it with.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe looked thoughtful and then asked,
“That FAV thing, is that a VW motor in it like they used to put in dune
buggies?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded, “Yes, but the whole frontend
is shot away. It was hit by a 40-millimeter round and several .50 cal. rounds
from the planes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But the motor is still good?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sargent Clinton said it was a shame,”
Debra said. “But he’s going to strip it down and take all the salvageable parts
back to Holloman.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What if you could come up with a vehicle
that could use the motor?” Thorpe asked. “I have an old Volkswagen Thing I bet
they could use. It doesn’t have a motor, but they do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded and said, “Maybe? I’ll tell him
after all this crap is over with, we’ll see what he thinks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the Marines keep their Stingers
handy in case the Tucanos returned and we set about securing the entrance to
the mine. We sent a fireteam down to the highway to provide early warning of
any additional attacks and resupplied everyone’s ammo. Thorpe had meals sent
forward to us and then he retired to the clinic to check on his wounded militia
members. Once the hectic nature of our preparations slowed, I went back outside
and examined the destroyed Armored vehicles. Both vehicles contained the
charred remains of the crew members that didn’t get out and frankly, I didn’t
see them being salvaged for further use. They would probably be hauled off for
scrap metal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra walked out and stood beside me after
taking a look at the burned-out hulks herself. “This is a shame,” she said.
“The Militia here could have really put these to good use.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, and I noticed no one is in a hurry to
remove the remains either.” I couldn’t blame anyone; it wasn’t a pretty sight.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hon? What’s a Volkswagen Thing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Weird name, huh?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, so what is it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, Babe, but I think I smell
some mansplaining coming on.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, one of those kinds of things, never
mind.” I shrugged and continued staring into the woods. “Alright, damn it,
mansplain.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It occurred to me she was trying to lighten
the mood we were in, “Back in the late sixties, early seventies, NATO wanted a
Jeep type vehicle for their armed forces. Volkswagen came out with a little
four-seater car that was similar to the World War Two German Kublwagen, I don’t
know if they ever actually submitted it for review, but they kind of became
popular in the States for a while and they sold quite a few. Just like the
Beetle, they seldom updated the design and eventually people sort of lost
interest in them. Eventually they stopped making them. There’s actually a
fairly large number still on the road and they have a pretty large group of
people who like the way they look, heck, I almost bought one once.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but what do they look like?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Most were convertibles, they were kind of
boxy with straight sides, four doors, fold down front windows, very simple
amenities. Most cars have trunks in the back, the Things’ were in the front
like a Beetle.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But they use the same motor as the FAVs?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Same type, but not the same. I imagine they
will have to do some modifications to put in the FAV’s motor and suspensions.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, doesn’t sound very interesting to me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Probably not, the Thing’s elegance was in
its simplicity.” We continued to stand there looking towards the highway until
I looked at her and said, “I’m hungry, have you eaten yet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head, “No,” she said. “And I’m
hungry too.” We held hands as we walked back and asked about food. We were told
the cafeteria had brought up the makings for sandwiches and that’s what we
had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were finishing our meal when I
saw Jake Cummings racing up the road to the mine entrance. I quickly stood from
the chair I was in and waited for him to dismount and then approach Debra and
I.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Report, Cummings.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Merrell and Major Kim are
requesting that you, Major Monroe, and Governor Thorpe bring Hunter Harris to
the Zipper facility as quickly as possible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s going on?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Zipper leadership wants to negotiate a
ceasefire.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really, they want a truce. They attack us
and when it fails, they want a negotiated ceasefire?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “Do you know where the
clinic is?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, next to the Souvenir Shop.” I guess
he only had so many Sirs available.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get down there and inform the Governor;
I’ll get things rolling here so we can be ready to leave when the Governor is.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” he said as he remounted his
motorcycle and rode it deeper into the mine.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra stood beside me and asked, “Do you
think they are sincere?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I mean, yes, they want a ceasefire, but
not for the reasons we might want one. They probably think if they can stall us
for a while, help for them will arrive and turn the tables.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, “Who is going with us?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d rather you stayed here with the twins.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not going to happen, besides, they asked
for me too, remember?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And Thorpe. If we do as they ask, they have
the ranking Asylum officer, me; the Governor, the CO of the training cadre,
you, and the one man we have as a hostage, all in one place, at one time. It’s
better if one of us is here in case the shit hits the fan.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, they requested me specifically, how
are you going to convince them of why I’m not there?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Easy, both you and the Governor were
wounded during the attack on us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you don’t want Governor Thorpe there
either?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now that I think about it, no, if something
happens to him, this place will come crashing down. You said yourself, Thorpe
is the one holding this place together.” I glanced up as I heard Jake’s motorcycle
returning. He came to a halt and dismounted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Governor is on his way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed at the food on the table and said,
“Grab a bite to eat while you can soldier, your day is far from done.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sir.” Like any young man his
age, food was a priority, so he hurried to the table and started building a
sandwich.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, you realize that you are probably
very important also, right? I can guarantee that Becker would love for you to
make an appearance.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, I’m counting on his co-operation
when he finally sees me again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel? What are you thinking?” She looked
worried as she stepped closer to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He wants me, Debra, he always has. I
believe he’ll try to convince everyone he can, to allow him to be on the
negotiation team and if he is, he will no longer be a problem for me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Us, a problem for us, Daniel.” She kept
looking at me and then added, “You’re going to kill him, aren’t you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Given the chance? Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am not allowing you to go without me,
period!” She was adamant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind her, I could see Governor Thorpe
slowing his approach as he realized things between Debra and I were becoming
tense. He finally stopped and just listened. “Major Monroe,” I said, “Do I have
to give you a direct order before you will follow my commands?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through clinched teeth, Debra said, “You
wouldn’t dare!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Monroe, you will remain here and
organize our troops to assist the Governor in defending this facility. You will
attempt to re-establish radio communication with our forces and keep the
Governor informed of the changing situation, do you understand your orders?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see the emotion as it played over
her face, but she came to attention, saluted me, and said, “Yes, Sir.” She
performed a crisp about face and marched away. I was watching her leave as
Thorpe stepped up beside me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That little lady is more than just a little
bit pissed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of us watched as she turned a corner
and out of our sight, then I heard a loud, “GAHHH!” Echo off the walls. In my
mind’s eye, I could see her pulling her hair.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, she is, but she’s a Ranger and will
follow her orders.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My first wife was a lot like Debbie, full
of piss and vinegar, but sweeter than honey when she got her way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yeah, that sounds like Debra.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How long will she be angry?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Until she remembers she loves me. Until she
realizes what I said makes sense.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did you say to make her so upset?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Zippers want you, her, me and Harris,
but all they are going to get to begin with, is me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Excuse me? These are negotiations, Dan,
that means I need to be there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and faced him directly, “The people
here need your leadership, Governor, anything happens to you and this whole
thing gets turned upside down and the Zippers know it. Plus, these are not
negotiations, you can’t trust these people to stand by any agreement they make.
Any compromise you make is bait for them to come at you again, so, no, give
them nothing except your demands.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you expect me to negotiate through
you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I expect to negotiate for you and
Asylum.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Asylum?” He asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Heinrich Becker committed crimes in the
region controlled by Asylum; he will stand trial in an Asylum controlled
court.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peace is important, Dan, if they don’t
choose to surrender Becker…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then no truce.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Governor, you cannot trust these people!
They are responsible for God only knows how many deaths world-wide. If you want
to understand how well they keep their agreements, ask Captain Skinner, the CO
of the Colorado Militia training cadre. He will be more than happy to discuss the
trustworthiness of the Zippers.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Skinner has already explained the
reluctance of the ZPGers to negotiate in good faith, Dan, if nothing else, I
want to sit in and observe the talks.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “If you are there, we
create a target rich environment, as I said, they know how important you are to
preserving your coalition; don’t piss on your chance to beat them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He studied my face for a moment and then
asked, “Are they really as bad as you suggest? I mean, these people here, the
ZPGers, surely they were not responsible for what may have been done by
others?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it you don’t understand? They are
all one organization that has killed billions and wish to enslave the rest of
us. They demonstrated their sick ideals when they crawled out of their hole and
tried to take over here. People like you? You have a target on your back and
they will remove you any way they can, as soon as they can. You and your people
are nothing more than beasts of burden to be used and discarded.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra has said much the same, is she
repeating what you have told her?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She has been telling you who they really
are, Governor Thorpe, they haven’t tried to hide it from you, that’s why your
rebellion has grown to what it is.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked away and finally nodded his head,
“Alright, I’ll let you open the proceedings, let’s see how accommodating they
are and go from there. Once we reach some early consensus, then I will step in
and work on the finer details.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at him and final said, “Agreed,
I’ll open negotiations and lay the groundwork, I have extensive experience in
the process.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what Debbie has told me. I’ll take
your advice and wait here, but keep me informed, you will, correct?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How soon are you leaving?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced over at Jake Cummings and watched
as he shoved the last of his sandwich into his mouth, “Now.” I waved to Jake
and he hustled over to us, “Cummings, do you mind giving me a ride to the
Zipper complex?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On my bike?” He smiled, “Sure.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go, but stop by the billet my people
have been using, I need some gear to take with me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He trotted away and returned on his
motorcycle, “Hop on!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, he took me to the billet and I
started getting my gear together; I was trying to decide whether to bring my
ALICE pack, or just my J-LIST bag with my Ranger Taco in it, when…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take both, you might need food, or
something else, from your ALICE.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and looked into Debra’s eyes,
“You’re right of course, I’ll take both.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ammo?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t topped off my mags yet.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started pulling magazines from my
pouches and inserting fresh magazines she removed from her plate carrier.
“Daniel, why haven’t you ever asked Danni for you armor back?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For the same reason the two of you never
asked if you could have your Bowies.” I glanced at her and added, “They’re at
the Adobe anytime you decide you want them, and yeah, I’d like to have Dan’s
plate carrier again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never asked for the return of the gear
they kept when I escaped from Asylum; I figured if they wanted me to have it,
they would have offered it. Instead of the Air Crewman’s knife Debra had given
me before, I still carried John Cameron’s SOG Kabar derivative. I considered
the Kabar too long for the front of my flick, so I wore it on my sustainment
belt. I wasn’t sure I wanted to surrender the longer blade of the Kabar, but it
would be nice to have the Crewman’s knife back on my flick; it fit better.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and asked, “Water?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good to go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She picked up the ALICE and held it as I
slid my arms in and then attached the waist belt. After I shrugged everything
into place, she raised up on the balls of her feet and said, “I love you.” Then
she kissed me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, and I love you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In bed, there’s no rank, we’ll talk there,
about this.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be careful, but when you kill him? Make it
hurt.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are so blood thirsty.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Am not.” She cocked her head and looked up
at me, “Well, in his case, after what he did to Stacey and Danni? Yeah, I guess
I am.” She stepped back, I remounted the bike behind Cummings and tapped his
shoulder, he pulled smoothly forward and we were quickly on the highway headed
west.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned forward and shouted in his ear, “Do
you always ride this fast?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned his head and said, “I figured you
were in a hurry to get there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To get there? Yes. To die? Not so much.” He
immediately slowed down and I breathed a sigh of relief as the speedometer
dropped from ninety-five to sixty; I guess I’m getting old. Then again, maybe
it’s just life is moving at a slower pace than it used to. “Just curious, why
don’t you have a loud exhaust pipe on this thing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was raised on a farm, Sir, my Dad would
have beat my ass for upsetting the livestock.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, why didn’t I think of that? “How
much farther until we get there?” I shouted into the wind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re almost there now,” he pointed ahead
and then slowed more as he directed the bike onto a side road paralleling the
highway. Several men in Kansas Militia cammies waved him down as they stepped
into the roadway. Jake slowed to a stop and said, “Hey, I’m back, this is the
guy the Zippers wanted to talk to.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twenty minutes later, I was standing beside
Merrell, Lawrence, and the CO of the Kansas troops as we studied a tent with no
sides sitting in the middle of a parking lot. There was a table under the
canopy with five chairs on the far side and four on our side. I assumed it was
for five of them and four of us. Merrell shook his head and said, “I don’t like
it, they said when our negotiators had arrived, their people would come out and
the talks could begin.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good way to take out the Free Kansas
leadership.” I responded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, what do you want to do?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
slipped my pack off and set it next to my feet while I shrugged my carbine into
place. “I guess I’ll go get comfortable, all our people in place to provide
security?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, what?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Part of the truce agreement is no personal
weapons carried by the negotiation teams.” Judging from the expression on his
face, he wasn’t real comfortable with what was going on. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I appreciate your concern, Captain
Merrell,” I said as I starting handing him my weapons and gear. “Believe me,
but we need to start talking sooner, or later.” I studied the front of the
facility, it looked a lot like the front of Asylum, it even had the same style
air plenum buildings. They were fortified better than our own, but there,
none-the-less. “I guess I’ll go have a seat.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started walking towards the canopy, which
was a good fifty yards from where we were. When I reached the table, I pulled
out the right-center chair, and then sat down. Within a minute, a single
individual wearing black SWAT gear emerged from the Zipper facility and walked
towards me bearing a white flag. When he arrived, he glanced past me and then
said, “May I ask who you are?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Menendez, ranking
officer, Asylum Rangers.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“An agreement was reached, you were supposed
to be accompanied by three others, where are they?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a lieutenant’s bar on the collar of
his shirt, “I’m sorry, Lieutenant, you are?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Baker, Internal Security.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, you must not be considered very
important.” He clinched his jaw, but remained silent. “Governor Thorpe, and
Major Monroe, were both wounded during the attack on the Free Kansas facility
and will be unable to attend. Hunter Harris was wounded also, looks like I’m
all you’re going to get.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is unacceptable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pushed the chair back with the back of my
knees as I stood, “Well, I guess your leadership shouldn’t have tried to kill
us all, have a nice day.” I turned around and started walking away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait! I need to inform my superiors of the
situation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m an impatient man, Lieutenant, and I
have an attack on your facility to implement.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One moment, Sir, it will only take a
moment.” He stepped away from the table and spoke into his walkie talkie,
listened, and then returned, “Our people are coming, they’ll come out when the
meal is ready to be placed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Meal? As in food?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” He grimaced and added, “The
Director thinks we should practice being gracious, therefore, she wanted a
formal meal prepared for the negotiation teams.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat back down, “This could be
interesting.” Psychologists believe sharing a meal can cause people to be more
agreeable during negotiations, “Your Director, is she a psychologist?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I heard she was considered one of
the top of her field.” Behind him, an electric cart, like the ones we had at
Asylum, drove out of the facility and approached us. I pressed my left arm to
my side and was reassured by the feel of the short, little dagger I carried
under my jacket. When it stopped, a second and third also appeared. People,
dressed in maid and kitchen staff uniforms, covered the table with a cloth,
then started placing china, glassware, and utensils in front of the soon to be
occupied chairs around the table. When they were done, they stepped to the
side, formed a line, and then waited as two more, larger carts came out and
parked as well. Five individuals, two men and three women, got out and
approached the table, each standing behind one of the chairs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Colonel Menendez,” the woman in
the center said. “I am Director Samantha Barnes.” She then introduced the
remaining four as I stood and nodded to each. “I thought perhaps we could share
a meal together, a symbol of a more civilized time.” She was dressed in white,
the other four in black, but I noticed all five had trimmings of red on their
clothing. What’s with the red shit?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I appreciate your thoughtfulness,
Director,” I indicated the chair in front of her, “Please, make yourself
comfortable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She waited as one of the servants pulled
back her chair and then pushed it forward for her to sit. After she was
situated, the remaining four representatives took their own seats, as did I.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Director Barnes said, “These last few years
have been difficult, but I believe we are coming to a turning point that we can
all benefit from.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced around and replied, “I’m surprised
Heinrich Becker is not in attendance.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and then said, “I assumed he
might be an impediment.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was looking forward to his presence.” The
servants began placing food on the plates.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mister Becker has issues; we have decided
to limit his participation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t see how we can proceed, without
his, participation.” The food smelled delicious as it was placed on my plate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Colonel…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It would be a shame to see such elegantly
presented food go to waste, may I suggest Mister Becker be brought out?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stared at me for a moment, but then
pasted on a smile, “Perhaps my assumption you would find his presence
distracting was incorrect.” She snapped her fingers and one of the servants
leaned down next to her as she whispered in her ear, then the servant quickly
walked to one of the carts and drove away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’ll be here shortly,” Barnes said with a
smile. “However, there is little room left at the table.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled in return and said, “There is more
than enough room on this side.” I placed the palm of my hand on the table in
front of the chair to my right. One of the servants, at the Director’s gesture,
placed another setting beside me. The cart that had left was returning and I
could see Becker was the passenger. He must have been very close by.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell Becker was unsure of himself
when he saw the only plate without someone in front of it was placed next to
me, but I had to give it to him, he walked around and sat down. “Lieutenant
Colonel Menendez, a pleasant surprise.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded politely and said, “You have no
idea.” One of the servants began adding food to Becker’s plate, but as each
item was served, he demanded more. I can’t say I blame him, the portions were
small, the size you would receive in an upscale restaurant. I suppose there is
a reason portions are usually small, but you’re paying premium prices for a
mere taste of the meal. I’ve never understood why people pay exorbitant prices
in order to leave hungry. However, even though the reasoning escapes me, I
wasn’t really interested in discovering it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picking up a fork and serrated steak knife,
I sliced into a small portion of meat and discovered it was bleeding, I hate
red meat, that is red. I pushed it to the side and used the fork to stir a
small spoonful of sauce, better known as gravy among the lower classes, into a
mouth full portion of what I believed was good old mashed potatoes. It was
ground cauliflower. I like cauliflower, but not when I’m expecting potatoes. I
ate it as Becker reached over and skewered the rare meat from my plate, shoved
it into his mouth and smiled at me as he chewed it. I glanced across the table
as Director Barnes scowled at Becker’s rudeness and lack of table manners.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at her and said, “It’s alright,
Director, I’m well aware of Mister Becker’s lack of sophistication. It runs
among people of his sort quite often.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becker laughed and asked, “Is your current
wife well, Menendez? I have never had the enjoyment of meeting her, though I
tried; I understand she is quite beautiful.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She wanted very badly to accompany me
today, but unfortunately…” I allowed the sentence to fade away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around the mouthful of meat, he said, “I met
your other wife, of course you know that already, don’t you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She was very beautiful also, until the time
she spent with me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Careful, Becker, you’re treading on
dangerous ground.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nonsense, this is a truce meeting under the
protection of a white flag, therefore, this is neutral ground and you dare not
tarnish it with violence.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up a dinner roll and took a bite
from it to keep from spoiling the moment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barnes quickly spoke out, “Mister Becker,
you do not occupy a favored position here, it will serve you well if you…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Silence, Director! You are in this position
because you ignored my advice.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dropped her eyes to her plate and started
moving the food around with her knife and fork. Becker chuckled and turned his
face to me, “These people here, they are weak.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then replied, “Like your son?
He must have been a disappointment to you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped chewing what was in his mouth,
and then started slowly chewing again as his lips smiled in return. His eyes
though? They weren’t smiling. He was quick for his size, but I train with Debra
and Danni, both are infinitely faster, and I was expecting the attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The steak knife in his right hand, streaked
towards my throat, but I intercepted the tip of the blade with the palm of my
left hand. The blade passed between the bones of my hand where the ring and
middle finger meet as I gripped his closed fist with my fingers and tightened
the grasp as he tried to withdraw the weapon; I had his hand easily under
control. I had already gripped my own steak knife in an icepick hold and
reached across above his extended right arm and flicked the tip over his
esophagus. The cut was deep enough to open his throat, but not sever the
artery; I promised Debra he would hurt. He raised his left hand between his
extended right arm and his chest and gripped his neck in an effort to, maybe,
stop the bleeding and gurgling noises coming from the injury I had inflicted,
maybe to protect his throat from a more severe second attack, but it wasn’t his
throat I was aiming for. I dropped my right hand with the knife, reached across
his lap and sunk the razor tip into the right side of his abdomen just above the
hip, before ripping the blade back towards me. He tried to cry out, but all he
did was project frothy blood across the table where it liberally coated the
Director’s plate and the man sitting to her left. She screamed and pushed back
against her chair, but one of the servants rushed forward and kept the chair
from tipping over backwards. Becker forced himself to his feet, released the
hold he had on the knife through my hand and tried to hold a loop of lacerated
intestine from slipping out and onto the table. I dropped the steak knife,
shifted his plate away, and then forced him flat, face down on the linen
covered surface. Planting my knee in the middle of his back, I withdrew the
knife from the palm of my hand, reached out over his head, sunk the fingers of
my injured hand into his eye sockets and pulled his head backwards. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I leaned forward and softly spoke into
his ear, “The wounds you are suffering from, are for my wife, Danni, but the
next one is for someone else. I killed the men I thought responsible for the
death of my wife, Stacey, all of them, but it felt incomplete, not enough. Try
to imagine the joy I feel at this moment.” I quickly reached around and pulled
the razor-sharp knife from his left earlobe to the right. By the time the blade
reached the right ear, the edge was grating on bone. I held him pinned on the
tablecloth until the tremors of his dying body ceased.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glancing over to the Director and her staff,
I said, “Unpleasant, I know, but shall we finish our meal?” I sat down and
pulled Becker’s plate in front of me. Reaching out, I wiped the steak knife
with a linen napkin and proceeded to slice pieces of cooked meat from what was
raw and bloody. “I’ve always felt the consumption of meat cooked rare was a
sign of primitive behavior, don’t you agree?” I looked over the five people
left, “I mean, even the flavor of the cooked meat is better, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Director Barnes nodded her head in
agreement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please,” I said as I pointed to their
plates with the tip of the steak knife. “Finish your meals.” One of the other
two women leaned sideways and vomited onto the ground beside her chair. I laid
down the fork as I suppressed a gag and said, “I guess our bonding and kumbaya
moment is over? Alright, I prefer a more direct approach to negotiations
anyway.” I cleared my throat and said, “First, this is not a negotiation; this
is an ultimatum. You,” I pointed to the five of them with the tip of the steak
knife. “Will immediately surrender to me, now. We will send your serving staff
inside to inform your assistants they are no longer assistants, they are
directors.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barnes said, “What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Free Kansas Forces will allow your
community to hold elections and will abide by the decisions of the people
within your facility. However, if the governing body of this facility continues
the failed policies you have enacted before? The new governing body will be
hung and another one elected. We will keep doing that until we feel you have
joined the reconstruction effort, or you are all hanging from a rope.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” Barnes, again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the two men blustered, “Our military
forces are formidable, as you will no doubt discover.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At best, all you have left is one company
of ex-law enforcement personnel. The rest are dead, or captured. Which reminds
me, you can pick a small group of constables to enforce your laws, so long as
the laws do not infringe on the rights of the people. Each member of the
Constabulary will be allowed to retain one sidearm and one magazine, all other
weapons, ammunition, and gear, will be immediately surrendered to the Free
Kansas Armed Forces.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Preposterous!” Barnes shouted. “We refuse
your demands categorically!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked to each other member on the other
side and asked. “Who is the director of your science department?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The woman who had vomited raised her hand,
“I am, Doctor Elena Helensdotter.” She had a Scandinavian accent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed back over my shoulder with my
thumb and said, “I remember your name, Doctor, back behind me is a truck loaded
with eight fifty-gallon drums. Four of those drums contain ordinary chlorine
bleach. The other four contain ordinary ammonia.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked puzzled for a moment and then her
eyes widened as she said, “You wouldn’t!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” Barnes asked. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became somber as I replied, “Mix bleach
and ammonia, you get chloramine gas. Those eight drums are enough to
contaminate your entire facility within minutes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barnes looked horrified, “You would actually
use chemical warfare against us? That’s barbaric! Are you insane?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed out loud, “Wow, says the woman who
is partly responsible for using biological warfare to kill billions of innocent
people. You killed billions with horrific diseases and that damn blue shit you
sprayed everywhere you could, and I’m the barbarian? Well, okay, I’ll own it.
The barbarians are at your gates and that blue crap has come back to bite you
in the ass.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barnes started looking frightened, “What do
you mean?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I, among others, was contaminated by it and
believe me when I say,” I pointed to Becker’s body still decorating the table,
“I have no problem pouring those barrels into your air supply.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barnes looked as though she was about to
break down, “We will need some time to discuss your proposition, we will meet
with you again, tomorrow, agreed?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I want your answer now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is too important! You’re forcing me to
send several thousand people into slavery, at best, servitude.” She looked
shocked, to say the least.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’m allowing you to save the lives of
several thousand people. I am giving you the chance to save several thousand
people from a horrible choking death, your decision.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will myself, and my compatriots, be allowed
to leave to another location?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your people, any who wish to leave may do
so, but you and the rest of the leadership class will stand trial.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On what charges?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m neither a lawyer, nor a judge, but
Crimes Against Humanity seems a good place to start.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would we be incarcerated within a suitable
setting?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bit my tongue, and then slowly said, “You
will not suffocate within a cloud of chloramine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You offer me no options.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll need to discuss the change of leadership
with my assistant directors…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re going in circles, Director. No, I
already addressed that issue, your servants will deliver the news to those that
require it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started to cry, “This isn’t fair! We
were trying to save the world, to save mankind!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“By destroying it, save it for the trial,
Director.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra and Thorpe were waiting outside the
mine when I returned with our people. I stepped down out of my Jeep and eagerly
allowed her to wrap her arms around me. She held me for a long moment and then
taking my left wrist, she raised my bandaged left-hand, “What’s this?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Steak knife.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned, “What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were having a pretty nice lunch…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell interrupted me, “Sorry, Sir, but we
just finished receiving a report from the Predator crews, the Recon guys say
there are a lot of usable weapons and gear in the warehouse they took out. Do
you want them to stay onsite until the Kansas military arrives to take
inventory?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at Thorpe and he nodded, “Yes,” I
said. “Tell them it appears the hostilities are over, but to stay sharp none-the-less.
Have someone monitor the radio in our truck until something better can be
arranged.” He saluted and jogged away as I turned back to Debra, “Still no
comms?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet. So, what is this?” She waved my
hand at me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told you, steak knife, and it hurts when
you wave it around like that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you get stabbed by a steak knife?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, let me get our men squared away, then
we’ll have this discussion, alright?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She clinched her jaw and released my wrist,
“Well, at least it isn’t a direct order to mind my own business.” She started
to walk away, but then asked, “Becker?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dead, done deal, over, no longer
interesting…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lawrence jogged up and said, “Sir, may I
have a moment of your time?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was just wondering, I bet the Zippers
have a pretty good communication facility, maybe they have some redundant
equipment we can requisition for the Governor’s use here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That immediately got the wheels turning,
“Possibly, and I’d be interested in finding out what kind of intelligence
collection capability they have. Thanks for thinking of that and bringing it to
my attention.” He saluted and then started to leave; Debra joined him and they
walked away, together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe stepped up and asked, “Becker?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dead.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did it happen?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held up my hand and showed it to him, “He
attacked me, I killed him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Senator Harris?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No idea, the topic didn’t even come up, so
that is something you’ll need to establish. I suggest you get troops inside the
Zipper facility and get a firm grasp on what’s going on in there as quickly as
you can. That’s what we did when we took over Asylum and we still had problems,
so don’t leave them room to maneuver. My suggestion? Encourage the Zippers’
true believers to leave as soon as possible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the same thing Captain Skinner
suggested.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, the people in Denver had the same
situation and paid the price over and over, better to nip it in the bud.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The leadership of the ZPGers?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around as I searched with my eyes
and finally pointed, “Over there, in the back of the truck. There’s five of
them, and Director Barnes, the woman all in white, was in charge. Best to get
them locked up as soon as possible in separate cells, so they can’t communicate
with each other. Do you have a judicial branch yet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been working on that, we have an
ex-prosecutor, a retired judge and at least one public defender, they are
trying to figure out how to get a fair justice system up and running.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yeah, even with our past so
close, it can be hard to get it rolling again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell me about it. Okay, I guess I better
make some arrangements for our guests, but just out of curiosity, how did you
get them to surrender so quickly?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I made them an offer they had difficulty
refusing.” Holding up my hand, I said, “This is starting to become
uncomfortable, where’s your clinic at?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around and finally shouted,
“Jake! Hey, Cummings!” When Jake looked at him, he waved for him to join us.
When he arrived, Thorpe said, “Take the Lieutenant Colonel over to the clinic;
he needs to have his hand treated.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” he motioned for me to follow. “Come
on, it’s not very far.” I took some comfort from the fact he was short on,
Sirs, when it came to the Governor as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, how much more time do you need to get
the Kansas people up to speed?” I pushed my empty plate away and sipped from
the glass of beer next to it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up and walked around the table to
sit on my lap, “Actually, from my perspective, they are up to speed. Captain
Skinner agrees and says there’s no reason for us to stick around, but Julia is
balking. She wants to be headed home more than anyone, but she says the
intelligence gathering capability of the Kansans are below minimal, especially
with the loss of comms here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thorpe needs to do one of two things,” I
said. “He needs to prioritize gathering communication gear, or take over the
Zippers’ equipment. My vote goes for taking over their facility and evicting
the assholes. Less work involved setting up what they need here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced at the clock on the wall and
said, “Tell him that when he gets here. Is your hand still throbbing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but not as bad, thanks for the
Ibuprophen.” Ibuprophen isn’t a good choice when you have a serious bleeding
wound, but I was willing to use it for the stab in the palm of my hand. “Do you
know who will be here this evening?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Governor Thorpe, Maggie of course, Merrell,
Lawrence, Julia, Captain Skinner, and Major Lawson.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but it’s going to be crowded in here
and you don’t have enough chairs,” I said. “Whose Lawson?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thorpe made him CO of the Kansas Militia
around here, he seems pretty steady.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Experience?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve spoken with him a few times, he
graduated from VMI and became a lieutenant in the 82<sup>nd</sup> Airborne
until he broke both legs in a training accident. He transferred to the 101<sup>st</sup>
Air Assault and ended his tenure as a captain. He’s good to go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, any Air Force people around?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Locals?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I only know of one, he was an Air Tech
Sargent. He admits he served mostly as a Supply Sargent in a warehouse up at
Wright-Patterson.” She laughed and said, “He told me if he would have known the
Airmen were going to get so good looking, he would have stayed in past his
Thirty.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, “Do I need to be jealous?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hon, he’s seventy years old.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t answer my question, should I be
jealous?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She punched me lightly in the chest with her
fist as she smiled and said, “Asshole.” Then her expression sobered and she
asked, “Are you okay? Lawrence told me what happened, how your hand was
wounded.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held my hand up and gingerly flexed the
fingers, “It’s sore, but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” she frowned at me. “You know what
I mean, I shouldn’t have told you to make him hurt, it’s not who you are.” She
reached up and caressed my face, “Are you okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t that hard for me to do, Babe. I
thought of what he did to Danni, what he did to Stacey, what he wanted to do to
you and even the Twins.” I looked away for a moment and then added, “Really, it
wasn’t hard at all.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me know if you need to talk it out,
Daniel, I know you, you’re a gentle soul, you only do what you feel you have to
do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drained my glass of beer and waved it at
her, “Refill?” Deflection, and she knew what I was trying to do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sighed and said, “Just remember, okay?
If you need to talk, if it starts eating at you, I’m here for you, always.” She
took the glass and refilled it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That evening as we were discussing what had
happened and what needed doing, Thorpe asked me a direct question, “Lieutenant
Colonel, Dan, would you have really dumped that bleach and ammonia into their
air intake?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “There wasn’t any,
Governor, I lied to them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but what if you actually had it and
they refused to comply, what would you have done?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would have tried a different approach,
why?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There were people in there that didn’t
agree with the ZPGers, innocent people.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just like in Asylum and Denver, I figured
it was the same here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What if you exhausted every other avenue,
what would you do?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about it for a few moments as he
waited, then I said, “At Asylum, those of us who disagreed with the Zippers
stepped up and did what was necessary to end their control. The people here?
They could have done the same if they wanted.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At Asylum, you were members of an organized
military, here, the military supported the decrees of the Director, what were
they supposed to do when faced with that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Organize, sabotage, resistance, lots of
things they could have done; they chose not to.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you consider them, I don’t know, maybe
complicit?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yes, they chose servitude over
self-determination; rather than rock the boat, they rowed the boat.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know if I can agree with your conclusions,
but I feel I should respect your opinion, you’ve earned that at the least.” He
stared at me and finally asked, “Would you have gassed them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It would depend, but in an extreme
situation with no other recourse?” He nodded, “Then, yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighed heavily and said, “I hope I never
have to face you on the field of battle.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not concerned by the possibility,
Governor, you’re a good man, an honest man, we’ll have no reason to ever butt
heads.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for that, but just out of curiosity,
if we did, who would win?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled as I said, “Ready for another
beer?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was another week before we finally
collected our gear and left for the return trip to Holloman. During that brief
period, we put down two uprisings among the Zippers. We put them down hard and
Thorpe ordered the series of executions that followed. The day before we left,
the Zippers left their base and moved on in the general direction of West. The
people that chose to remain were given permission to stay and Thorpe had all of
them pledge their allegiance to the Constitution. Time will tell.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harris demanded his son, Hunter, be released
because he, as President, was issuing an executive pardon and full clemency to
his son, but the ex-Senator was arrested instead. We had proof he also was
deeply involved with the attempted kidnapping of both Debra and the Twins and
he is no longer thought of as a possible President. Thorpe agreed to let us
know how the legal aspects of the situation played out, but both Harris’ were
definitely done.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holloman only had two C-130s flying, so I
asked for volunteers to drive the remaining vehicles back to Asylum. I decided,
as much as I wanted to get home to Danni and the children, I would go with the
people driving back, but General Packer ordered me home by air, he said Terry
Martin needed both Julia and I back as soon as possible. I’m ashamed to say I
welcomed the order. Naturally, Debra and the kids came with me and most of the
Asylum Militia and Rangers as well. All of the Air Force personnel and the
Marines returned with their remaining equipment, we were flying into Holloman
after all. The Denver Rangers were flown back home and after all is said and
done, it was an interesting experience. That Volkswagen Thing Thorpe offered to
the Marines? They took it and then argued over who would get to drive it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were met at Holloman by drivers and
trucks from Asylum and General Stone was impressed with his first inspection of
two of our armored trucks, he asked if perhaps he could work a deal for some of
his own. We just might be opening another market opportunity, we’ll see. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived home, there was a large
crowd waiting for us, and Debra and I looked hard for Danni, but we didn’t see
her anywhere. Once we off-loaded, General Packer and Gilly greeted us. “Daniel,
Debbie, it’s good to see you back!” Packer kept slapping my shoulder and
finally just grabbed me and gave me a hug.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“General, it’s good to be home, I’ve missed
your advice.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled as Gilly took Richie from my arms
and snuggled him close, “My God how much they’ve grown! Wait until you see
Danni Lynn and John,” she said to Debra. “You won’t believe how they’ve
changed!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra stepped forward and said, “Speaking
of, didn’t Danni know we were coming? I don’t see her or the kids.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them sobered, “Yes, uh, Danni isn’t
here, she decided she needed a vacation and left the kids with the childcare
center and drove down to your place in Cliff, the Adobe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Debra and I said at the same time,
“Why? Why would she leave the children here?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly answered, “We didn’t understand at
first, but now we think she wanted to draw attention to herself.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked confused, “Draw attention to
herself? What attention? Whose attention?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer said, “Becker, she was convinced if
she was down there, he would try for her again and maybe forget about the two
of you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started getting sick to my stomach, “Becker’s
dead, doesn’t she know that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer answered again, “I’ve sent people
down there twice and tried to convince her to come back, she says she doesn’t
believe he’s dead, that we thought he was dead before.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christ!” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra grabbed my arm and said, “We need to
go right now, she’s all alone and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but the kids?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll take your truck; we have plenty of
car seats for all the children.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly said, “Will Maggie watch them until
you get back? I can help.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shook her head, “No, Maggie stayed in
Kansas. Her and Governor Thorpe decided they wanted to see where their
relationship was going.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni Lynn and John looked the same to me,
but I hadn’t been gone very long. Debra sort of went nuts over them and said
she wasn’t leaving for long periods, ever again. Danni Lynn and John were all
over her and Danni Lynn said it was time for Mommy to come home too. We
gathered them up, loaded them in the truck and headed down to the Adobe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived after dark and there were two
vehicles I didn’t recognize in the drive. “Stay in the truck and be ready,” I
said to Debra. “I don’t recognize that Mustang, or the pickup.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Mustang is Danni’s; she bought it and
barely ever drove it. The truck I don’t recognize though, maybe it belongs to
the Fermins?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni has a car? I didn’t know that; how
could I not know that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, she has two, one was Dan’s Range
Rover.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about you? Do you have a car also?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeeaaah, but it’s nothing to write home
about.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, what is it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Um, well…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a Toyota Prius, okay?” She looked
chagrined.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got out of the truck and opened the gate;
she drove through and I closed the gate behind her. When I reached the truck, I
again told her to stay inside as I drew my sidearm and walked to the front
door. I tried to open it, but it was barred from the inside, so I knocked
instead. Moments later, I heard the bar removed and the door opened, it was
Danni.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Is Debbie with you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Danni, why are you here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bring her in, hurry!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, we have the kids with us, why did
you come down here alone?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pushed past me and hurried to the truck
where she started helping Debra gather the children together, “Hurry, we need
to get back inside; we’re targets out here!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her urgency and concern for the children
quickly infected Debra as she handed John to Danni and then handed me the
twins. Debra snatched Danni Lynn from her car seat and we hurried inside where
Danni re-barred the door. Spinning around, she grabbed Debra and hugged her
tightly, “Oh, God, I’ve missed you so badly!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, why are you here?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought if Becker found out I was here,
it might take some pressure off of the two of you, but here you are, I guess he
didn’t get a shot at you in Kansas?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra patted Danni’s face and said,
“Sweetie, Becker is dead, Daniel killed him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost like she melted, “He is? Are
you sure? He fooled us before, what if…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to embrace the two of them, but my
arms were full of wriggling Twins, “I’m sure, Honey, I did it myself.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re sure, there is absolutely no doubt?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no doubt, Hon, I watched him bleed
out, and I made sure he knew it was for what he did to you and Stacey.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stacey? He was responsible for Stacey’s
death?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded, “Yes, we found out after
Daniel arrived in Hutchinson.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He
was the one that killed her,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did he die? How did you do it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked around and asked, “Are the cribs
still in the loft?” Behind me, as I started up the stairs, I could hear Debra
telling Danni what had happened. Putting the children down for the night was a
no-go; they were too excited about having both of their mothers within beck and
call. The girls ended up making dinner and then we waited out the kids until
they wore their selves down and put them to bed. With the children down for the
night, we celebrated our own reunion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, with my ladies asleep, I rose
from our bed and sat next to the window and looked out into the moonlit night.
It always seemed so peaceful here. I was replaying Becker’s last moments in my
mind when I noticed the first indicator that something was wrong. An individual
moved quickly from the fence line next to the highway and trotted to the pump
shed next to grapevines. I quickly, and quietly, woke Debra and Danni.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have an armed intruder on the property,”
I said. “Get dressed and arm up. Danni? You stay here with the kids, Debra, you
protect the ground floor, I’m going out and have a meet and greet.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shook her head, “I’m going with you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you’re not. You’re going to bar the door
after I go out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I said no, and I mean it!” I started
putting on my boots, “Danni is in no condition to be running back and forth and
up and down, you know it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I have NVDs, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, and they’ll be handy once you kill
the lights in here. “I’m taking the silenced Henderson rifle in case there is
more than one; it has the thermal scope on it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop it, Debra, the children and Danni will
need you in here, don’t make me worry about you while I’m out there, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and slipped the prong of her
stock into the hilt of her Glock, “Alright, wait, what about the Fermins?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni told me she sent them to visit
friends for a few days; she didn’t want them to become collateral damage if
someone came after her.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, one less thing to worry about, are
you ready?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Whoever it is, they were by the
pumphouse next to the grapevines, there’s no telling where they are now.” I
plugged the earphone of my walkie-talkie into my ear, turned it on and
performed a radio check with Debra, she gave me a thumbs up. “Okay, I’m going
out the window in the alcove office,” I pulled my patrol cap off and stuck the
IR reflector to the crown, “This is me,” I said as I pulled the cap back on.
“Don’t shoot me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached up and stripped the Velcro patch
back off, “I know who you are, even using thermals, don’t you think that they
might have NVDs also?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, you’re right of course.” I moved to
the window, unlatched it and gently swung it open, but before I could climb
through and out, she grabbed me and kissed me hard.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she released me, she said, “Don’t get
hurt!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and nodded, “Relax, it’s probably
someone snitching eggs from the henhouse.” I stuck my head out, used the
thermal scope, and looked both ways along the length of the house, clear. I
stepped through the window and started moving west towards the back gate and
west fence line. I always kept the weeds cut down inside the property and
Mister Fermin had continued the practice, but I also knew where there was a
drainage channel that passed the house and garden. I belly crawled to it and
then down inside. I crawled the full length of the channel and then turned
along the fence line as I moved north. The taller wild weeds outside the fence
would help disguise my silhouette. When I reached the north facing fence, I
turned back to the east and began crawling towards the pump and henhouse.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopping, I examined the side of the
pumphouse that was in the shadow of the moon and clearly picked out the
intruder; he was examining the west side of the house with a scoped rifle. It
had to be a thermal scope because he was looking at the shadowed side. Dropping
his rifle’s butt to the ground and swinging back behind the pumphouse, I
watched as he activated a radio attached to the plate carrier he was wearing and
spoke softly into it. That gave me two pieces of information, one, he wasn’t
alone, two, you don’t wear a plate carrier to steal eggs. I brought the
suppressed rifle to my shoulder, lined up on his forehead, and squeezed the
trigger. The muffled pop of the discharge seemed more loud than normal, but it
was still quiet. I watched through the scope as the man slumped forward and
then down. I crawled forward and checked him out, he was wearing all black, the
reason I saw him run from the rear gate to the pumphouse before. The bright
moonlight and light-colored sandy ground had exposed him easily. Idiot. I
examined the rifle and discovered it was an M-14 variant with a fully
adjustable stock. The barrel was heavy profile and I knew both of the girls
would drool over it, but neither would want to carry it. It was a beast.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keyed my mic and softly said, with my hand
covering my mouth and radio, “One down, there are more.” Debra clicked her PTT
button twice to let me know she understood. Going prone, I slid the suppressed
rifle around the corner of the pumphouse and swept the distance before freezing
as a second man stepped to the corner of the henhouse and pointed a weapon I
had never seen before at the house. It was short, blocky looking, and had a
large cylinder protruding beneath it, then I remembered, I had seen something
similar. It was a 40-millimeter grenade launcher that operated like a huge
revolver. I quickly lined up and put a round through his head directly below
the rim of his helmet. These guys were loaded for bear.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slipped around the back of the pumphouse
and crawled to where the second man was lying. When I reached him, I could hear
a muffled voice speaking. There was an earbud hanging loose from his body, so I
picked it up and placed it in my empty ear, “Reaper One, Reaper Three, in
position, over?” A pause and then, “Reaper One, do you copy, over?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tempted to say something cool back to
him, but for the life of me, I couldn’t think of anything witty, so I started
to pull out the earbud when the voice said, “Reaper Two, copy?” Nothing, no
response, I wondered if I was listening over Reaper One, or Two’s, radio.
“Reaper Four, do you copy?” So, there were four of them?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roger, Three, are we blown?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rally point, Reaper Four, I repeat, Rally
point!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roger that!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swung the bolt action suppressed rifle
behind me and drew my sidearm, holding it about twelve inches in front of my
face, I began to rapidly advance around the henhouse and headed for the back of
the power shed. A man just past the power shed stepped into view, approached
the barbed wire fence at a tee-post, and began to scale the fence. As he paused
at the top to swing his leg over, I put three rounds into his face. He fell
back into the property; however, one leg was hung up on the wire. I advanced
quickly and kneeled beside him as I pressed two fingers of my left hand into
his neck. No pulse. As I stood back up into a crouch, I heard Debra over the
radio as the suppressed rifle slipped around and dangled in front of me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Report!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of pushing the rifle back out of the
way, I pushed the PTT on the radio and said, “One left! Stay in the…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A burst of automatic fire erupted from
beneath the solar array and at least one of the rounds struck the receiver of
the Henderson rifle driving it into my chest. I pointed the pistol and fired
half-a-dozen rounds at the muzzle flash and the weapon went silent. I moved
forward and crouched next to the man, there was one hole through his right eye,
I had missed with every other shot. Lucky. I stood up and realized Debra was
screaming in my ear.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Answer me, damn it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s it,” I said. “That was the last one,
I think.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m coming out to you!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said. “I’ll come inside; we’ll wait
for sunrise and…” I realized I was sliding down the side of the shipping
container I used for a power shed, what the hell?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I’ve got you, Honey, come on, look
at me, Honey, please look at me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blinked into the intense white
illumination from her headlamp, “That hurts, can you dim the light?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In a minute, I need to see where to apply
the bandages.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m okay, just got the wind knocked out of
me when he shot my rifle.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t respond, she just kept pulling at
my clothes and…I looked down and saw blood, “Is that mine?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, stay awake, okay? Danni is bringing
her car over and we’re going to get you to Asylum.” I heard the deep throaty
rumble of a V-8 and then Danni’s dark red Mustang pulled up next to the solar
array…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go, Danni! I’ll get the kids together and
follow in the truck!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go! Now!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was laying sort of prone, but not quite,
in the front passenger seat, I coughed and felt my chin get wet, then I choked
and when I tried to talk, gurgling noises came out. I managed to sit up a
little and said, “Up, I need up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“…Major Danni Monroe, I have my
husband…clinic now! Open the gate!” Squealing tires and roaring engine.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“…Horne, his eyes are open.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have been for a while, start putting
drops in them so they don’t dry…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roses, and Danni…Roses? Debra and Danni.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes wouldn’t open, they were stuck
together, closed? I sighed, no, that sighing noise, that’s a ventilator, I
remember the sound. Oh, no, not that damn beeping noise again! Shit! I hate
that sound! I tried to talk, but nothing escaped what was in my mouth and
throat, I gagged and my chest erupted in pain.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dreams, disjointed dreams and memories, what
are dreams and what are memories? I woke to a cool wet cloth being pressed to
my forehead.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think Doctor Horne is getting ready to
call it quits.” Pricilla Pringle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but somehow, it just doesn’t seem
right.” Mary Cho.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a hand wrap around my fingers and
squeeze them, I squeezed back. A gasp and then, “Pris! He squeezed my fingers!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He squeezed my fingers!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mary, it was probably some sort of
reflexive movement to physical stimuli, he…Oh, my God! Mary! Call Horne!
Hurry!” I felt the fingers leave and the cool wet cloth began wiping my face,
“Daniel? Can you hear me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you in pain?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and tried to open my eyes,
but they were still stuck closed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, no, hold still; your eyelids are taped
closed, just a moment!” I felt a tugging sensation as something was pulled off
of my eyes and finally, I could open them. “There you are! Long time no see!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned and then gagged again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Easy, easy, let me do this,” she said as I
felt her tugging at something in my nose and then the pressure in the back of
my throat wasn’t so bad. “That was a feeding tube, we might have to put it
back, but we’ll see.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeding tube? I frowned again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve been unconscious a long time Daniel,
but things are looking up.” She turned away and checked an IV bottle next to
me, “I’m going to get a fresh bag and I’ll be right back, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left the room and I tried to turn my head
and look around, where the hell was I? Clinic, of course, but why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pris returned and hung a new bottle as Mary
Cho hurried back in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Doctor Horne is on his way and I called
Captain Ortiz, she said she’d get word to Danni and Debra, they’ll be here soon.”
She leaned over me and said, “There’s going to be some people very happy to see
you, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to raise my hands, but once again,
they were restrained.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Easy, Daniel, let me loosen those for you.”
Mary did something to my wrists and then raised them and placed them on my
abdomen. “Better?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I nodded. I raised one hand and tried
to touch the tube in my mouth, but there wasn’t anything there. Below my chin,
where my collar bones met, there was a tube in my throat. I felt around it and
then pantomimed pulling it out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pris answered, “No, I’m sorry, not yet, not
until Doctor Horne gives permission, but he’s coming, I promise.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded again and closed my eyes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need to brush my teeth.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What did you say?” Danni.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My teeth feel nasty, and I need a drink,
well, maybe some ice chips?” I looked around and then centered on her face,
“What happened?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t remember?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and then explored where the
tube in my throat had been, it was gone and had been replaced with a heavy bandage.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were wounded by an assassination team,
is there anything else you don’t remember?” I frowned and started to answer,
but she said, “Oh. My, God, that was a stupid question, how could you remember
if you forgot things you forgot?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, but when she leaned down to kiss
me, I turned away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She straightened back up and asked, “Don’t
you want me to kiss you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then said, “Yes, I do, but I
need to brush my teeth.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, of course,” she hurried out of the room
and I started searching for the control for the bed, but it was nowhere to be
found. I then tried to sit up, but I was extremely weak and my body didn’t seem
to want to do anything. Danni came back in with a glass of water, a toothbrush,
and a stainless-steel basin. she reached down and pulled the bed control into
view and started raising the head of the bed, “Tell me when you’re
comfortable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked her over as she raised the bed and
was surprised, I actually started becoming aroused even as weak as I felt. She
was in top physical form, her narrow waist and…narrow waist? “What happened!?”
I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stopped the bed and said, “What happened
to what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The baby, what happened to the baby?! Are
you okay? I mean you look great, but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m fine, the baby is fine, let’s get your
teeth brushed and then I’ll explain, alright?” My arms got tired as I brushed
my teeth, and I was so uncoordinated, I actually gagged myself with the
toothbrush, what-the-hell? When I finished, she started slipping ice chips past
my lips. “Daniel, you were unconscious for a long time, Debra and I thought…we
were told…we’ve been waiting…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra hurried into the room, but then
stopped and stared at me before she began to cry as she stumbled to the side of
the bed, leaned over and wrapped her arms around me, “Babe?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry it took so long for me to get
here, I’ve been training…” She started crying harder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Somebody want to tell me what’s going on?”
I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni sat on the edge of the bed and said,
“Daniel, everyone thought you were going to die.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They did? Shouldn’t I be feeling worse if
that was the case?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was seven months pregnant when you and
Debbie got back from Kansas, your newest son is one month old, and I carried
him full-term.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Another boy?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “Daniel Martin Monroe,
he was kind of small; he’s healthy, but the poor little guy got stuck with my
hair.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing wrong with that, so I was out of it
for three months?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we had Doctors from Holloman and
Denver that came and tried to help, but I think they sort of gave up hope for
you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra sat up and wiped her eyes, “We should
have known better, you’re a hard man to keep down.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni smiled and then reached out and placed
her hand on Debra’s arm, “Show him, Sweetie.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it’s too much for him, so soon after
waking up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Show me what?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni giggled and said, “Debbie, there’s no
such thing as too much good news.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra glanced at Danni, at me, and then
stood up, unbuckled her belt, pulled down the front of her fatigue trousers and
pulled up her shirt, there was a small mound where her previous six-pack abs
had been.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
smiled and said, “No way!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Three months,” she said as she smiled.
“Remember how mad you were when you couldn’t find your clothes in Kansas?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed to her belly with both index
fingers and said, “There it is.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One time without a condom, sorry, Babe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat back down and said, “No, don’t be
sorry, be happy for us, I am.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So am I, but geez, half the kids in
diapers, it’s going to be a full-time job changing and washing them. Speaking
of which, anyone want to help me to the restroom?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stood up and said, “I’ll get a
wheelchair,” and started to walk out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think I need it Danni, just give me
a hand and I think I can make it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra frowned, “Daniel, you’ve been out of
it for months, I don’t think you should…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God Damn it! Either help me up, or get
someone in here willing to treat me like a fucking man!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them went silent as I covered my
mouth, I wasn’t angry, I was happy, why did I start shouting? “Uh, I’m sorry, I
don’t know where that came from, I mean,” I stuttered to a halt, rolled to my
side and stared at the wall, “I’m tired, I think I’m going to sleep for a
while.” That was the last thing I remembered until I woke up again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening my eyes, I looked around the room,
Debra was asleep on a cot beside the bed and Mary Cho was adjusting the O2
generator. She glanced at me and then looked again before she leaned down,
“Hey, need some water?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please.” She reached to a rolling table and
pulled it quietly to me. After she poured a cup half-full, she held it as I
sipped. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are you feeling? Any pain, discomfort,
confusion?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My chest feels tight and I’m having some
difficulty breathing, not a lot, just, I don’t know. Some confusion I guess.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s to be expected, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, I yelled at Debra and Danni, but I
wasn’t mad, I mean when I was saying it…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, that happens a lot with people
recovering from a coma, their brain is still reconnecting and sometimes it
connects in inappropriate ways. Do you remember what you said?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think so, but not very clearly.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s actually good, some people say
things and don’t even realize they did. You said your chest felt tight and it
was a little hard to breathe?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After we got you originally stabilized, you
kept developing pneumonia, and you had large amounts of fluid in the sac that
contains your lungs, and around your heart, I’ll have Doctor Horne check you
out in the morning, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really need the restroom.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll take him, Mary,” Debra sat up and
swung her feet down to the floor.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You should be resting,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m here for you, Danni has the kids
tonight, I will tomorrow while she is here with you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary said, “I’ll get a wheelchair.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait, Mary,” then Debra looked at me. “Do
you want to try walking while I help?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Please, the sooner I start
getting stronger, the better.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,” Mary said dubiously. “Debbie, maybe…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shook her head as she said, “No, he
needs to try, it’s who he is.” She reached out with her hands and grasped my
wrists, “Ready?” She asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and pulled myself upwards as she
braced herself, but I had to stop as my arms began to tremble from the
exertion; God, I was so weak! “Pull,” I said. She did and I was able to sit
fully upright. She moved down and took hold of my ankles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ready?” She asked and I nodded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lifted my legs and swung them over the
edge of the bed; my legs looked thin and emaciated. “Try and stand, Daniel, use
me to hold on to.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t reach the floor.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Try scooting forward, I’ve got you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t, it’s almost like I’m paralyzed, am
I paralyzed?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary rounded the bed and stood next to
Debra, “No, Daniel, you’re not, you’re just very weak because you’ve been
immobile so long, shall I get the wheel chair?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed and softly said, “Yeah, okay, sorry
to be such a burden.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t, Honey, you’re not a burden. You’re
going to get stronger; you’ll see.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Mary brought the wheelchair, they got
me to the restroom and I took care of things, then they rolled me back. That
was my life for the following three weeks. Danni and Debra brought the children
to see me every few days and our friends dropped by often as well. I would
start feeling better, my lungs would clear out, my breathing became easier and
I would start doing light workouts lying in bed and then everything would
rapidly go downhill. Congested lungs, fluid around my lungs, my heart would begin
to struggle and I would sleep constantly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia Ortiz brought me my laptop, so I could
have something to do besides stare at the walls and feel bad. That’s when I
turned back to my journal and started writing again. I have always written in
it, usually when I was really down, or very happy. Now? I think it’s sort of a
testament, a testament to those I love. I always felt alone until I met John
Cameron, then there was Debra and I finally began to feel like I was someone.
Then my friends, then Danni, the children, my children, Stacey. I think I truly
found myself in the arms of those that loved me. The ones who love me, they are
who I am. Someday, I will end, but my memory will still be there, in the
thoughts of those that love me. For that, I am grateful, I am at peace with who
I am. I’ve been good enough.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough is enough though, Danni will be here
soon and she’s bringing the kids until Debra gets back from a training
exercise, then we’ll all talk quietly until we are tired and go to sleep, maybe
I’ll take a nap until she arrives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-18756513774800247212021-07-11T23:37:00.000-07:002021-07-11T23:37:09.548-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 36<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Chapter
36</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Colonel Menendez,” the man
nodded to me as he shook my hand. “My name is Carter and I’m sort of in charge
around here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scanned the surrounding area as Captain
Merrell supervised the off-loading of the men and Jeeps. “Our vehicles have the
supplies you were promised, as soon as we can off-load, we’ll be leaving.”
Everything was flat for as far as I could see; a lot like the desert below
Asylum, but greener.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys must be in a hurry?” I could tell
Carter was curious, hell, he probably hadn’t seen an airplane land at his
facility in years. Then to have us arrive in two C-130s with Jeeps, trucks,
armed troops and supplies?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not really,” I replied. “We just like to be
about our business in an expeditious manner.” He didn’t need to know what we
were doing, or going. OPSEC, operational security, was important; I didn’t want
word of our arrival to be spread around.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, whatever you say.” He seemed a little
irritated, but I had other things on my mind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one else knew where we were either, this
whole excursion was on the sly and no communications had been used to organize
it. I had gathered my people with Packers acquiescence and travelled to
Holloman where it was easy to convince them to help. Their love and respect for
Debra once again paid dividends. Holloman decided the fact I and my team were
headed to Kansas was too important to send over our comms network, so no notice
was sent to Debra and our people there, not even encrypted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the vehicles were off the planes, we unloaded
the supplies we had promised and then prepped the vehicles for travel. We had
three Jeeps and two one-and-a-half-ton trucks carrying extra fuel and assorted
supplies for the convoy. Including me, there were twenty of us, all members of
Golf Company, 3d Battalion, Militia. Every man was a volunteer, single, and
with no dependents. All of the Jeeps had PKM machineguns mounted, but one had
one of Hendrick’s rocket launchers. The supply trucks had M-2, .50 caliber
heavy machineguns mounted to them, but we were short ammo for the Ma Deuces and
would only use them if really necessary. With that said, we also have a little
help that might prove valuable. When we loaded up at Holloman, we were joined
by six Marine Raiders with two FAVs, or Fast Attack Vehicles. One is pulling an
ammo trailer and the other has an old 75 Millimeter Recoilless Rifle mounted on
a trailer. They are all six trained in the use of Carl Gustav anti-armor
missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, which they have with them. We rechecked
all the vehicles, ran radio checks and then mounted up and headed out. I was
hoping to reach Debra within two hours.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could have landed much closer to her
location, but I was concerned with the C-130s drawing unwanted attention to our
presence. Packer and Merrell wanted us to remain as low-profile as possible, so
the Zippers wouldn’t suspect what we were up to and cause him, Becker, to jump
forward with any plan he might have to try and acquire Debra and the children.
At first, General Packer denied my request to join the team, but finally
relented and gave me the go-ahead when I became obstinate. In essence, though
we were small in numbers, we were a highly mobile, well-trained team with a lot
of fire power that could easily be missed by opposing forces.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, yeah, Packer informed me that Lieutenant
Colonels commanded battalions, so, yeah, I’m known as Lieutenant Colonel
Menendez now. Captain Merrell was hesitant at first about who was in every day
command, but I told him to pretend I wasn’t here, or I was a civilian, but that
was a no-go from the start. Every order he gives he looks at me as if he’s
looking for my approval. I can’t blame him I guess, he’s new to the role of
Company Commander and it might take some time to fully accept the promotion I
gave him. He earned the rank though and I’m confident he’ll step up. He has
sent one of the Jeeps a good ten minutes head of the rest of us as scouts, my
jeep is head of the convoy and next is the Marines’ two FAVs. Then the two
supply trucks and finally the last Jeep with Henderson’s rocket launcher
mounted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were maintaining radio silence, but then
our scout Jeep broke the quiet, “Q-B? This is Wide Receiver, over?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell reached for the mic and answered,
“Q-B, go ahead Wide Receiver.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wide Receiver just reached the top of a low
summit, and there is a road block ahead. We’re setting up a spotting scope to
check it out, wait one.” Our driver tapped his brakes and began to coast with
the other vehicles following suit. “Q-B, there are two armored bank trucks
parked nose to nose in the middle of the road on our end of a narrow bridge.
They must have seen us; two motorcycles are approaching our vehicle at this
moment. Over?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wide Receiver, any markings on those bank
trucks? Over.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is what appears to be a red circle
with a representation of the globe within the circle. Over?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell looked at me and I said, “The
Zippers have a penchant for red and use the globe a lot in their graphics.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roger, that!” Into the mic he said, “Those
may be Zippers, Wide Receiver, be prepared to engage if you are forced to.
We’re coming up on your six. Over.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roger that, Q-B, wait one.” We waited for
his return transmission as our driver sped back up and continued up the road.
Several moments passed and then they radioed back, “Q-B, Wide Receiver, both
motorcycles are down. They opened fire when they saw the emblem on the doors of
the Jeep. Over?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wide Receiver, friendly casualties?”
Merrell asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Negative, we can see the trucks have started
their motors and are idling, Q-B. Over?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hold your position unless attacked. Over
and out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roger that, over and out.” Turning to me,
Merrell asked, “Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pull over and stop,” I said. “We’ll have
the Raiders and our guys prepare the Recoilless and Bazooka, so when we reach
the crest of the rise, we can take out the bank trucks quickly before they can
escape.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” He gave the commands and our
convoy pulled to a stop. The Jeep with the rocket launcher pulled forward and
the Marine FAV with the Recoilless Rifle began prepping and loading their
weapons. The crew of the second FAV prepared a Gustav in case it was needed.
When they were finished, we told them to follow us and be prepared to fire as
soon as they could position their selves on the rise in the road. We then raced
ahead of the supply trucks to join our Scouts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived, our driver stopped short of
the Scouts’ Jeep and allowed the Marines and our rocket launcher to pass. The
FAV pulling the Recoilless turned sideways on the road as our Jeep and the
second FAV pulled to a stop on each end. The recoilless fired and then our guys
followed suit. The Marines hit their armored bank truck on the left directly in
the driver’s compartment and our guys hit the second near the rear axle which
disabled, but didn’t destroy the truck. The Marines quickly reloaded and put
another round through the cab; both bank trucks were reduced to burning,
smoking, ruins. We reorganized, the Scout Jeep sped away up the highway and we
followed once our main weapons had been secured. I hoped any future engagements
went as quick and clean as the last one.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took longer than the two hours we had
originally thought it would take, but eventually we arrived in Hutchinson,
Kansas. The town had one of the best-known salt mines and underground Salt
Museums, but that wasn’t the reason we were there. The Zippers had another
facility they had dug nearby and was one of the ZPG central hubs of the region.
The opposition to the Zippers had taken over the storage facility of the old
salt mine and was using it as a central hub of their own. Like Silver City,
Hutchinson had suffered from being sprayed by the ZPG also and like other
areas, had suffered the aftereffects as well. They were bringing it together though
and the population was expanding like Asylum had. Saying the population is
expanding is a little misleading; it’s not expanding so much as concentrating.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like other facilities of the Zippers,
Hutchinson had a tremendous amount of LTS foods, but had not shared it with the
surrounding people when the times were bad. Now that the people of the region
had pulled together, created a micro-economic zone, established farming
communities and local governments of one type or another, the Zippers crawled
out of their hole and instituted a program of confiscation of things they
wanted. They were able to do this by having superior military capability and
the willingness to use that force even though they were outnumbered by the
people around them. Because of their elitist views, they had little respect for
the people outside their facility and acted like it. It was the same everywhere
we had dealt with the Zippers; Asylum, Las Cruces, El Paso, Denver, other
places, and now here. I was afraid the process of putting the Zippers down was
going to be an ongoing proposition.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we approached the main gate, I brought
the convoy to a halt and walked to the gate with two men who were acting as my
personal security detail, Sargent Dawson and Corporal Timothy Tyler, uh huh,
Mister Slice Out of the Middle. Remember? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Halt where you are and identify
yourselves!” The guards at the gate were taking their job serious.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Menendez,
Grant County Militia, from Asylum, New Mexico. I’m here to confer with Major
Debra Monroe, CO of the Asylum Training Cadre.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were not told you were coming, or to
expect you.” The man was in his thirties and had a military aspect about him, I
wondered if he was a veteran of the U.S. Military.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a good operational security reason
for that. Can you contact Major Monroe and have her meet me here at the gate?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s not currently here and I’m not going
to allow you to enter until someone gives me the clearance. Wait where you are
while I make some phone calls.” He turned to the other men at gate duty and
said, “Keep an eye on the Lieutenant Colonel and his men until I find out
what’s going on.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched as he entered the Guard Shack,
picked up a phone and began to speak into it. Dawson mumbled under his breath,
“This is no way to treat an officer from Asylum, we’re helping these people for
shit’s sake.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Relax, Sargent,” I smiled as I continued.
“I would have been more upset if they let us cruise in just because we said we
were from Asylum.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I understand what you’re saying,
it’s just…You’re right, Sir, these people don’t know you, so we play along
until they do.” He went quiet and I waited for the security guard to return.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, he stepped back out and said,
“Sorry for the inconvenience, Sir, Security is sending an officer to speak with
you. Would you care to enter the Guard Shack and sit while we wait?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been sitting for quite a while; I’d
rather stand and stretch out a bit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As you wish, Sir.” He stood watching the
three of us, but I noticed the rest of the guards, three of them, were
eyeballing the parked convoy. Then, I saw three tracked APCs approaching at high
speed from within the complex. “Relax, Sir, just a safety precaution; we don’t
know you and you have some interesting weapons mounted on your vehicles.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just be careful,” I said. “We don’t want
things to blow-up in our faces, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The APCs pulled to a stop and at least a
platoon sized force off-loaded and took up positions around the gate, finally,
one of the new arrivals walked forward. He was a younger than me, but he
carried himself with a calm assurance. He addressed me as he came to a halt,
“Lieutenant Colonel Menendez?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and you are?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Patterson, Kansas Militia.
Unfortunately, we’ve had some hostile incursions and we have to be very
careful. I was told you wished to speak with Major Monroe?” He was about my
height, blonde short cropped hair, and dressed in the same old-style Woodland
Camo as the gate security were wearing. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we have important intelligence for her
that we decided should be delivered in the most secure manner possible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He frowned and asked, “Which is…?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, as much as we appreciate the help
Asylum has provided our movement, Major Monroe is our primary connection with
you and we are rather protective of her. Is there another member of her
training cadre that can vouch for you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without hesitation, I replied, “Captain
Julia Ortiz, she knows me quite well, or Lieutenant Lawrence, CO of Monroe’s
Security element, in fact, any member of her training cadre can identify who I
am.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phillips turned to one of the gate guards
and nodded to him, the man instantly entered the guard shack and used the
phone. “It will be a few minutes, Lieutenant Colonel.” He continued to look at
me as I took note of their security precautions, “You seem inordinately
interested in our security, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced back at him, “My wife, she
impressed on me the importance of active observation from the early days of our
relationship; I guess it’s become second nature for me.” We waited another ten
minutes before another vehicle, an older Chevy Tahoe pulled to a stop near us
and a young man wearing an Asylum Smock climbed out and quickly approached me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Menendez! Sir!” He came to attention
and saluted me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Ranger Jimmy Slate. I smiled and
said, “Jimmy, folks around here treating you well?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re good to go, Sir, you’re a long way
from home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That I am,” I responded. “Major Monroe?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Training exercise, Sir, she has 2<sup>nd</sup>
Squad with her today as security.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phillips suspiciously asked, “Okay, but why
does this man call you Major, and you introduced yourself as Lieutenant
Colonel?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slate glanced at the rank emblem on the
center of my smock and smiled, “When we left there were rumors the General was
going to offer you battalion command, I guess he did?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Indeed, had I been smarter, I would have
declined the offer.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slate pointed to the convoy and asked, “They
your security these days, Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes and no, most are from 3d Battalion, a
few are Marines from Holloman. They’re a good group, Slate, so watch your ps
and qs.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” He turned to Patterson and said,
“They’re good, Lieutenant; they’re our people.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patterson nodded to the gate security team
and they began to open the gate. I waved the convoy forward and they started
preparing to do so. “Lieutenant Patterson, where can I park my vehicles and
where can I billet my people?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your men will be quartered with Major
Monroe’s people,” he nodded towards Slate. “Corporal Slate will show them where
to park and where to take their gear. I will escort you to our Communication
Room and you can contact Major Monroe to let her know you are here and need to
meet with her.” He glanced at his watch and added, “You arrived just after the
noon meal serving, but I believe we can arrange something…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not necessary, Lieutenant, we have supplies
for today and I would rather I either be taken to Major Monroe’s location, or
wait until she returns; her physical safety could be jeopardized otherwise. Can
you direct me to where her children are quartered when she is on duty?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Her children?” He went to suspicion again,
“Why would you be interested in them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Slate realized I didn’t want the
fact Debra was my wife to be known, “If the Lieutenant Colonel is concerned
with the Major’s safety, it stands to reason he would also be concerned for the
safety of her children.” He turned to me and added, “I can take you there, Sir,
the Major’s quarters are close to our billet.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Thank you, Corporal Slate,” as our
lead Jeep stopped beside us. “Squeeze in and you can direct us where we need to
go.” He ended up needing to stand between the two men in the rear seat and we
left for our vehicle park. After there, he led us to where we would be quartered
during our stay and finally, he led me to Debra’s rooms.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we walked through the underground
passages, he asked, “Sir, May I ask what is going on?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded as we passed several old bulldozers
on display, “Remember when Heinrich Becker had my wife, Danni?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s not dead like we thought. He’s
somewhere here, in Kansas, and he’s searching for my wife, Debra, and our
children.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fuck! Oh, sorry, Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No need to apologize, Slate, I said a lot
worse than that when I found out the son-of-a-bitch was alive.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But how? I mean, you killed him before the
helicopter crash.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In truth, that was Mathias Moller, the man
we thought was Moller, was actually Becker.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Crap, okay,” he pointed and said, “Here we
are, Sir.” We stopped in front of a metal door and he knocked. “As soon as you
are inside, I’m going to go notify Lieutenant Lawrence and get a security
detail over here, I imagine you’ll want protection for your children and Maggie
until further notice.” Margarite Chancellor was Debra’s nanny. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Jimmy, I’d appreciate that. Tell
Lawrence I want to meet with him and Captain Merrell at their earliest
convenience.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He answered, “Yes, Sir,” as the door opened
and Chancellor, a middle-aged woman who was prematurely grey, looked at the two
of us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyebrows rose as she said, “Major
Menendez?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded to her and said, “Mrs. Chancellor,
I’ve come to visit my children.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slate corrected her, “Lieutenant Colonel
Menendez.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chancellor, who was obviously confused by my
sudden, and unannounced, appearance said, “Huh?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had only met Margarite Chancellor for a
brief period before Debra left for Kansas, so I wasn’t surprised she seemed
less than enthusiastic about me appearing from nowhere, “Sorry for showing up
without prior notice, Mrs. Chancellor, but I’m sure you understand the need for
Operational Security?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, yes, I suppose, did Major Monroe know
you were coming? She could have given me a little heads up so I could…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head as Slate walked away, “She
doesn’t know I’m here.” I leaned forward and attempted to see inside the room,
“My children?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped quickly aside as she said, “Oh,
yes, please come in.” I entered and saw a playpen that was resting on a raised
platform in one corner of the room. “I’ve been having some problems with my
lower back and Debbie, I mean Major Monroe, suggested raising the playpen to a
more convenient height.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds like something she would say, she’s
always thinking of others.” Richie was obviously asleep, but Nadia was propped
up somewhat and batting at a suspended mobile in front of her. “How are they doing?”
I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After the bout of colic they had before we
left, they’ve been perfectly healthy. As you can see, Richie sleeps, a lot, and
Nadia seems to be the more active of the two.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached inside the playpen and caressed
first, Richard’s, and then Nadia’s face. Nadia instantly became more energetic,
almost agitated in her movement. I raised my hand away, but kept it close as I
watched her, she turned towards my hand and finally grasped my thumb and little
finger as she pulled it to her face. She was smelling me. “I see she has
already developed the smell thing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, she has.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Richard?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He has as well.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is there any concern over how much he
sleeps?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, the pediatrician says he’s just a
sleeper. Other than that, he’s well above normal for a child his age.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” I paid closer attention to him and
realized he was noticeably larger than his sister.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, when he’s awake, he is very aware of
his surroundings, he has developed greater dexterity than Nadia and he loves it
when Debbie, I mean the Major, talks to him. It’s kind of funny, it almost
seems he’s trying to talk back; even as young as he is.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mrs. Chancellor, it’s okay to refer to my
wife by her first name.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Debbie and I have gotten rather
close, but I really know nothing about you on a personal level.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s understandable, we didn’t have much
time to get to know one another before all of you left for here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, we didn’t.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You wouldn’t happen to have any coffee,
would you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I’m sorry, where are my manners?
Unfortunately, no coffee, but we have several varieties of tea and there is
local mixture of something they call Kansas Krank that will wake you up pretty
damn fast once you get past the horrible taste.” She laughed and said, “Debbie
loves that crap, but only after she has doctored it up with honey and cream. I
will warn you though, don’t drink it late in the day unless you want to be
awake half the night. Debbie won’t drink it past noon.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Speaking of which, when are you expecting
Debra back?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Normally, she’s here by five in the
afternoon, but today she had to run a field exercise and warned me she might be
later than normal. She’s been working the scout trainees pretty hard and she’s
cross-training them for tracking as well. She said another week and she would
wrap up the trip and we’d head home again. Are you here to escort your family
home? Is that why you’ve come?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t comment on her question, instead I
said, “It’s still pretty early, can I try a cup of that Krank?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I’ll make you some right away.”
She walked away and into a kitchen that was even smaller than the kitchen in my
first apartment in Asylum. I straightened up, which set Nadia to fussing, but I
wiggled the mobile over her and she started batting at it again. Walking into
the kitchen, I sat at a table barely large enough for two plates and two
chairs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I imagine Debra has cultivated a few
friends since arriving?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She makes friends quickly, doesn’t she?”
She smiled as she looked over her shoulder at me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That she does. She loves people and hearing
their stories.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was silent as she worked at the counter
while filling a teapot and placing it on an electric burner. As the teapot of
water heated, she turned and leaned against the counter. “Unfortunately,
sometimes, people misunderstand her friendliness.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s happened before, has there been a
problem?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps it might be best if I leave that
topic for Debbie to explain.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at her for a moment and then said,
“Then perhaps you shouldn’t have mentioned it to begin with?” I passed her a
quick smile to remove any sting and waited.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Um, yes, I’m going to let Debra explain; I
spoke out of turn on a topic I shouldn’t have, I’m sorry.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this something I need to take care of?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sighed, then nodded her head affirmative
as she said, “No, I’m sure Debbie has taken care of it.” Great, so Chancellor
felt it was going to be necessary for me to become involved and apparently
because Debra hadn’t, or someone was being persistent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is more than just interest involved
on someone’s part and Debra is carefully toeing a line. I assume this person is
important, or has someone of importance that is sponsoring them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie mentioned you were intelligent; she
didn’t mention intuition.” The teapot began to whistle and she hurriedly pulled
it from the electric burner, “The twins hate the sound of this thing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited as she mixed some sort of powder
and leaves together and stirred the concoction in a large cup. Finally, she
poured the dark brew through a paper filter and then handed me the cup of
steaming liquid. I started to take a sip and gagged as I breathed in the fumes,
“What the…?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and said, “Debra says it’s an
acquired taste; the problem is getting past the smell in order to acquire the
taste.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good lord, this is awful!” I took a
tentative sip as I held my breath and swallowed. It was so bitter, it made me
react the way taking a bite from a lemon would. I shivered as she laughed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps the honey and cream like Debbie
drinks it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Got any Kentucky Bourbon?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed again as she placed a jar of
honey on the table and then removed a small stainless-steel container from the
fridge, “Debra uses two teaspoons of honey and almost twice as much cream.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I added the ingredients and then stirred as
I looked at Chancellor, “Are you going to tell me, or make me sit here and get
irritated.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head and said, “Debbie is
going to be cross with me, I know it.” After a deep breath she released it and
said, “Captain Hunter Harris. He escorted his father here from Iowa and took
shelter with the ZPG people at their facility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait, a Zipper has the hots for my wife?
And why is he here, now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“His father is, was, the senior U.S. Senator
from Iowa. He claims that by the rules of succession, he’s the President now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’m getting the picture now. This
Hunter Harris, nice political name by-the-way, he thinks he should get what he
wants when he wants it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pretty much, but Debbie doesn’t see it that
way. Senator Harris made Hunter, commanding officer of all military forces
within the U.S., but a lot of folks around here are not buying into it. He has
a small following, but most people around here look to Henry Thorpe for
answers.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, that name I’m familiar with from
intelligence reports I’ve seen. He’s the guy that contacted us at Asylum through
Denver.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that’s what Debbie told me and now
that I know Henry, this place needs him a lot more than Harris.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, that’s who we’ve been dealing with,
so where does this Hunter guy come into the picture? What qualifications does
he have to be the so-called Commander of the military?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was a National Guard Captain and Company
Commander of Military Police in Des Moines.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just looked at me blankly, then
shrugged.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Great.” I thought for a moment and then
said, “Okay, the Senator and his son were at the Zipper facility, why are they
here now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Apparently, when they joined with the
‘Zippers’ as you call them, the ZPG leadership initially considered him a plus.
They thought he would lend some legitimacy to their authority, but he, the
Senator, can be rather abrasive and over-bearing. After a while, he was
relegated to the position of figurehead and he didn’t like it, so he, his son
and their military police escorts left and came here. He’s been causing
problems ever since.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why has Thorpe allowed him any say
what-so-ever? If Harris aligned himself with the Zippers, he has disqualified
himself from participation in any present form of leadership role.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie has been frustrated over the same
thing; Henry is trying to build a political coalition, but she thinks including
Harris is a mistake.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If that’s what she thinks, then she is
probably right and I can only support her view if that’s the case.” I looked at
my watch, “You said she’s usually back by five?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but like I said…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, field exercise,” I took a drink of
the doctored Krank and grimaced before pushing it away. “Sorry, but that needs
a little more than honey and cream to be palatable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded as she smiled and then said, “Are
you hungry? It’s lunchtime if you are.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I need to touch bases with
Lawrence, do you know where I can find him?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I’m reluctant to try and give you
directions, it’s easy to get lost down here with all the twists and turns they
have and no markings that make sense.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Okay, I told Slate I wanted to
talk to Merrell and Lawrence, so maybe they’ll show up soon. Did you have a
plan for lunch already?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Soup and grilled cheese, will that work for
you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She started going through cabinets and I wandered back to the twins and
watched Nadia, still batting at the mobile over her head. “Hey, Little Bit, can
daddy hold you?” I reached in and she became still again as I lifted her out
and held her close. It almost felt as if she was snuggling against me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My goodness,” Chancellor said. “I’ve only
seen her do that with Debbie.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Try to snuggle closer and bury her nose in
your neck.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” I smiled and started murmuring to
her, but within moments she was asleep. “Damn, she crashed on me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a good sign, she feels safe in your
arms.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” I said. “I want her to feel safe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You may as well put her down, when she
naps, Richard normally wakes up and he’s going to be hungry.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is there breast milk available? I can feed
him while you prepare lunch.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but Richard has been eating more solid
food lately. By solid, I mean normal food that has been run through a processor
and reduced to a sort of puree consistency. Debbie’s breast milk was leaving
Richard hungry, so we started giving him the puree mixed with her milk and he
seems to be more satisfied by it. We just have to avoid using salt.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is the pediatrician good with it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not at first, but he sort of said give it a
go because Richard started getting a little thin. Now? Just look at him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, he’s a little bulldozer.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone began knocking persistently at the
front door and then even louder, “Damn it!” Chancellor said. “Whoever that is,
if they wake up Nadia, I’m going twist their ears off!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door and found Captain Merrell
and Lieutenant Lawrence staring at me and I didn’t like the expressions they
were wearing, “Captain, Lieutenant, what’s wrong?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell looked at Lawrence and said,
“Lieutenant.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, Major Monroe left this morning with
one of our squads, two trucks, and fifteen Scout Sniper Trainees. We received
word from one of the trucks, they were ambushed, three of our team in that
truck and three trainees were killed, and Major Monroe is not answering any
radio calls trying to contact her vehicle.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spun around and handed Richie to Maggie
and then walked out the door, “Reaction team?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lawrence responded, “Two squads are loading
up as we speak, Sir, Air Force has a Predator already in the area and they’re
launching another at this moment.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Merrell and asked, “My weapon
and gear?” As I closed the door behind me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Back in your Jeep by now, everyone, but the
supply truck personnel, are gearing up and preparing to pull out on your
command.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed to a side-by-side ATV parked in
front of the apartment and Lawrence said, “Yes, Sir, that’s our ride to
Topside.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go,” I said as I slid into the rear
seat. Merrell sat down and Lawrence took the wheel. He sped away and moments
later we burst out into the sunlight and stopped several yards from our three
Jeeps and the Marines two FAVs. Walking quickly to the Jeep my gear was in, I
donned my FLC and then placed my sustainment belt on the floorboard between
where my feet would be. I slung my carbine across my chest and waited for
everyone else to get ready.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir,” Lawrence said. “I’ve been where we
are going several times and we’ll get there in maybe twenty minutes. It might
be best if you and your men hang back…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a negative Lieutenant.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, my teams will approach the ambush site
directly by the road, if you are hanging back, we can point you in the correct
direction once we examine the ambush scene. That region is mostly small farms
and the roads are laid out in a large grid system. You may be able to redirect
and cut off the ambush party along a different road.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right, of course, carry on Lieutenant.” He
jogged towards two trucks that were waiting and pulled away as soon as he
entered the cab of the first.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir,” Merrell said. “Lawrence made arrangements
for a local militia member to guide us,” he motioned to a young man to come to
us. “This is Jake Cummings and has lived around here his entire life.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His entire life couldn’t have been very
long, he looked like he was barely out of high school. He wasn’t wearing a
uniform; he was dressed in motorcycle leathers and his only weapon was a short
little carbine slung over his back. He nodded and said, “Hi.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over the Jeep and realized there
was nowhere for him to sit, “We’ll dump some of our gear and see if we can fit
you in somewhere.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Naw, I’ll be on my bike, that way I can
range ahead and check stuff out before you guys get there.” He extended his
hand and offered me a small FRS walkie-talkie. “It’s set on the right channel
to talk to me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” I answered as I accepted the radio.
“Do you have spare mags for your weapon?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’ve got one of those vest things
that carry my shit, oh, sorry, my gear.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well gear up, soldier, I want to head out
as soon as I know where we’re going.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked away as Merrell shook his head.
“Discipline is a little lax around here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re new to the game, but Debra said
they were coming along.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lawrence said the same; he says these
people know their business and the kid is highly recommended.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded as an Air Force Lieutenant walked
up to us, “Lieutenant Colonel Menendez, I’m Lieutenant Simms and I’ll be your
liaison with the Predator crew.” He unfolded a map and spread it on the hood of
the Jeep. Jake Cummings returned astride a rice rocket, shut-off the motor and
then stood next to us as we looked at the map.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Our air asset is showing your disabled
truck, right about here,” he pointed at a location on the map. “Here, is where
the destroyed second truck, Major Monroe’s, is located.” Jake leaned in and
looked. “The men from the disabled truck are onsite now, but no sign of the
ambush team and no reports on the whereabouts of the Major and one more of our
own, but we’re maintaining an air presence as long as needed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cummings reached in and pointed, “All this
land was bought up by one of those big agricultural companies and they tore
down the old farm houses, barns, and stuff like that in order to increase the
actual acreage for crops, so there’s nowhere they could hide their vehicles,
but up here is the old Potter place. All their kids moved away and when they
passed, the land was bought by a hunting club out of Wichita.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned, “A hunting club?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, Mule Creek runs through that area and
there’s some good deer hunting in there and just about anything else you might
want to shoot. I’m not surprised the ambush took place there because Mule Creek
would provide some good cover to folks trying to get away. There’s a lot of
tree cover and the like.” He traced his finger up the map mumbling to himself
and finally stopped with his finger pointing at a position four roads away. “I
bet this is where they left their vehicles, it’s an equipment barn for the
AGCOM that had been buying up the farms around here. The barn has been
partially dismantled by locals for the building supplies, but it would still
hide any trucks parked inside.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Simms and said, “Lieutenant?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have a second Predator headed that way
now, I’ll have it orbit the site from a distance and check it out.” He left to
make the radio call.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Merrell, let’s get on the road,” I said.
“Cummings, how long for a dismounted ambush team to get to that barn?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If they are on foot and stay under the
cover of the trees and brush? At least an hour, probably more; that’s some
pretty thick shit they would have to pass through.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They don’t realize we can figure out where
they are headed,” I said. “Okay,” I paused and then said, “Wait, Debra was
training Scout/Snipers, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell nodded, so did Cummings as he added,
“Yeah, one of my cousins is in the class and they are supposed to have a
graduation ceremony early next week.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are they following the ambush team?” I
asked. “If not, why not?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell started walking towards his Jeep,
“I’ll find out.” Moments later, he was carrying on an animated conversation as
I scanned the map again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jake, could the men on the ground there,
the Major’s security team and the trainees, could they travel along the side of
the creek and move faster?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely, there’s access roads on both
sides of the woods next to the creek.” He looked towards Merrell and asked,
“Should I take off? Get ahead of you guys and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet, you have too much valuable
information, hang loose for a few minutes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell rushed back, “They were ordered to
remain at the ambush site because they were trainees and the survivors of the
security element were told to stay with the trainees and protect them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the fuck!” I slammed my fist on the
hood of the Jeep, “They’re graduating next week for shit’s sake! Who the hell
gave those orders?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Somebody named Captain Harris with the
Kansas Militia.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get on that radio and tell those people to
start following the ambush team, who do we have there?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sargent Summers and a private, he’s wounded
though.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Kate Summers?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, but she already says she’s
heading out with the nine trainees that are not severely injured and will try
to slow any enemy elements she comes across.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, that sounds like Kate, I’ve worked
with her before.” I looked around and said, “Let’s get this show on the road,
but when we get back, Captain Harris and I are going to have a one-on-one.” I
turned to the kid and said, “Cummings, you’re up, take point.” He jogged to his
motorcycle, started it up and was gone in a cloud of dust. Most younger men
with motorcycles generally have impressively loud exhaust systems on them, but
Jake’s was surprisingly quiet. I climbed into the front passenger seat of my
Jeep and said, “Follow him!” As I buckled my seatbelt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in route, we received an update from
the Predator crew, they had picked out our people running beside the woods and
then reported they seemed to be engaging the rear of the ambush force. They
wanted to know if we wanted them to drop some 250-pound bombs along the creek
and I said absolutely not, they might have some of our own as captives. Once
Summers had left the truck at the ambush site, we no longer had communication
with her, but if she was aggressive the way she had been trained, she would
continue to push the enemy in the direction they were going.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cummings would wait wherever we needed to
make a turn and then race ahead again. Finally, we saw him approaching us at
high speed. He braked hard and came to a stop along my side of the jeep. “Okay,
it’s about a mile ahead on the right with a sign saying AGRICOM, Kansas, in
green letters on a white background. The equipment barn is about 100 yards off
the road and it looks as though the place is closed up and unoccupied, but I’m
betting their vehicles are in there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How close can we get with our vehicles?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed back behind him and said, “See
that tree line? Those trees are along a stream that peters out about a quarter
mile off this road. From there to the barn is about three hundred yards. If we
keep the revs down on the Jeeps and those dune buggy looking things, we can
park there and approach on foot through the fields.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to one of the men in the rear of
the Jeep and said, “Hustle out and tell the drivers to keep noise to a minimum.
Tell them where we are going and how close we’ll be to our destination. Major
noise discipline and radio silence! This close, we might bleed into their
channel if we use the radios.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” He jumped out and started
running from vehicle to vehicle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned back to Jake, “What kind of
visibility will they have if they are in there?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Coming from this side, or the other side,
we’re good; there are no windows. The front, facing the road? Lots of windows.
The back, facing the direction their people will be coming from? Lots of windows.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked closely at him and then asked, “How
do you know so much about this place?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “I used to come here all
the time and go hunting because there normally wasn’t anyone here. Like a lot
of folks around these parts, I’m not adverse to a little poaching now and
again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good enough,” I said as my runner returned.
“Let’s get this going.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled forward at a slower speed and then
followed Cummings off the road and parked along the thick tree line. Everyone
dismounted and we grouped together as Jake gave everyone a rundown on the
conditions we were looking at. Merrell asked if we should wait for Lawrence to
arrive with his two additional squads, but we didn’t know for sure how close
the Zipper ambush team was getting. I decided on a stealthy approach and a
dynamic entry. Jake had already told us there were two doors on the side we
were on, so they would have to be our entry points.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Staff Sargent Clinton?” He was in command
of our Holloman Marines, was a lifer and damn good at what he did.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you any C-4?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Enough to blow those two doors open?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s going to be very noisy, Sir, how about
we try a couple of Halligan tools first? Both my FAVs have one on board.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds good, but be prepared to blow them
if needed; you and your Marines are in charge of the entry method.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aye, aye, Sir.” He called his five other
Raiders together and they started preparing both the C-4 and the Halligan
tools.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Merrell, form our people into two
teams to assist the Marines. Everyone else, camo up, check your gear and your
buddy’s.” I returned to my Jeep and stripped off my FLC, then put on my
sustainment belt. After the belt and suspenders were on, I put my Flick back on
and settled everything into place. The last thing I put on was my hydration
bladder. The actual pack for the bladder has an M-60 ammo pouch attached to it
that normally holds some food items, drink flavoring packets, a few other odds
and ends, and a ceramic water filter kit. I removed the MP-9 from its holster
on the flick where I carried it when I was in a vehicle, and placed it in the
holster on the belt. The magazines for my bullpup I normally stored in the belt
holster went to the holster mounted on the flick. I now had a total of eight
magazines for the bullpup, five quarts of water, my IFAK and a few other
possibles. I then used the sideview mirror of the Jeep to apply camo cream to
my face. When I was done, I rejoined the rest of the men.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Merrell, if you’ll take the
southern door with your team, I’ll lead the men going to the northern door.
Let’s wait until everyone is in place at both doors and then open them at the
same time, agreed?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, people, let’s get it done.” I took
off through the woods and then across a shallow stream and up the opposite
bank. I had to work my way through brush until I stepped out on the other side
and waited for the rest of my team to join me. When everyone, including
Merrell’s Team were through, I waved them forward and we started crossing the
plowed field between us and the barn. This would not be a good place to come
under fire.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached the building and lined up by both
doors, and I held up my closed fist as two Marines positioned the Halligan
tools, I silently counted one, two, three, with my fingers and both Marines
levered the tools and the doors sprung open. We rushed in and found eight men
sitting around two tables having lunch, what the hell?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shouted for them to get on the floor and
they all simply stared at us and it finally occurred to me, they couldn’t speak
English. They were forced down, secured, and then several of our party that
could speak another language attempted to communicate with them, but nothing.
Damn it!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright,” I said. “Disable the trucks so
they can’t be started, Merrell, pick a small team to stay here and guard these
people. When we’re ready, we’ll move out and see if we can intercept these
peoples’ friends.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” He began rushing about and I
walked to the nearest North facing window and checked if there was anything to
see. Nothing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around and looked for Cummings,
“Jake! Over here!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jogged over to me and said, “Yeah? This
is going pretty good so far, isn’t it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So far, see how the field is tilled? Is it
done like that because that’s a rise out there?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, it avoids soil erosion.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So that is sort of high ground and if
someone was lying down over there, someone coming from the other way would be
less likely to notice them, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I’d have my nose planted in the
dirt if I was hiding out there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, thanks, but that soil felt pretty
soft as we were crossing the field, so I figure it would be easy to dig in?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh yeah, for about ten, maybe twelve
inches.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A team of good marksmen out there could be
invaluable, until they were noticed, but if they were armed with Henderson’s
silenced .45 caliber rifles? No sharp report from the shot and no muzzle flash,
maybe. “Merrell! How many of our team have Henderson’s silenced rifle?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me and said, “Uh…two, yeah two
men.” Not enough, even if I added my own that was attached to my main ruck back
in the Jeep. I checked the windows and they could be slid open sideways.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Leave the two men with the silenced weapons
to watch the prisoners. Have them stand back from the windows in the shadows
and if the people we are after make a break for it across the fields, they can
take them out from concealment.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued organizing our team and finally
joined me at the windows with two men who were readying their silenced weapons.
“Okay, we’re headed for the creek and the woods, I want the two of you to watch
the tree line and if they make a break for it across the field, use your
suppressed rifles and take them out. Remember, they may have at least one of
our people, so be sure of who you are shooting. Don’t stand in the windows,
shoot from within the rooms and out through the windows, got it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both answered, “Yes, Sir,” and started
opening every window along the North facing wall.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell said, “We’re ready when you are,
Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We exited through doors on the West side of
the building and moved into the woods where we turned, formed a skirmish line
and started moving towards the sound of distant gunshots; Summers was still
harassing their rear. I was on the East side of the creek; Merrell and his team
were moving down the West side when gunfire erupted from Merrell’s team. I
waved my people to keep moving forward and then had them turn to our left,
cross the creek and within moments, we saw the scattered Zipper troops and
opened fire.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Zippers, realizing they had been
out-maneuvered and were cut off from their vehicles, began dropping their
weapons and placing their hands on their heads. Once again, their morale was
failing them; we’ve seen it many times in the past. I led my team forward and
we started securing prisoners as I searched for any sign of Debra, but I wasn’t
finding her anywhere. Shit, maybe they didn’t even have her?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the men from Merrell’s team ran
towards me and said, “Sir! We have your wife, Major Monroe!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where?!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Zipper officer had her at their front,
she’s a little beat up, but she’s good to go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take me there!” I jogged after him while
wishing he was moving faster, but eventually we broke into a small clearing
just in time to see Debra fire a round from a pistol into the forehead of one
of the kneeling prisoners. I had a feeling she was pissed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra! Secure that weapon!” I ran up and
stopped behind her as she turned and faced me. She was favoring her left leg
and there was a very large lump on the left side of her forehead that was
seeping blood.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel? What…how…?” She started dropping to
her knees as I caught her and squeezed her to me. “Am I hallucinating?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Babe, I’m here, we’ve got you.” I
allowed her to sag down and I kneeled beside her as I held her and whispered in
her ear, “I’ve got you, Baby, I’ve got you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?” One of our medics, Thomas Norquist
kneeled beside us. “Better let me check that head wound and get it cleaned up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go ahead,” I said, but I didn’t let go of
her and she didn’t release her hold on me. He began cleaning the wound as I
asked her, “Why did you shoot that guy?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced up and said, “Sorry, I shouldn’t
have, but I promised him I would after he shot Kaepernick. They took Kaepernick
prisoner also, but he was wounded and having trouble keeping up. That asshole
told him if he couldn’t keep up, he was going to leave him behind and then he
shot him.” She grimaced as Norquist applied a gauze pad to her forehead and
started taping it in place, “Honey, we have a problem.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Heinrich Becker isn’t dead.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, that’s why I’m here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you know? I just found out from
him,” she said as she pointed to the body of the man she shot. “He said he had
orders to transport me to Becker’s location.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major?” Norquist interrupted. “I noticed
you were limping, does that leg need to be immobilized?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was thrown out of the truck when it was
hit with what I think was an RPG. It feels similar to when my knee was
dislocated before, but not as bad, I think I can walk alright if I don’t have
to go too far.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up at Merrell and said, “Send
people to get our vehicles and what are the chances we can get the trucks you
disabled running?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All we did was unplug the PCMs, once we
plug them back in, they should be good to go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do it, contact Lieutenant Lawrence and give
him a sitrep; contact Hutchinson and tell them we will be returning shortly
with survivors, wounded, and prisoners; contact Militia Medical and tell them
to meet us to accept the wounded; make contact with Summers and tell her we
have the Major and to join with us; restrain these prisoners and secure their
weapons and gear. I want a team to work back through the woods and creek bed
with Summers to locate and retrieve any bodies, weapons and gear. The bodies we
will burn, the weapons and gear I’m sure the Kansas Militia will be able to put
to good use.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell hustled away as Debra smiled and
said, “Wow, look at you, in command and owning it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled back and said, “I’ve had a lot of
practice while you’ve been gone.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah? I bet Golf Company is really dancing
to the music.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, along with Hotel and Item as well.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?” She said as I pointed to my rank
patch, “Lieutenant Colonel? Are you shitting me? Packer forced 3d Battalion on
you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wouldn’t call it being forced, it’s been
really interesting and I’m kind of liking it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached up and pulled my lips to hers
for a lingering kiss, “Hi, Honey, I missed you,” she said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Same here,” I replied. “You’re way to thin,
why haven’t you been eating?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I could ask you the same thing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not nursing two babies.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe that’s the reason I’m so thin?
They’re draining me, but Richie is eating some solids now…Okay, okay, you win,
I need to gain a little weight, but I need another kiss.” I gave it to her,
then helped her stand back up and allowed her to lean on me as I walked her to
the creek where I picked her up and cradled her as I crossed the water,
“Daniel!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shut up and let me do this, I want to do
it.” She relaxed and smiled as I waded through the knee-deep water.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hmmm, I could get to like this.” Then she
frowned, “Danni is worried, isn’t she?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll try and get a message to her as soon
as we get back to the mine, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, she’s pregnant and doesn’t need this
shit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried her to the dirt road beside the
woods and creek and set her back on her feet, but she was starting to shiver. I
had carried her over the water, but her captors hadn’t been so chivalrous; she
was wet up past her knees. “Sit down, I’m going to take off your boots and put
some dry socks on your feet.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In a while, Honey, I want to…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sit down! You’re shivering!” She abruptly
sat in the dirt and I began untying her boots as Merrell and Summers walked up
to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir,” Summers saluted and then said to
Debra, “It’s good to see you back in safe hands, Major.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good to be back, Kate.” She looked up at
her and asked, “I was pretty out of it when they dragged me away, but I
remember bodies; who did we lose?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The shorter list is who survived, me and
Private Gerard from our truck. I guess Kaepernick did, but we found his body in
the creek. The other truck was disabled, but it can be repaired. All three of
our Rangers in the cab were killed by an RPG that passed through, but didn’t
detonate. The other two were killed in the following firefight. Between the two
trucks, ten of the trainees survived, but three were wounded. Nine of them came
with me and Gerard. You trained them well, Major, they performed in an
excellent manner under difficult circumstances and accounted for seventeen
enemy KIA.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They had an excellent Sargent that stepped
up and led them, Summers,” Debra said. “I won’t forget this, thank you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Major.” She turned to me and
added, “Good to see you again, Major, I mean, Lieutenant Colonel. You always
seem to show up when needed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded to her and said, “You as well,
Sargent. When we get back to Asylum, I’m seeing some steaks and brew for some
special guests, you up for it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, “Asylum Bock and a thick chunk
of meat? I’ll be there with my dancing shoes on, Sir.” She looked back at
Debra, but said to me, “The Major’s weapons and gear are back at the destroyed
truck, Sir. When I get back there, I’ll make sure to bring it with me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” I looked at Merrell and said, “Can
we get another truck out here for Summers and the trainees?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Already on the way, Sir. Lawrence should be
here any minute and Hutchinson is sending additional vehicles and medics. I
sent…Here they come now, two men to bring up your Jeep, so you can transport
the Major back to the mine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shook her head, “That’s a negative,
Captain, I’m not going anywhere until I know my people are taken care of.” Her
shivering was becoming more pronounced. I was sure she was getting shocky;
maybe that bump on her head was more than it seemed. Then again, maybe she was
just cold. The Jeep rolled to a stop and I grabbed my ALICE pack and set it
next to her. I finished stripping off her wet boots and socks and slipped a
thick pair of wool socks from the ALICE on her feet. Digging deeper, I removed
a pair of clean and dry trousers and placed them beside her before releasing
her riggers belt and unbuttoning her pants. She grabbed my wrists and asked,
“Honey, what are you doing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need dry pants; these are clean and
dry.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In front of all these people? I don’t think
so!” She actually looked outraged.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summers stepped forward as she shook out her
War Casualty Blanket, “Sir?” She held it up between Debra and the rest of the
men and I started tugging her trousers off.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I pulled them down past her hips I
stopped and said, “Granny panties? Since when do you wear granny panties?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She punched me in the chest and said, “Since
I’m not home with you, you assbite!” Summers started laughing and Debra said,
“Kate!?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, uh, sorry, Major,” but she snickered
several times before I had the dry pants up and around Debra’s waist. I pulled
her belt from her pants and gave it to her to thread through the ones I gave
her, and then tied off the blousing cords so my trousers wouldn’t extend past
her ankles. I helped her pull her wet boots back on; the wool socks would keep
her feet warm if they became damp from the boots. She started to stand up, but
I held her in place.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re still looking pale and washed out,”
I said as I wrapped her with a casualty blanket.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The medic was packing up his gear as he
said, “Keep her warm and her feet elevated for a while and then I’ll check her
again.” He moved away and started checking out two of Debra’s trainees.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra watched and then said to Summers,
“Kate, how bad are they wounded?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Minor cuts, abrasions, but like me, they
were unconscious when the Zippers came up and took you. I woke up as they were
taking you away, I guess they thought we were dead.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” she shivered again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lay down, Babe, and I’ll hold your legs up
for a while.” I said as I lowered her down and lifted her legs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
alright, Honey, really.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just do it, for me, okay?” She nodded and
finally relaxed. “I guess you finished your field exercise early? Chancellor
said you might be home late.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Harris sent a message and said we were
needed back at the...” She looked up at me and said, “There’s this guy, named
Harris, that basically has been trying to get in my pants and doesn’t seem to
understand, no, not going to happen.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Chancellor told me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, so you’ve already seen the twins?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, they’re amazing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anyway, the guy is really pushy and his
dad…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Claims to be President?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, that old fuck hit on me too. He has
this thing about sniffing women’s hair and he gets real touchy feely, you know?
He’s creepy as hell.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, I need to have a talk with both of
them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It probably won’t do any good, both of them
seem to think they are above reproach.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re wrong.” I kept looking at her and
finally asked, “This Hunter guy, has he tried to put hands on you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He tried more than once, when you meet him,
he’ll have a splint on the pinky and ring finger of his right hand, courtesy of
me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gritted my teeth, “He’s going to need more
than finger splints when I finish with him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hon, we need to tread carefully, Henry Thorpe
is trying to put together a coalition here of disparate groups to oppose the
Zippers. Senator Harris’s people are a minority, but Thorpe thinks he needs
everyone he can gather and Harris has made a lot of promises that appeal to
some of the people.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me guess, he, as President, is going to
give everyone what they need, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You got it, he was a RINO at one point
before the fall, but he seemed to think being a socialist was the trending
thing, so…” She shrugged her shoulders.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In other words, he’s a politician.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pretty much.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How does he expect to pay for all the
freebies? The tax base is pretty small now days.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He says we can import labor with the
promise of citizenship and simply gather up what the dead no longer need and
redistribute it. The foreign work force means Americans won’t have to do any
work they don’t like.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God, the globalist socialist crap never
ends does it? It just adapts to the new environment.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Unfortunately, it sure looks that way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, my having a little meeting of the minds
with the younger Harris is on hold?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On hold, yes, unless he touches me again
and then I’ll hand his ass to him, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I watch?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, you know how I get after a
tussle.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kissed her and then whispered into her
mouth, “Deal.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drive back to Hutchinson was somber
after we gathered our dead and wounded. The small amount of joviality Debra,
Kate, and myself partook in seemed disrespectful afterwards, but there had been
some reason for it. We were met at the entrance to the mine by a rather large
crowd of people and Debra introduced me to Henry Thorpe. He seemed genuinely
distressed by Debra’s near-death experience and hovered about her. He didn’t
look anything at all like I envisioned he would. I guess I was expecting some
sort of smarmy politician, but what I discovered was anything but. He was
easily in his early fifties, overweight, and looked like your stereotypical
farmer. He even dressed the part in a complete set of Carhart work clothes. His
hair was white and his cheeks were bright red; I wondered if he had a drinking
problem. I found out later, no, he didn’t, but he did have a problem with high
blood pressure.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Monroe!” He said as he quickly
approached. “I am so happy to see you in such good condition!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Governor, may I introduce my
husband, Lieutenant Colonel Menendez?” She nodded to me as she shook his hand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His smile widened as he released her hand
and reached for mine, “Really? I’ve heard so much about you and not just from
your lovely wife!” He took my hand and started shaking it vigorously. The man
had an iron grip. “There are stories I’ve heard about you that can curl your
hair!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know the old saying, believe nothing
you hear and half what you see?” I smiled instead of gritting my teeth. Like I
said, the man has an iron grip.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed, loudly, as he continued
dislocating my elbow and crushing my hand. Looking at Debra, he said, “You
weren’t fibbing, he’s modest!” He looked past my shoulder and added in a
softer, quieter tone “Aw crap! Look what slithered out of the woodpile.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over my shoulder and saw a man
walking quickly towards the three of us. He was about mine and Debra’s ages,
well built, and about six foot. He was dressed in an OCP uniform and wore a
Beretta on his right hip. That sidearm was probably difficult to draw with the
splints on his fingers. He went straight to Debra.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie! Thank God you’re safe! I was just
about to lead a rescue party out when we heard you had escaped. Let’s get you
to the infirmary and have that head wound treated!” He reached for her arm and
she deftly side-stepped.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m fine, Captain Harris, but there are
others that might benefit from your concern; we do have some wounded that need
attention.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, yes, of course, but my main concern is
for your well-being, please, allow me to…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I interrupted, “You must be Captain Hunter Harris,
am I right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced at me and said, “It’s impolite to
interrupt two people talking!” He turned back to Debra and stepped closer as he
attempted to hold her hands, “You should stop all of this dangerous crap you do
and remain here within the mine where I can look out for you. You must realize
my willingness to…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Harris,” I said. “I’d like to
introduce myself if I may.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked down his nose and said, “Please be
quick about it, Major Monroe and I have urgent private matters to discuss.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slowly smiled and then holding out my
hand, I said, “I’m Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Menendez, I’m Major Monroe’s
husband.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face froze for a moment, but he steadied
himself and said, “After the things I’ve heard of you, I imagined you would
be…taller.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still smiling, I replied, “I know exactly
what you mean, but for some reason, after hearing of you? I imagined you would
be…shorter.” I withdrew my extended hand as Debra snickered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey,” Debra said. “We need to finish
here, make sure my people are cared for and then get home to the children,
Maggie is probably worried.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harris looked back at Debra and said, “We’ll
need to speak together, later.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said. “You won’t.” My smile was
slipping away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe interrupted, “You’ll have to excuse
us, Hunter; Major Monroe, her husband, and I have our own business to discuss
and I’m sure your father has something you need to fetch.” He turned his back
to Harris and began to usher us away, but Harris couldn’t control his mouth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be careful, Debbie, your husband has
already lost one wife he couldn’t protect.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped and started to turn around as
Debra grabbed my arm, “Daniel? Daniel! Look at me, now!” Harris spun around and
quickly walked away as Debra continued to hold onto my arm, “Now is not the
time, Honey, please, there’s more going on than you know.” She stepped in front
of me as my ears began to roar and my vision shrunk to the point where Hunter
Harris was the only thing I could see. “Daniel? Please? Not now, look at me,
please look at me!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dragged my eyes from him and said, “How
does he know? About Stacey, how did he know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey, I don’t know, certainately not from
me. Maybe he overheard someone talking about it.” She pressed herself against
me and added, “Honey, people talk about you all the time and stories get told
and exchanged, maybe that’s what happened, he probably heard some of our people
talking about you and…Daniel! Look at me! That’s it, come on, let’s go see the
children, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath and allowed it to
slowly release, “Okay.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around as Thorpe said to Debra,
“Why do I have the feeling you just saved Harris’ life?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra squeezed my upper arm and softly said,
“Because I just did.” She urged me forward by gently pushing me as she
continued, “We can talk while we walk, do you mind, Governor?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course not, I wouldn’t mind visiting
with Miss Maggie as well.” He joined us as he kept talking. “I have to say,
your people acted quickly and decisively; I hope the people you have trained
for us can be as effective as your own.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They will be, Governor Thorpe, your new
Scout/Snipers performed quite well considering it was their first engagement
and I wouldn’t hesitate to lead them in combat.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and said, “From what I have heard,
they reacted quite well, I’m proud of them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” I said. “But they could have reacted
faster if they hadn’t been ordered to stand down after the initial ambush.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked up at me and said, “What? What
do you mean? Who ordered them to stand down?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hunter Harris told Kate Summers not to
follow the people that hit your convoy, he told her to stay at the ambush site
and protect the trainees.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe took hold of my arm and pulled Debra
and I to a stop, “Wait, if he ordered them not to follow, why did they?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because I ordered Summers to disregard
Harris’ orders and to harass their rear in order to slow them down, so we could
get ahead of them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And my people, my trainees, followed her
and helped attack the ZPGers?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yes, they did; they probably
slowed them down enough that we were able to get ahead of them and cut them off
from their vehicles. Your people demonstrated an impressive degree of
confidence and ability; the pride you feel for them? It’s well-placed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe nodded and said, “Thank you, I’ll
make sure they know their Instructor Cadre spoke highly of them. Why would
Harris order them to stand down? He must realize the loss of Major Monroe would
have been a heavy blow to our alliance.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra answered, “He and his father were
originally with the Zippers at their facility here in Kansas. Perhaps the
reason they left was different than the one they gave you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,
we have people on the inside and they substantiated the Harris’ claims of
having a falling out with the leadership there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe after leaving, they found it’s a
harder life out here with little support?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a possibility,” Thorpe said. “Every
time we have offered Senator Harris a job, he says he already has one as
President.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “It might be best to just
put him out on the road; allow him to rediscover America.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe shook his head, “If only we could.
The fact is, if we can’t find someone else, he may actually be right about
being President.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was elected as a Republican, wasn’t he?”
I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I went to the shindig when he was
elected,” Thorpe said. “I own more land in Iowa than I do here in Kansas, so I
was more involved there and I voted there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The democrats had control of the Senate
then, so he can’t be in line to be President. It would be the Senate Majority
Leader, most likely, that would actually be in line for the Presidency after
the Speaker of the House. Then the Cabinet Secretaries and I think the Attorney
General is in the mix somewhere. Geez, did we lose all of them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra frowned, “Are you sure about that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I said. “Doesn’t anyone around here
have a copy of the Constitution?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I do,” Thorpe answered. “It’s on my
shelf at home. Guess I’m in for some light reading later this evening.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It couldn’t hurt,” I said as we approached
the door of Debra’s rooms. Outside the door were two men wearing Asylum smocks
and I recognized both of them, “Corporal Sanchez, Private Jennings,” I said as
I nodded to them. They were both part of my travel platoon that accompanied
Debra to Kansas,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both saluted and Sanchez said, “Glad to
see you here, Lieutenant Colonel. Major Monroe, happy to see you safe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled and said, “Thanks, guys, is
Maggie inside?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door and the three of us
entered and found Chancellor in the kitchen. Debra went straight to the playpen
and started talking to the twins; Thorpe approached Chancellor and said, “Miss
Maggie, you’re looking on top of things, as usual.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She actually blushed as she said, “Hello,
Henry.” There appeared to be some action going on I wasn’t aware of. I left
them to it and joined Debra with the twins.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everything copasetic?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always, Maggie is a wonderful nanny.” Both
of the kids were squirming around as she picked up Richie and handed him to me,
then she picked up Nadia and cradled her as she stroked her cheek with a
fingertip. “It’s kind of handy having you here,” she said. “Usually I’m trying
to hold both at the same time when I come home.” She watched Richie for a
moment and added, “Yeah, they’re a little confused, they can smell both of us
and want both of us.” She laughed and said, “Sit down, Hon, I’m going to give them
both to you while I take a shower and clean up, then it’s time to feed the
beasts.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat and she did hand me Nadia before
leaving the room. A few minutes later, I could hear her in the shower and then
she returned dressed in clean clothes and a baby blanket she positioned to
cover herself as she started nursing Nadia. I noticed Thorpe kept his back to
her until Maggie suggested he have a seat in the Livingroom while she brought
hot tea for everyone. She placed my cup of tea on an end table and handed me a
baby bottle with a dark, thick mixture in in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is Richard’s puree and milk, once he
finishes with this, Nadia will be done and Debbie can top him off.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled as he latched on to the bottle
nipple and said, “Wow, he’s a little glutton.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra
was leaning back in her chair with her eyes closed as she said, “Yeah? Try
being the one he’s nursing from.” She brought her head forward and smiled at
me, “He’s better now with the puree, but boy does his poop stink.” I sat there
staring at her for a moment and finally, she asked, “What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Earlier, when we were by the creek, did you
say Harris sent you a message and told you to end your training exercise
early?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, he said Governor Thorpe wanted a
meeting with all the military leadership as soon as possible, so I cut it short
and we headed back here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe perked up from the quiet conversation
he was having with Maggie and said, “What was that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The meeting you wanted me to attend,” Debra
said. “was it cancelled, or did you go with it even though I wasn’t there?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe was obviously confused, “I have no
idea what you’re talking about.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Harris called me in the field and…” She
faded out as she looked at me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and handed Richie to Maggie, “It
was a setup, he waited until the timing was advantageous and sent you into an
ambush, probably for Becker.” I walked to the door and opened it, “Sanchez,
Jennings.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both came to attention, “Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a good chance we could come under
attack here within the mine and you two are sitting targets out here.” I looked
around and then pointed, “See that equipment over there?” It looked as though
it had been mining equipment before being relegated to a museum display, but it
was a good fifty yards away and looked substantial.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take cover there and watch the door. If
anyone attempts to assault the entrance of the Major’s quarters, shoot to
kill.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, do you have an idea who the
opposing force might be?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Possibly Hunter Harris, if you see him, or
any of his men, don’t hesitate to shoot if they demonstrate any form of hostile
intent.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” He gathered Jennings to him and
they jogged away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stepping back inside, I closed the door and
drew the MP9 from my holster and checked to make sure it was good to go.
“Maggie,” I said. “Debra and I will be leaving shortly and I want you to be
very careful who you open the door for. The two men who were outside? They’re
still out there, but not as noticeable and therefore easy targets.” She looked
nervous and I turned to Thorpe, “Governor Thorpe, would you prefer to remain
here with Maggie, or go with Debra and I?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would rather be here for Maggie, but if
you’re planning what I suspect, you will need someone with authority from here.
We are allies, but you are still in my domain and have no official authority to
arrest Hunter Harris.” He pulled open his jacket and reached into one of the
interior pockets. When he withdrew his hand, it contained a small semi-automatic
pistol, “Maggie, this is the gun you’ve been shooting with me at the range,” he
handed it to her and then a spare magazine. “Keep it handy and don’t open the
door without it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about you, Henry?” She accepted the
pistol and tucked it into a pocket on the front of her apron.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached into an exterior pocket and
extracted an old and worn looking Colt 1911, “I still have my dad’s old gun. It
may not be as high speed as some of the newer plastic guns, but it still works
fine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been on the receiving end of one of
those,” I said. “And I can attest to the fact they work quite well.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe’s eyebrows rose and he said, “You’ve
been shot with a .45 round?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yeah, two to the chest,” I
pointed at the notch in top of my right ear, “Luckily, he missed the one to the
head.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn,” he replied. “How did you survive the
other two?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bullet proof vest, but I still spent two
weeks under a doctor’s care and if not for Debra’s and Danni’s actions, I
wouldn’t be here at all.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra interrupted, “Can we not talk about
that, please?” She still gets upset about the whole incident. She finished up
with Nadia, cleaned her breast, put it away and exposed the second for Richard
who had finished his puree, but was still fussing for more. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, Babe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s just…I don’t like feeling helpless.”
She settled Richie and he attacked her nipple the way he had the bottle. She
grimaced, but didn’t say anything else.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, why don’t you stay here while the
Governor and I hunt up Harris?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’m not letting you out of my sight;
when Richie is done, I’ll change into appropriate clothes and we can go get my
gear. Then, WE, will hunt up Harris.” The emphasis on, we, was a warning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.” I’ve gotten a little smarter over the
years; I glanced at Thorpe and he hid a smile behind his hand. Thorpe,
Chancellor and I talked quietly for a while and then Debra finished with
Richie. Maggie took over preparing the twins for bed and was finishing up when
Debra came out of the bedroom dressed in her normal cammies.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m ready, Maggie, are you good here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but you three be careful out there,
I’ve never cared for either of the Harris’s.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked outside, I touched bases with
Sanchez and then we left for the Asylum billet. When we arrived, Sargent
Summers was the first to see us coming and waved us over to where she was
sitting at a table. She stood, saluted, and then pointed to the rifle that was
disassembled in front of her; I recognized Debra’s weapon immediately.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major, I just finished cleaning your rifle
and was preparing to slap it back together. Would you prefer to do it
yourself?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded as she sat down where Kate had
been moments before, “Yes, please, and thank you, Sargent. What’s the word on
our wounded?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Myself, and Gerard are under concussion
protocol, along with several of the trainees. Only one of the trainees is
serious enough to be hospitalized, the rest of us are just minor wounds.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time Summers finished, Debra had her
rifle reassembled, impressive. “The rest of my gear and my sidearm?” She asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, I gathered everything; one of
the prisoners had your sidearm, which I recognized from the wear, where your
shoulder stock attaches to the weapons grip. “I’ll get it all as soon as you’re
ready.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m ready now, Kate.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.” She trotted away as I looked
around for Captain Merrell. When I saw him, he was walking towards the three of
us with Lieutenant Lawrence by his side.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain, Lieutenant, we have a new mission,”
I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir,” Merrell stated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gather all our personnel, gear up, and then
standby, I’m taking a team and arresting Captain Hunter Harris, who we suspect
may have been involved with the staging of the ambush today. I want our entire
unit prepared for possible action if required.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
Sir, I was going to bring your gear to Major Monroe’s quarters, but since
you’re here, I’ll bring it to you now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Captain.” Merrell trotted away
as he started shouting orders to the Asylum Rangers and Militia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe said, “I need to gather up some of my
militia, if I allow you folks to do the dirty work for us, it’s not going to
look good.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded as I said, “I agree, Governor,
also, if your people take part, perhaps even perform the actual arrest, it will
lend credibility to your administration.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll make a phone call and be right back.”
He walked quickly away and I saw Debra speaking with the Lieutenant commanding
the Air Force detachment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked back and stood beside me as she
said, “They wanted to know if they were needed, I told them to make sure their
two predators were ready to be deployed if necessary, but otherwise continue
with their normal procedures.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, where are the Denver Rangers
billeted?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not too far from here,” she answered. “They’re
the ones involved primarily with training the majority of the Kansas troops. Do
you think it might be a good idea to give them a heads up?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely, those people have a lot of
experience with this kind of shit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started walking away as she said, “I’ll
get hold of Captain Skinner and bring him up to speed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to Lieutenant Lawrence and said,
“Sanchez and…” From somewhere, deeper inside of the mine, I heard a flurry of
gunfire as Merrell returned with my Flick and carbine. I grabbed my FLC from
Merrell and put it on as Debra ran back to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel!?” I knew what she was thinking, I
was thinking the same thing myself, the children!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouted to both Merrell and Lawrence, as I
started running back into the depths of the mine, “Bring a squad to the Major’s
quarters!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra limped as she ran beside me and we
both readied our weapons for what we feared might be happening. Harris might be
trying to take our children; what better bargaining chip could there be? It
didn’t take us long, as we approached the front of Debra’s quarters, I could
see a truck parked in front and several bodies scattered about that were
wearing OCP camo with MP armbands. The men Harris commanded were Military
Police, so I brought my carbine to my shoulder as I slowed my approach and then
grabbed Debra’s shirt sleeve as she tried to hurry past me, “Babe! Slow down,
let’s not run into an ambush!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did and then I heard Sanchez,
“Friendlies here!” I looked over the sights of my bullpup and saw both him and
Jennings stand up and begin to approach from behind the equipment where I had
sent them. “Looks like your caution was on target, Sir.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Report,” Debra said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The truck,” Sanchez started. “Pulled up and
the MPs bailed out the back and went straight to the door and tried to open it.
Once they realized it was locked from inside, they deployed a breaching ram and
started to pound on it, that’s when we opened up and took them out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well done, Corporal, they never breached
the door?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, we remained hidden in case there
were follow-on attempts.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra went to the door and pounded on it as
she shouted, “Maggie! It’s Debbie! Open the door!” It was quiet for a moment
and Debra started to hit the door with her fist again as it opened, “Maggie!
It’s alright now, are the kids okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maggie was holding the pistol Thorpe had
given her, “Yes, they’re fine now. They were scared by the banging on the door,
and then the shooting, but they’re okay now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra rushed inside and I followed closely
as she went to the playpen and leaned over talking softly to the twins. I
rested my hand on Maggie’s shoulder as she started to visibly shake, “You did
exactly as we asked of you, Maggie, thank you.” She nodded, and then walked to
the couch and sat down as she placed the pistol next to her hip. I joined Debra
to look the children over and realized Debra was crying.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When is it going to stop?” She muttered.
“Will it ever stop?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, if Becker finally gets to me, or I
kill him and everyone tied to him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head, “No, he’s just part of
the problem, he’s just a small cog, the whole machine needs to be torn down.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, Babe, it seems like some of
them have had enough of him, they tried to end him at El Paso.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did they? They’re after you, Daniel, and
they’ll use anything, and anyone, to get to you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, it was Becker, he’s pissed because I
killed his son.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned around and looked at me, “God,
how can you be so smart and yet so oblivious? You still see yourself as some
little kid that no one thought was worth having. You need to stop it, Daniel!
You are too important! Start realizing it before it’s too late!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s it going to take for you to wake
up!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Begging your pardon, Sir,” Sanchez said
from behind me, I turned around thinking he was going to give me an update.
“The Major is right. A lot of your people take chances just to ensure your
safety.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? Nonsense!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember El Paso?” He asked. “You probably don’t
remember, but when we were first entering that hotel? I was the guy that
stepped in front of you to keep you from reaching out to open that glass door
and exposing yourself to enemy fire, so Fousekis could toss in that grenade.
Remember how Fousekis bit your ass for screwing up our SOP? She was worried
about something happening to you on her watch, we all were.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But…” Outside, I heard Captain Merrell
giving orders to load the bodies in the truck and clear the area.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded her head to Sanchez and he
continued, “Sir, there’s not a single Ranger in the travel platoon that won’t
follow you to hell and back, and we will do everything we can to protect you,
while we do it. I wasn’t with the Rangers when you killed Karl Becker, the way
you snuck off and did it on your own so no one else could be hurt, but I’ve
heard the story. I was Militia when you held the Air Control Tower with Nadia
Morrison, and ensured the people from Holloman knew where to land. I’ve heard
the story of Stacey Menendez’s death and how you got revenge for her. I was
there when you killed that guy that had Major Danni Monroe, you killed them,
all of them, with a gun taped to your neck and then walked out of the burning
helicopter crash with a knife stuck in your leg.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra frowned at me and said, “A knife in
your leg? Okay, that’s one I haven’t heard…yet.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned in return and said, “Don’t ask me,
I don’t remember very much after the actual crash.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sanchez laughed and said, “Yes, Ma’am, he
had that gun taped off to his neck and it kept swinging around and hitting him
in the face, so he asked…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sanchez,” I said. “Check and see if Merrell
needs any help policing the dead MPs.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to attention and saluted, “Yes,
Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before he could leave, Debra said, “Sargent,
we’ll continue this discussion later.” It took me a moment to realize she had
just addressed him as, Sargent, instead of Corporal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at me and then said to her,
“Looking forward to it, Major.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked back at me and said, “Why was there
a knife in your leg?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh…” I started to answer, but Merrell
walked into the apartment and then hurried to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have Hunter Harris, but the Senator
escaped. I’m guessing he was in on it also.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra and I both asked, “Where?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He tried to ram the front gate, but
discovered it was a lot sturdier than he thought.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“His men?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re being held by the Kansas Militia,
but Thorpe says some of them have previously asked to join the Militia and
leave Captain Harris. They didn’t much care for a lot of what he has been
doing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good for them, but keep an eye on them,” I
said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure they will, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take us to him,” Debra said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, why don’t you stay here with the kids
and I’ll…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes turned icy as she started, “Dan,
don’t even think…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held up my hand and she stopped, “Alright,
relax, I just wanted to make sure the children were properly cared for and
protected until we have a good handle on this. I’m sure Sanchez and Jennings
will be willing to continue watching the Kids and Maggie for a little while
longer.” I didn’t know if I could play on her guilt for walking away from the
children after they were so obviously in danger, but I figured it was worth a
try. She squinted at me and started to respond, but then shut her mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Merrell,” I said. “Can you take us
to where Harris is being held?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, we have a side-by-side waiting.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped to the side and swept my hand
towards the door as I looked at Debra, inviting her to go first. She walked out
and I followed her to the side-by-side where she slid into the rear seat and
then over farther as I slid in beside her. Merrell sat in the front passenger
side and one of our Militia, who was sitting behind the wheel, started the
motor and began to drive away. Debra looked over her shoulder anxiously and
then said, “Stop!” Which the driver did, she looked at me with a steady gaze,
“No, bull shit, Daniel, we have to send a message, a message they will
understand.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They cannot use children like this, we
wouldn’t and we will not stand for it under any circumstance!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Agreed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grabbed me and kissed me, hard, “I’ll be
here waiting for you, don’t take too long, or I’ll come looking for you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She slid out the opposite side of the
vehicle and started walking back to her quarters. I watched as the driver
pulled away and saw her talk to Sanchez and Jennings before they began walking
back to the spot I had sent them before. Debra turned around and watched us
drive away until we turned a corner and I couldn’t see her any longer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell said, “The Major is incensed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I said. “I guess that’s one way to
describe her emotional state, but I can think of others that are more adept and
profane.” I leaned forward and asked, “Does this place have a maintenance
department like we have in Asylum?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Swing by it, there’s some tools and
materials I believe will be handy when we talk to Harris.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harris was being held in a small windowless
room when we finally arrived. There were two chairs in the room positioned on
opposite sides of a medium sized table with a wooden top. Good, that wooden tabletop
would prove handy. He was sitting on the other side of the table, facing the
door as I walked in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Under the Geneva Conventions…” I set the
bucket I was carrying on the floor and then reached across and slapped his face
as hard as I could.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Number one, Geneva is an historical
footnote,” I said as a shocked expression spread across his face. I’m willing
to wager it had been a very long time since he had been struck.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gathered himself and said, “You fucking
idiot! Do you know who I am? I’m the son of the President of the United States!
I have certain rights and privileges that transcend…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slapped him again, “Number two, Daddy’s
not here, you are, and he left you behind.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I motioned and Captain Merrell and Corporal
McMahan walked around the table, pulled him up by his arms handcuffed behind
his back and then bent him over the table. They quickly tied his wrists
separately with extended lengths of Paracord and then removed the cuffs as I
started cutting plumbers tape into various lengths. Plumbers tape, sometimes
called hanger strap, is a roll of soft metal about three quarters of an inch
wide with two different sizes of holes perforating the length. McMahan took one
of the lengths of Paracord and stretched it taunt as I placed a length of
plumber’s tape over Harris’ wrist and used a battery powered drill motor to run
two screws through the appropriate holes and into the wooden tabletop. His
wrist was completely immobilized. We followed up with additional straps at his
elbows and his other wrist. When I told him to spread his fingers so I could
strap each one down individually, he balked, closed his hands into fists and
refused. I used a pair of pliars on his earlobe to give him the proper
incentive. Eventually, I finished securing him and turned to my two helpers,
“The two of you might want to leave now; this is going to be unpleasant.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell frowned and said, “Sir, I may not
like what I think is about to happen, but these people have done a lot worse
when given the chance. I’m willing to go the distance with you.” Behind him,
McMahan nodded in agreement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, both of you, but no, this is on
me and only me. Go on, step outside.” I waited until they left the room and
then pulled a butane torch out of my bucket of materials. I cracked the valve,
ignited the burner, and then stood it on end on the table.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harris nervously asked, “What are you going
to do with that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“First aid, so you don’t lose too much blood
and pass out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What do you mean?” Instead of
answering, I tore off the splints on the two broken fingers Debra had gifted
him with. “Aw, Shit! Those are broken god damn it! That bitch you call your
wife…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled the tin snips back out of the
bucket, open them, dropped the points on each side of the first joint of the
right pinky finger and squeezed the handle. The first section of his pinky
popped off as he screeched. I picked up the torch and applied the blue flame to
the stub of his little finger; he screeched even louder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t have to do that! All you had to
do was…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shut up! You are responsible for the deaths
of a lot of good people today, people who were supposed to be your allies! You
tried to kidnap my children, so you could give them to a sick motherfucker that
wanted to torture them! Don’t start whining and whimpering, Hunter; this is
your doing and yours alone!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know! I didn’t know he was going
to do that!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lost the next joint of the pinky. Once it
was cauterized, I said, “There are fifteen finger and thumb joints on each
hand, Harris. In case your arithmetic skills are eluding you, that’s a total of
thirty. So far, you’ve experienced two, do you have anything you want to tell
me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An hour later, I walked out of the room and
found Merrell, McMahan, several Kansas Militiamen and Henry Thorpe waiting for
me. I looked at Thorpe and said, “You can have him now, but we need to talk
immediately.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thorpe didn’t respond, he just stared at me
before turning to one of his men and nodding towards the open door behind me.
The Militiamen entered the room and Thorpe turned back to me, “I’m very
uncomfortable with what has happened here this evening; I started this movement
to stop this kind of activity, not to become complicit in it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your discomfort is admiral, Governor, and
believe me, I agree with you; we shouldn’t have to debase ourselves, or become
things we despise in order to survive, but that’s the key difference between us
and them, the Zippers. I do what I must in order to survive; the Zippers do it
in order to gain and keep, control. Who has the moral high ground, Governor?”
In the room behind me, I could hear the drill motor being used to remove the
screws from the bands holding Hunter Harris restrained. The scent of burnt
flesh drifted out and Thorpe grimaced.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You burned him?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To stop the bleeding.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To torture him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“An added benefit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is unacceptable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I unzipped the front of my FLC and removed
it, I then handed it to Merrell and removed my smock, which I also handed to
Merrell. Pulling my tee-shirt up, I exposed my chest and abdomen to Thorpe,
“Interesting scarring, isn’t it, Governor Thorpe?” He glanced down and then
back to my eyes as he frowned and then took a longer look at the scars as I
said, “Heinrich Becker’s son did this to me. Heinrich Becker then did the same
thing to Major Danni Monroe in order to get his hands on me; he wanted Debra,
so he could do the same thing to her. He tried to kidnap my children and I can
only assume he would have done the same to them. Are all the leadership of the
Zippers like him? Apparently not, because they seemed to have tried to kill him
in El Paso, but now, here he is again, working for someone else in the Zipper
leadership.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we commit the same atrocities as they,
we are as bad as they.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve heard the same argument before,
Governor, and every time the result is the same; good people die and the
Zippers keep doing do the exact same shit again.” I watched as Harris was
escorted past us. He was cradling his left hand as he whimpered and looked at
me fearfully. The only thing he was missing was the first two joints of his
little finger; it hadn’t been necessary to snip off anything else. “I can see
you have no interest in dealing with me further, Governor, so I will be
returning to Asylum as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ll give the
information Harris provided to Captain Merrell and he can relay it to you,
agreed?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What you did here, in the best possible
light, would be considered a criminal act. I’m wondering if I should have you
detained until…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell interrupted to say, “That’s not
going to happen.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held my hand up and said, “The Governor
and his people are in control here, if he chooses to arrest me, then he will. In
the meantime, Governor, I’m returning to my wife’s quarters and spend some
quiet time with her and my children. Stop by when you have made a decision.” I
tucked my tee-shirt back in and retrieved my smock from Merrell. After it was
on, he held up my FLC and I slipped my arms in and secured it. “I don’t like
doing this type of thing Governor Thorpe, it makes me feel dirty, foul, but
better that than to see my family, my friends, or anyone else suffer what I
have.” I started walking away as Merrell and McMahan followed, but said to
Merrell, “Captain, hunt up Lieutenant Lawrence and tell him I want all Asylum
personnel on alert and notify the Denver and Holloman contingents that we have
credible intelligence of a planned attack on this facility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hold it!” Thorpe quickly joined us, “An
attack? When?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at him for a moment and then said,
“Are you sure you want to know? A man was tortured to discover the
information.” I could see the conflict in his eyes, this was a good man who
despised what I had done, but his foremost concern was his people.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked away, but said, “Winston Churchill
once said, ‘Hard men stand ready to do difficult things, so we can sleep easy
at night.’”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded as I smiled inside and didn’t
bother to correct him, Debra would have said something about mansplaining. It
wasn’t Winston Churchill that said it, George Orwell has been credited with it
and said something similar, but the actual quote, which is, “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People sleep peaceably in their beds
at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf,”
has never been found in any of Orwell’s writings. Still, it was a worthy
sentiment no matter who first said it.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was a smart man,” I said. “He recognized
the need for civilized behavior, but also the need to sometimes be,” I paused,
“A little less civilized in order to protect civilization from those who were,
less civilized.” I looked away and then said, “I don’t like what I did,
Governor, not in any way, shape, or form. Someday, maybe I’ll show you the
recording of what was done to me. Maybe then, you’ll understand why I can do,
what I did.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Recording? The man that put those scars on
you, he recorded what he did?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, me and twenty-three others who didn’t
survive his attention and died. I guess he liked to review them on occasion.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s difficult to believe,” he said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re a good man, Governor, so yeah, it’s
difficult to believe. I think I used to be, but now? I’m not so sure.” I turned
around and started walking away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait! I’m not saying I don’t believe you!”
I stopped and waited as he organized his thoughts, “Miss Maggie says your wife
is one of the kindest, most intelligent people she has ever known. She’s also
driven, professional and trustworthy, I think a woman like that wouldn’t be
with a man that is cruel, or heartless.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t respond, I just waited, but Merrell
said, “The Lieutenant Colonel’s wives would die for him, so would most of the
people who serve under him. People don’t lay down their lives for someone who
doesn’t deserve their respect.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t suppose they do.” He looked
back at me and added, “I have some things to do, but I’ll be by Debra’s
quarters with my Militia Commander and we’ll talk about this possible attack,
in about an hour?” I nodded and he hurried away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched him leave and finally, Merrell
said, “Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He really is a good man, Captain.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Merrell and McMahan what I had
learned from Harris as they escorted me back to Debra’s quarters and then they
left to organize our people and bring them up to speed. When I walked into the
apartment, Debra was breast feeding Nadia again and Maggie was bathing Richard.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Debra said, “What happened?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Give me a minute, okay?” I walked past and
into the bathroom where I stood over the toilet while I got the nausea I was
feeling under control. It was times like this, when I wished the other guy, the
other me, was still around. He could do what needed doing without
repercussions. I turned on the water in the sink, splashed cold water on my
face repeatedly, and finally dried off with a hand towel. I stripped off my FLC
and smock before opening the door to find Debra waiting for me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were looking a little green when you
came in, are you okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will be.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you’re not okay. Come in here and sit
down, I’ll get you a drink.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing alcoholic, there’s going to be a
meeting and plans to make.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stared at me and then walked away and
into the kitchen. Maggie continued bathing Richard in the kitchen sink as Debra
busied herself putting something together before returning and sitting next to
me on the couch. “I’m heating water for hot chocolate; the sugar will help get
you going again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hunter Harris?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thorpe has him and he’s going to be locked
up somewhere secure for the time being.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was he helpful?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He needed some encouragement, but yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drew her knees up and kneeled on the
couch as she wrapped her arms round me, “I should have gone with you, I should
have…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Becker told him about Stacey.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Becker, he was the one that told Harris
about Stacey.” I swallowed hard and choked back the emotion I was feeling. “He
was there, Debra, he was the one that killed Stacey. He led the Cliff Militia
when they raided the Adobe. He thought he would get both of us, but I was gone,
so he did what he did to Stacey and then left to return to Austin.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, God, Daniel.” She pulled me tightly to
her, “Honey…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s here, at the Zipper salt mine. He
wanted you and when he missed out on that, the kids.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s here? Now?” She pulled back and stared
at me as I nodded. “Daniel, what are we going to do?” I was completely numb and
my mind wasn’t working. “Daniel? Does anyone else know yet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Merrell and McMahan. They are going to be
here soon, along with Thorpe, the Holloman guys, and the Denver Rangers
commander. The Zippers are planning an attack using the capture of you, or the
kidnapping of the children, as a confusion factor. Becker figured the Kansas
Militia and our people would try to rescue you, or the children, and then
attack while the forces here were depleted.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, but when Harris doesn’t show with
the kids, they’ll call it off?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If Harris calls the way he was told and
tells them he has the kids, the attack is on as soon as the rescue forces from
here, arrive there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What kind of troops? From where? What are
their capabilities?” The tea pot she had heating on the stove began to softly
whistle and Maggie removed the pot and set it aside. “I’ll get your chocolate.”
She stood up and walked into the kitchen where she softly spoke with Maggie as
she made the cup and then brought it back to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sipped and then set the cup on an end
table. “Most of the troops they have are ex-federal SWAT members trained in
Artesia, New Mexico, or Glynco, Georgia. The officer corps comes from numerous
foreign military and law enforcement agencies around the world.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve fought those guys before and handed
them their asses. How many are we looking at?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Harris estimates about a battalion of SWATs
formed into four companies of one hundred. He says they’ll need at least a
company to defend and hold their own facility, so we’re looking at an attack by
three companies here. The heaviest weapons they have are RPGs, but they do have
access to five, maybe six, old Commando V-150 Armored vehicles.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not a problem, when I was training with the
Security Police back in the day, we used old V-100s for target practice with
ATGMs, even 40-millimeter grenade launchers. The Raiders’ recoilless rifle will
make short work of them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but we’ll need fire support for
attacking their facility, our Bazooka could handle the V-150s, but it’s not
real effective on a moving target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
guess it goes with the attacking force. The Raiders do have some Gustavs
though.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me closely and then said,
“Honey, you look really out of it, when did you sleep last?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s been a busy day, in fact, I’m having
trouble believing everything that’s happened.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t answer me, when did you last
sleep?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, you’re the one you should be
concerned about, you were blown up, taken prisoner, rescued, almost had your
children kidnapped and god only knows what else. I should be the one worried
about you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan?” Crap. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, night before last. Riding on the C-130
was kind of interesting and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good grief! No wonder you look so out of
it.” She stood up and started pulling at me, “You need some sleep, come on.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet, there are people coming and we
need to make plans. The Zippers and Becker are going to sit idle while I have
nap.” I rubbed at my eyes and repeated, “I mean they’re NOT going to sit idle.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ookaay,” the way she drew it out made me
suspicious, but I relaxed when she said, “Hand me your chocolate, and I’ll
reheat it in the microwave.” I did and she walked back into the kitchen and
spoke quietly with Maggie again as the cup of cocoa heated. Maggie handed
Richie to Debra and then left the kitchen for a few moments into the bathroom.
Debra sat next to me and started rocking her upper body back and forth as she
held Richard. “Try to keep your meeting short, you’re too tired for a strategy
session. You’re one of the best there is, but so are your people, let us take
some of the load, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded as I caressed her upper thigh with
my hand, “You and Danni are so much alike, she tells me the same thing and then
overloads herself to try and make things easier for me. God, I’ve missed you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, then leaned over and lightly
kissed me, “Same here, Lover. I think I can safely say, Danni has been taking
good care of you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always, but she has been missing you too.
There are times when she gets really depressed and I’m not sure what to do, you
know? The kids miss you also, especially Danni Lynn, she gets really down and
Danni says she doesn’t perk up until I get home. She asks about you constantly,
when is Momma coming home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached out and stroked my cheek, “As
far as Danni’s depression, just be there, you don’t need to say anything, or do
anything, except be there when she needs to be held. I think maybe it’s time to
stay home for a while, all three of us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If everyone would leave us alone, we could.
Maybe go to the Adobe for a while, get dirty in the garden, do a little fishing
and hunting. The place still needs a washer and dryer, but yeah, some down time
would be really great.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, we’ll go as soon as Danni has the
baby, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You betcha.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maggie appeared next to us and handed the
hot chocolate to me, “Drink that before it gets cold again, there’s not a lot
of it available, so don’t waste it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Thank you, Maggie.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept sipping it and Debra would re-stir it
for me, she said it was to make sure all of the chocolate dissolved.
Unfortunately, it seemed to be having the opposite intended effect, I was
getting drowsy. “Honey, why don’t you lie down for a while and I’ll wake you
when everyone is here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Okay, but wake me up, alright?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “Of course, I will.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey? Time to wake up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately sat up and looked around
feeling much better than when I laid down, “Everyone here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, well…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra? What did you do?” I knew before she
said anything. I’ve been overly tired before and had short naps, but I always
woke up almost as tired as when I laid down for the nap. I was feeling pretty
good, so it was more than a nap. “Debra?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were in no shape to manage a strategy
session and Merrell agreed. Thorpe seemed to get some satisfaction from the
whole thing; he can be strange at times.” She caressed my cheek and added,
“Please don’t be angry with me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it, Babe! This is, it was, important!
We needed to act quickly and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hush!” She placed her hand over my mouth as
she continued, “You were too tired, Daniel! I made a decision and everyone
supported me on it. They also agreed that you were too involved on a personal
level, and you know you are! Becker has you all wound up and now with what you
found out about Stacey? There was no way I was going to allow…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t your decision to make!” I climbed
off the bed and started searching for my clothes, “Where did you put my
clothes, Debra! I can’t believe you did this to me, TO ME! You drugged me,
didn’t you, DIDN’T YOU! DEBRA! I TRUSTED YOU!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She backed up and stood in the doorway of
the bedroom, “You trusted me because you CAN trust me. Did I drug you? I guess
I did, but it was a mild sedative I’ve been taking myself when I have trouble
sleeping because I missed you so much. All it did was allow the natural process
to culminate.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“WHERE THE HELL ARE MY CLOTHES?!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were so tired; you didn’t even wake up
when I took them off of you. Daniel, you were in no condition to…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath and released it out of
my nose, it didn’t work, “WHERE ARE MY CLOTHES!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From behind her, I heard Maggie say,
“Debbie? Uh, the kids are getting really agitated, maybe you better do what he
wants, I mean, what if he gets angry enough to…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked over her shoulder and said,
“Don’t worry, Maggie,” she looked back at me. “He won’t hit me or anything like
that, he’s just a little upset that I pulled one over on him.” She smiled as
she added, “Not like I’ve never done it before, right, Hon?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached out, grabbed the sleeve of her
uniform jacket and jerked her out of the doorway as I slammed the door. I
crushed her mouth with my own and it was a contest to see whose clothes came
off first. I was only wearing briefs, so yeah, she won, but I still ended up on
top.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, we were softly kissing one
another as she whispered into my mouth, “God, I have missed you so bad. I love
you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raised up and took more weight off her as
I looked into her amber eyes and kissed her again, then pulled back and looking
into her eyes again, I said, “Where are my clothes?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She punched my shoulder and said, “You
insufferable asshole!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I softly laughed and added, “I’ve missed you
too, Babe, but that was worth it, I love you too and Danni made me promise to
give you this from her.” I started kissing my way down and…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I snugged my belt as Debra raised her foot
and placed it on the nightstand so she could tie her boot laces. “Give me a
little bit of a rundown?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned and looked at me through her hair
that had come undone while we made love, “We made sure Harris sent a message to
Becker and a plausible reason why he hasn’t arrived yet. I sent three two-man
Scout/Sniper teams to recon the Zipper facility and they’ve been giving us
constant updates. Our Predators have kept track of the movement of their assault
force and we know where they have hidden their vehicles where they are holding
up as they wait for their orders to jump off. Our Rangers and Militia are in
stand-off positions and waiting the order to attack when they attack us here,
but I think we should hit them where they laagered for the night.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hit them with what?” I asked as I put on my
sustainment belt and transferred the MP9 to its holster.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Air Force Combat Control says they have
eyes on the warehouse the Zippers are inside of and one of the two Predators is
actually a Reaper. It has two Hellfire missiles and two 500-pound GBU bombs on
board and the capability to hit with pinpoint precision.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why haven’t the Zippers been hit already?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thorpe left that decision to you because
you are in command of the operation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? Why me? I’ve never run a combined air
and ground operation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you haven’t, that’s why I’m here with
you. I’m your Air Force liaison.” She stood up straight and stomped her feet,
something I’ve noticed she always does after tying her boots. “Are you ready?
We need to get over to the command center.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up my FLC and slung it on, she
zipped up the front and then kissed me, “Maggie made breakfast sandwiches for
us and some Kansas Krank to make sure we’re awake.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ugh, that stuff’s nasty.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and said, “Yeah? Guess who’s
taking as much as she can when we go home?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You…are…twisted, woman.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, let’s get going,” she said as she
pulled me out the door.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hutchinson Salt mine was never intended
to be a shelter for humanity, so its amenities are sparse and utilitarian. The
Communication Center? It’s a tent just inside the main entrance and there are
power and comm cables scattered everywhere. Debra and I walked in and several
Kansas Militia members stood at attention from their consoles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At ease,” Debra said and then added, “Carry
on.” We approached a white board and I started looking over the notes written
on its surface.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thorpe around?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra walked away as she said, “I’ll find
out.” I continued looking at the message board until she returned, “He’s on his
way here now. He was out at the main entrance at the road.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and tapped the board as I turned to
the men inside the tent, “Who is updating the whiteboard?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A man wearing captain’s bars stood up and
joined Debra and I, “That would be me, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It says here that twenty-seven trucks and
four armored vehicles departed the Zipper facility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed to another note, “Tactical Air
Control is reporting twenty-four trucks and two armored vehicles are within the
building they are laagered in.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him as I said, “Why the
discrepancy?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My first thought is someone miscounted, but
we are checking just the same, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded my head, “Good, I doubt very much
our scouts, or the Air Force, miscounted.” I glanced around and asked, “Maps?
Aerial photography?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Next door, we didn’t have the room in here
for the map table, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Show me,” we followed him out of the tent
and into a room a short distance away. The room was small and there were rolls
of maps covering the surface of the few tables it contained. “Which maps cover
the area the Zipper convoy passed through last night?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, honestly, Sir, I have no idea. These
were brought in from the public library in town and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a young militia member, Jake
Cummings,” I said. “Is he around here anywhere?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, Sir, but there are hundreds of
militia members and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s alright, Captain, but if you could
locate him, he might be very helpful. He’s a local and knows the area, oh, and
he rides a rice rocket.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll put out the word and see if I can come
up with him.” He hurried out and I started working my way through the maps, but
they were disorganized.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you looking for, Hon?” Debra
picked up a roll and looked at me expectantly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Three trucks and two armored cars don’t
just disappear. It doesn’t sound like much to be worried about, but…” I went
quiet as I started trying to make heads-or-tails of what I was looking at, but
the expression, lost cause, came to mind. “This is ridiculous, why hasn’t this
been organized before now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A voice behind me said, “Because you’re
looking in the wrong place, Lieutenant Colonel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around and came face-to-face with
Julia Ortiz, “Damn, girl!” I dropped the roll of maps I was holding and wrapped
my arms around her for a hug. “Let me guess, you’ve got this covered somewhere
else, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I do,” She hugged me back and
then asked, “Terry?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Asylum, the General wouldn’t allow both of
us to be gone, sorry.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I figured that, but you know how it
is.” She leaned out and looked at Debra, “Hi, Debbie, is your knee doing okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled and replied, “A lot better than
I thought it was going to be.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” Julia looked back to me. “So, what
are you looking for?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Three missing trucks and two missing
armored cars. I need to know the path they followed and figure out where we
lost them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She swung a briefcase off her shoulder and
laid it on a tabletop as she opened it. “Well, I sort of have you covered on
that.” She pulled out a group of pictures and started spreading them out,
“These are photos from the Air Force Predator that was monitoring the convoy
after it left the Zipper mine. If you look here,” she pointed at one of the
photos. “This is the convoy passing under an overpass beside a set of railroad
tracks.” She glanced up and said, “I have a video on disc if you want to check
it out, unfortunately, no one noticed that the convoy was five vehicles shorter
when it came out from beneath the overpass.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “So where did the other five
vehicles go?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged and said, “Beats me, the drone
operator stayed with the convoy and tracked it to where they parked for the
night.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it, it’s only five vehicles, but I
don’t like loose ends.” I drummed my fingers on the table as I stared at the
photos, and then picked one photo up and looked closer, “These two armored
cars,” I checked another picture and then back to the one in my hand. “They’re
different.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, Daniel,” Julia said. “It’s
kind of hard to tell.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are,” I said. “I know the quality of
the photo is poor, but these two here,” I pointed. “They appear bigger, longer,
and the turrets on top are different. They are even different from each other.
This one…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gasped, “Oh, fuck me!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her and said, “What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Harris was Military Police! These aren’t
V-100s, or 150s, that,” she pointed, “Is a M1117, Guardian! It’s an Armored
Security Vehicle like the ones we used in the ‘Stan! The turret has a
machinegun and a 40-millimeter Automatic Grenade Launcher! This other one
though, that kind of looks like a LAV 300!” She grabbed my arm and said, “Some
of those come with a 90-millimeter main gun! If that’s what that is, it will
blow the shit out of this place! It can pump main gun rounds deep inside of
here!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh shit,” Julia said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “Calm down, we need to talk
to Harris again and find out what the hell they have. He’s going to have a
vested interest in stopping them if they’re headed for us. First, let’s get to
the Comm Tent and order that strike on the warehouse with the convoy hidden
inside. Then warn the Air force to start looking for those five vehicles that
we don’t know the positions of.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gripped the sleeve of my shirt and
said, “I’ll go to Comms, you get to Harris and find out what he knows. Then,
I…I’m going to move Maggie and the kids farther into the mine and out of direct
line of fire.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do it!” I said as she ran away and then to
Julia, I said, “Get back to your people and get them armed up in case the
Zippers penetrate the mine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia took off at a dead run and I began
looking for the Captain we had spoken to earlier, I eventually saw him hurrying
out of the Comm Tent and coming my way. “Lieutenant Colonel! Major Monroe said
you need to be taken to Hunter Harris, immediately.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we may be looking at an attack by
enemy forces armed with heavy weapons.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Follow me!” He took off at a fast jog and I
followed close behind. “What kind of weapons are we looking at, Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Possibly, a LAV 300 armed with a
90-millimeter main gun.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christ! Where the hell, did they get that
from?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s not all, we believe they may have an
M1117 with an auto grenade launcher also.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Infantry?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At least a platoon, three trucks with a
squad a piece.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not very many, but that 90-millimeter is a
game changer.” He ran a few more steps and added, “Those Guardians? They can
carry up to eight infantry also.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? That’s good to know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slowed down and approached two militiamen
who were obviously standing guard outside of a padlocked door, “Lieutenant
Colonel Menendez needs to question Hunter Harris, open the door.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We weren’t told anyone was…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stand at attention when you address a
superior officer!” The Captain wasn’t fooling around.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir!” The man looked a little panicked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are facing an imminent attack and Harris
may have vital information, now unlock the door and stand aside!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” The man quickly unlocked the
door and I pushed my way past.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harris was lying on a cot and as soon as he
saw me, he scrambled to his feet and backed into a corner, “I already told you
everything I know!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What type of vehicles did your people bring
down from Iowa?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Vehicles! What kind did you bring down from
Iowa!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“M1117s! Three of them, but we ran into
some…” He suddenly shut-up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not a good time to suddenly reconsider what
you tell me, Harris,” I drew my combat knife and started walking towards him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait! Wait! Okay, we ran into some
Venezuelan troops that were hauling 105-millimeter howitzers and they were
headed here to Kansas; they had one of those M1200s, the ones that plot
artillery strikes! That’s how we heard of the ZPG facility here and my father
decided it was our best bet.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Artillery? What else do the Zippers have?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have a couple of those LAVs they got
from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and some of those old V100s, they came from Saudi
Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How many, total!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure, maybe ten? Fifteen? A lot of
them are at their airstrip…” He frowned and then shut up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Air strip? Where? What else do they have?” The
look on his face would have been comical, if what I wanted to know wasn’t so
important. “Harris?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slumped as he said, “They have four Super
Tucanos.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the fuck, is a Super Tucano?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From behind me, the Kansas Militia Captain
said, “Prop driven ground attack aircraft, we gave some of them to the Afghan
Air Force when we were there. Imagine a P-51 on steroids, with state-of-the-art
avionics, targeting, and weapons.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Harris I said, “Where? Where are they
based?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some place named Newton, or Newton City,
I’m not sure.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at the captain and he said, “About
sixty miles from here, probably why they put them there; far enough away to
escape our notice and close enough to be of use when needed; they could be
overhead in no time at all.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Son-of-a-bitch!” I said. “What do you
people have?” I looked at Harris and then stepped out of the room and closed
the door as I told the guards, “Lock it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Captain shook his head, “Nothing, except
the drones the Air Force brought. Those Tucanos will use the drones for target
practice.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s your name?” I asked as I started
walking back towards the Comm tent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roger Stark, Captain, Kansas Militia. I was
originally with the Kansas National Guard.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s get back to the Comms tent and
tell Major Monroe what we’ve found out. The Marine Raiders that came with me,
are they here? Or did they go with my people to the Zipper facility?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some went, some stayed. The ones that went
left the recoilless rifle here with its crew, but if we’re taking out the ZPG
forces at the warehouse, the ones here will probably leave and join up with the
people staging to attack the ZPGer mine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An explosion reverberated through the mine.
“What the hell!” I shouted and broke into a run. The Comms tent was at the
entrance of the mine, so the cables to the antennas would be shorter and that’s
where Debra was. Stark followed and moments later, we heard another strong
explosion that was even louder than the first. We reached the tunnel that
exited the mine as Stark pulled me to a stop.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, shit!” He said as we looked at the
shredded remains of where the Comms tent had once stood. We were still a good
100 feet from where it had should have been, but we could easily see what was
left. Destroyed radio components and bodies, pieces of bodies were strewn
about; I went numb.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-17759448891636337412021-07-11T23:36:00.005-07:002022-06-18T20:44:29.548-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 35<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chapter 35</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Holloman was
interesting. The first question I heard was, “How is Captain Monroe after
giving birth to twins?” It was strange, they really have a thing for her. Don’t
get me wrong, she deserves all the attention she receives, and I firmly believe
if they could, they’d steal her away without a second thought. Danni? They’d
take her too if they could figure out a way to get her. I think they’re worried
that Danni’s capture might have put them in a bad light. The security detail
that was with her were all Air Security and were very trusted to perform their
duty in a professional manner. They are all dead, but they took a significant
number of the attackers with them. Two armored vehicles joined our convoy,
Bearcats, and the crews are Air Security and Tactical Air Controllers. The
Captain in charge of them has assured me we will have air support in the form
of Predators as we travel towards Austin. I have a feeling they may come in
handy. I was also told that a full company of Marine Raiders that are
paratroopers will be on alert until we return with Danni in case we need them.
Denver is also offering ground troops that they say they can have in the air at
a moment’s notice. We have a lot more military strength available than I
thought we would. We were in Holloman for two days before I finally put my foot
down and we hit the road again. Now, if I can just find out where, exactly,
Danni is being held, Austin is a big city. Julia and Terry are working on that
and say they have a couple of leads, we’ll see.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I told Rich to do the
same thing we did when we went to Denver to find Debra, we’re staying on the
roads less travelled and driving at night as much as possible. We still travel
during the day, but we try to keep a low profile. The good thing is, the Air
Force guys have some outstanding communication gear and it’s well encrypted, so
we are keeping in contact with home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> A new message from
Asylum, Julia says Becker isn’t in Austin; where the hell is he and where is
Danni? All we think we know right now is, he still has her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> El Paso! He’s in El
Paso and right under Holloman’s noses. We’re hundreds of miles past there and
now have to turn around and head back the way we came. The only good thing is,
we’re coming from a direction he won’t expect. Holloman and Denver are
co-operating and already have Scout Snipers headed that way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> One of the Marine
Raider scout teams was discovered and engaged by ZPGer troops. Holloman flew in
a reaction team and then had to reinforce it with more Raiders. A battle is
breaking out and I’m still nowhere near getting there. General Packer is
sending two companies of Rangers and an entire Battalion of Militia to close
off the area and reinforce the Marines. Denver has troops on the way via
airlift.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We’re on the outskirts
of Fort Bliss and pushing hard to get there, we’re only a reinforced platoon,
but the people with me are spoiling for a fight. This has turned into more than
just a rescue mission, even though I still see it that way. Intelligence has
determined a large force of ZPG troops have congregated in El Paso and Fort
Bliss and there are also Mexican Army troops there as well. Packer has two more
battalions of Militia on the way and Holloman is taking out targets identified
by forward air controllers with Predators. F-16s and A-10s are preparing for
combat sorties.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We were switched from
advancing on Fort Bliss and told to assist some Air Security people who have
turned back a group of ZPG troops that were apparently trying to make it to the
Mexican Border. The enemy forces took shelter in a hotel near the I-10 Freeway,
but the Air Force didn’t have the manpower available to commit to a concerted
attack and take the facility.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> When we arrived, Air
Force Lieutenant Jack Fremont met Rich and I, then brought us up to speed.
“Major Monroe,” he started.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I’ve been going by
Stacey’s last name, but after a while it gets tiresome explaining why my name
is different. “Lieutenant, what do you have?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “It’s a mixed force of
Mexican Army and Zippers, Sir. They don’t seem well coordinated, but they
outnumber my platoon. With your assistance, I think we can breach the building
and take them out. The upper floors give them an advantage with observation and
defense, but like I said, they do seem to be disorganized.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Mexican and what,
Lieutenant? The ZPGers, the Zippers, have a litany of different people working
for them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “My guess? Most were
light-skinned and were answering commands given in German. They were also
wearing Desert Flectarn camo, so I’m guessing they are Germans, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I started tensing up,
“Did you see the officer in charge of the Germans? Was he a big, barrel-chested
guy? Late fifties, maybe early sixties? Did he have a female prisoner?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I know why you’re out
here, Sir, you’re searching for Captain Monroe, but no, he didn’t have a
prisoner though he fits the description you just gave me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I glanced up and said,
“It’s going to be dark soon, Lieutenant, are your men equipped with night
vision?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Just my squad leaders
and fire team leaders. We have six men with NVDs, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “If I lead my platoon
in, can your people hold them from squirting out another side of the building?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “We’ve identified seven
exits. Four are fire escapes, the main entrance out front, the entrance from
the parking structure behind the hotel, and a loading dock out back, so yes,
Sir, we can take care of the squirters.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Do you have flares, so
your men can light up their areas of responsibility?” Rich asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Unfortunately, no.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “We have a shitload on
our trucks, we’ll provide you with some in case you need to light up the night
for your men without NVDs.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “That would definitely
be appreciated.” All three of us went silent as we heard a flurry of gunfire
from within the hotel, “What the fuck is that about?” Fremont asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Lieutenant! Get those
exits covered, now! Rich! Squads One and Two here, one to press the attack
through the front doors and one to clear the floors behind the assaulters! I’ll
take Three and Four through the parking structure and do the same. Stay in
radio contact and avoid friendly fire!” I took off at a run and gathered Three
and Four as I passed our trucks. I told three men from Fourth Squad to gather a
slew of highway flares and bring them along.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> At the back entrance of
the hotel, I turned to Sargent Emily Fousekis and asked, “Offensive grenades?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir,” She opened
a grenade pouch and slipped it out. Offensive grenades are sort of like a
flashbang, but with more bang than the originals.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I reached for the glass
door to open it so she could toss it in, but one of the other men of the squad
stopped me and then moved around me so he could reach the door, “I’ve got this,
Major, you move to the rear of the stack.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Christ!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Fousekis grabbed one
door, he grabbed the opposite, and on her count of three, they pulled them open
and she tossed the grenade in. They held the doors open as they leaned away
from the opening until the grenade went off and then more Rangers rushed
through with their weapons at their shoulders. I slipped through in their midst
and Fousekis started cursing. She caught up with me and seized my left arm,
“Damn it, Major! This is a well-trained squad and you’re screwing up our
entrance discipline. We know what we are doing, don’t fuck it up!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It had been a long time
since someone had reamed my ass for me, well, someone that wasn’t sleeping with
me, “You’re right, Sargent, my apologies, carry on.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I faded back and
brought up the rear as they quickly advanced down the hall. After passing
several doors, I started watching our rear as Fourth Squad entered behind us
and started clearing rooms. A long story short, it took two-and-a-half hours to
clear the hotel completely. As we were clearing the building, we found numerous
bodies of the enemy who had been killed before we entered. There had obviously
been a falling out between the two groups occupying the hotel and most of the
Mexican soldiers ended up dying. The German soldiers were actually Danish and
surrendered in mass. Their Commanding Officer was Major Mathias Moller and he
was more than willing to surrender his command.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “May I ask who I am
surrendering to?” He asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Fousekis answered,
“Major Daniel Menendez, Grant County Rangers.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I stepped forward and
said, “That’s me. You were quick to throw in the towel. Major Moller, why?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “When I was offered the
chance to form an expeditionary company and be employed in the Middle-east, I
never dreamed I and my men would end up in America and doing what we were
ordered by the people we were hired to protect. Then, to be forced to serve
alongside men who are obviously contaminated, or butchers anyway, it has become
too much. We no longer want to serve those who hired us, even if it means
surrendering to those who fight against our employers.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I nodded and said,
“Welcome to the club. Anyone smart is bailing out of the ZPGers program as fast
as they can. Answer me truthfully, and there’s a chance you can be on your way
soon.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He nodded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Heinrich Becker, do
you know where he is?” I was caressing the grip of my bullpup.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A brutal man, that
one, and my men refuse to serve him. The last time I saw him was four days ago
at the officers’ billet at Fort Bliss.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Did he have a young
woman as a prisoner?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I heard he did, but I
never saw her in person. My understanding was, he wanted to use her as bait so
he could get his hands on her husband; word is, the man was responsible for the
death of Becker’s son.” He seemed forthcoming, but I wasn’t ready to be
understanding, not yet. I did notice some of his men were definitely acting
uncomfortable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “We’ve allied ourselves
with others who were once working for the ZPGers, so there is always the
possibility of that option, Major.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “So, we will be treated
honorably and allowed to keep our weapons? Will we be allowed to leave? My men
and I would like to investigate returning to Denmark as soon as possible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “We are not foolish,
Major, so your weapons will not be returned until we are comfortable with the
possibility, and you will be interned until a decision can be reached by upper
command. All of your men will be interviewed and then a decision will be made
on what you are allowed to do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I am the only officer
left and my enlisted personnel do not speak English, so it will be necessary
for me to be present when my men are interviewed, but I don’t see that as a
problem.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I nodded and said to
Rich, “Take them outside and keep them under watch until someone decides to
take responsibility for them. Notify Asylum and see what they want done with
them. Treat them fairly in the meantime, but keep in mind who they’ve been
working for.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir.” Morrison
started handing out orders to his people and they began escorting the Danes out
of the building.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Sargent Fousekis stood
next to me until all of the Danes were taken away and then said, “Sir, my
grandmother was from Denmark, she met my grandfather when she was an exchange
student here in the States.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Do you speak Danish?”
I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No, Sir, just a couple
of words here and there, but my grandmother said almost 90% of Danes speak
English. It’s required in school and seems kind of odd to me that none of
Moller’s men do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I was thinking the
same thing, Sargent, thanks for that bit of information. If you can, before I
do, make sure the Lieutenant knows that as well.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She saluted and said,
“Yes, Sir,” as she followed our people back down the stairs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Yeah, I didn’t much
care for this Major Moller. I followed everyone else and when I reached the
bottom floor, I pulled Rich aside, “Rich, separate Major Moller and his men,
watch the men and see how they group up, then separate the groups. I want you
to interrogate each man from each group and see if their stories match.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He looked around and
then softly said, “Dan, I don’t have anyone that speaks Danish.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Our Sargent Fousekis
says English is required in Danish schools, be very suspicious of anyone who
claims they don’t understand your questions.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Right, consider it
done.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I hunted up Fremont and
touched bases with him, he told me his platoon was being sent back up the I-10
to Highway 375 where they would set up a roadblock to stop any vehicles trying
to leave the Fort Bliss area. We were needed to lock down the El Paso
International Airport and make sure no aircraft landed in an attempt to
evacuate Zippers out that way. I had never heard the ZPGers referred to as
Zippers and frankly, I kind of liked it; it was easier than constantly saying
Z-P-G-ers. So, Zippers they were. I left Rich and two squads to hold the Danes
while they were questioned and I and the two remaining squads headed for El
Paso International. That was a bust as the airport runways had been damaged
with explosives. Then, Rich called me on the radio and in the clear.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Daniel, we’re having
some good luck with the interrogations and it looks like Moller was handing us
some real bullshit. Once he was separated from his men, a good two thirds have
turned against him. The troops are actually Danes, but he’s German and is
Becker’s military advisor. Apparently, he’s new and just took over command.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Do any of the Danes
know about Danni?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yeah, Becker took her
to Biggs Army Air Field at Fort Bliss. I’ve already called the Holloman people
and they’re calling in attack aircraft to patrol the area to make sure no
aircraft land there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Okay, I’ve got a map
of the area, it’s not very detailed, but I should be able get there. Keep me
updated, okay?” Rich had our main communication gear and I was relying on a
Citizens Band Radio to talk with him. I was hoping we didn’t get too far apart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Of course.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We pulled out of El
Paso International and headed for Biggs, but it was going to take a while;
there didn’t seem to be any direct routes between the two locations. We hadn’t
been on the road longer than ten minutes when Rich called again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Major Menendez, this
is Lieutenant Morrison, over.” Someone else must have been listening, otherwise
Rich would have been less formal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Menendez here, over.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Holloman is warning us
off of your intended location, they are in the process of landing assault
troops as of fifteen minutes ago. Your vehicles could be misidentified and
fired upon, stay clear, over?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Roger that,
Lieutenant, keep me in the loop.” Damn it!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The driver of my truck
asked, “Major?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Keep going, we can
stop when we get closer.” This had been the best lead we had so far, I was not
giving up on Danni. We kept going, but eventually came to a sign indicating we
were approaching the main gate of Biggs Field, “Pull over and let’s see if we
can get any information.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I climbed down out of
the truck and was quickly joined by one of the people riding with me as I
started pacing back and forth. The desert around us was flat in every direction
until it reached the foothills of low mountains that were barren and rocky, it
made me wonder why anyone would have wanted to build a town here to begin with.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Sir, Major Menendez?”
The Ranger manning the radio was leaning out of the cab to get my attention,
“They’re asking for you on the radio.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I climbed back into the
truck, “Menendez,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It was Rich again,
“Major, proceed to the control tower next to the main runway and ask for
Colonel Malone. They have information for you they don’t want to discuss over
radio frequencies.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Roger that,” I
answered. I pointed in the direction of the tower with the microphone as the
driver restarted the truck and sped away with the other two trucks following
us. I switched to the frequency we were using in our small convoy and said,
“This is Menendez, we’re headed for the control tower; heads up, we don’t know
if the area is secured yet. Form a defensive perimeter when we come to a stop.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I was surprised when we
reached the Air Control Tower because I had been told Biggs had been around for
over a century. The tower was obviously a newer addition and most of the
facilities looked upgraded; later I was told it was an extremely active base
before the fall. There were quite a few busy men and women about and most of
them appeared to be Air Force Air Security. I climbed down from my truck and
approached the first noncom I saw.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I’m Major Menendez,
Asylum Rangers, I was told Colonel Malone had some information for me, where
can I find him?” I assumed he would be in the tower, but I was wrong.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The noncom pointed and
said, “See those buildings over there? He’s inside the one on the right, Sir;
he’s questioning several prisoners.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Thank you.” It was
several hundred yards away, so I told everyone to load back up and we drove to
the front of the building the noncom had pointed out. Once there, we were
approached by a team of Marine Raiders and asked what we wanted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I’m Major Menendez,
Asylum Rangers, I was told Colonel Malone had information for me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, he told us
to keep an eye out for you. You can leave your people here if you wish; just
warn them to stay close to their vehicles.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I relayed what I was
told and the three people from my truck followed me as the Raider took me into
the building. It was obviously an administrative building with an abundance of
offices and work areas, but he led me to a stairway and down to a sub-floor,
“The lower levels are reinforced and protected from the effects of nuclear
attack,” he said as we descended. “There are long-term emergency habitation
provisions built into it with filtered air and water storage. There’s actually
a well incorporated into the lowest level that could supply the needs of a
small community, so the Zippers have been using it as command bunker for the
area.” He opened a door and held it as I and my people stepped through and
entered the level marked ‘Sub-level One’ where we were met with the vision of
six people stacked prone on the floor next to a freight elevator. “Some of the
previous security personnel,” he commented.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> They were dressed in an
odd-looking shade of brown and I wondered if it was their normal uniforms, or
an adaptation to the surrounding desert. “Were they tough to root out?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Probably would have
been, but they were dead when we arrived. We think some sort of gas was used to
wipe them out,” he answered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “They were dead when
you arrived? Then who attacked them?” We followed him past the bodies as I
asked the questions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Colonel Malone is
still working on finding that out. We found quite a few people down here who
were unaffected by the attack because of the rooms or work areas they were in
when it happened.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Sargent Lawrence
muttered, “Best to get the bodies out before they start smelling the place up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “We will,” the Raider
said. “HQ is thinking about taking over the facilities and establishing an
on-going base here. The air support capability is almost as good as the Air
Force has at Holloman.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Corporal Summers asked,
“What kind of attack was made on this place? It might help figure out who
killed these people.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Word has it, it was
some sort of non-persistent chemical. Apparently, it was injected into the air
ducts and spread through almost the entire lower area.” He stopped beside a
door and then opened it for me, “In here, Sir.” Then he led us down a side
corridor, “The survivors were mostly in one of the hospital units meant for
quarantining infectious patients when the attack was made. I guess you could
call them lucky.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Slate nodded in
agreement as he said, “Sometimes being lucky is better than being good.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I asked, “What’s your
name, Marine?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Staff Sargent, Louis
Ramirez, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “We have been trying to
locate Heinrich Becker who has been holding my wife, Captain Danni Monroe,
captive; have you heard anything?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Sir, I was sent up to
bring you down when you arrived, other than that, I’m as much in the dark as
you are. I know we have at least one High Value Individual, and his personal
bodyguards, that are refusing to surrender, but nothing else. I met your wife a
couple of times, Sir, she’s a testament to the Corps and I would be proud to
serve under her.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Thank you, Staff
Sargent, she always speaks highly of the Raiders at Holloman.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Thank you, Sir, I’ll
pass that tidbit on to my fellow Marines.” He slowed and then stopped at a door
marked ‘Emergency Operations’, “The Colonel is in here with his staff, Sir.” He
opened the door and stepped to the side as I walked in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Thank you, Staff
Sargent.” There wasn’t a lot of men and women in the room, but they were
definitely busy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Though I had never met
Colonel Malone, he was easy to pick out where he sat behind a desk with a
hardline phone held to each ear as he switched back forth between two different
conversations. He looked up, ran his eyes over my nametag and stated, “Wait
one,” into both phones and then used one to indicate a chair across from him.
“Have a seat, Major, I’m making some last-minute preparations.” He looked
around and said to a young Marine, “Corporal, coffee for the Major and his
security.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Sir.” The young man
handed me a cup and said, “It’s fresh, Major, and actually pretty good, sugar,
creamer?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Black is fine, thank
you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He started handing out
cups to my three people as Malone hung up, first one phone, and then finally
the second. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and then said to me, “I’ve called
for a medivac; as soon as we take possession of Captain Monroe she’ll be sent
to the hospital at Holloman, I assume you will want to accompany her?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I spilled the coffee I
was sipping down the front of my smock, “What? You have my wife here? In this
building?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He frowned and said,
“You didn’t know? You were supposed to be informed as soon as you arrived. My
apologies, Major, but the situation has been rather fluid and chaotic.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I sat the cup down on
the desk and stood as I said, “Where is she? How badly is she injured? I need
to see her right away!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Hold up, Major, she’s
here, in the building, but we don’t have her yet. The guy that has her has been
demanding to meet with you before he will negotiate her release.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Becker?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “That’s what he claims,
but I don’t know having never met him. He does have your wife though.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Where?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Next floor down in a
quarantine room of the old hospital. We haven’t been pushing him because he
seems unstable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “If he’s like his son,
I wouldn’t doubt it, what does he want, or hasn’t he informed you yet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “He wants you, a safe
path to the helipad and a bird. Apparently, he claims he has a pilot, but he
needs a helicopter standing by to evacuate him and you when he’s ready.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Alright, let’s go have
a talk with him,” I said. Lawrence stepped up next to me on my right, Summers
to my left and Slate stepped behind me, it seemed I wasn’t going anywhere
without them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Malone stood up and
gathered an M-4 from where it leaned against the desk, “Okay, Major, let’s do
that.” He led the way back to the stairs as we were followed by his own
entourage. We dropped down a floor and then wound our way through the corridors
until we reached another group of Raiders who were obviously at a heightened
state of alertness. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Lieutenant,” Malone
said to one of the Marines. “Situation?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The young officer
indicated a large plate glass window, “He still won’t talk except to make his
demands, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Malone turned to me and
said as he indicated the same window, “He has your wife in there, we have been
avoiding conflict with him because he takes out his frustrations on her, so be
prepared when you see her, he’s treated her pretty harsh.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I stepped in front of
the window and looked inside as Kate Summers gasped beside me, Lawrence said,
“Motherfucker.” Becker was sitting in an office chair with Danni at his feet.
She was nude and her porcelain flesh was striped with angry looking welts and
cuts across her breasts, belly and thighs. Both eyes were still swollen shut
and her face was a dark red; the duct tape around her throat was severely
restricting her ability to breathe. It took a moment for me to realize, the duct
tape was also wrapped around his left hand and the pistol he held. In effect,
the muzzle was taped to the back of her neck. All he had to do was squeeze the
trigger if he didn’t get what he wanted and there was nothing I could do to
stop him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Becker saw me at the
window and leaned forward, “Ah, so you finally gathered the courage to come,
good.” I could barely hear what he said, so I pointed to my ears and shook my
head. He smiled and motioned for me to enter the closed door. From a holster on
his belt, he drew another handgun and used it to wave me in again. I stepped
sideways and put my hand on the door lever as Lawrence grabbed my wrist.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Sir? What are you
doing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “He has my wife,
Sargent, I’m the one he wants.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No, Sir, I won’t
allow…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Stand down, Sargent,
let’s see where this goes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Sir, please, there has
to be a better way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Let me know when you
figure it out, in the meantime, standby, this son-of-a-bitch does not walk out
of here without my agreement, understand?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He released my wrist,
“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I pushed the door open
and walked in as Becker’s smile widened, “Your weapons, Smith, remove them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I looked at Danni as
she silently shook her head; I removed my sidearm and placed it on the surface
of a desk. Then I pulled the sling of my carbine off over my head and placed it
beside the 9-millimeter. Over my shoulder I said, “Sargent, if Becker doesn’t
release Danni now that he has me, kill him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I looked at the pistol
that was taped to Danni’s neck, it was a revolver and the hammer was already
pulled back in the cocked position, the slightest pressure on the trigger and
it would fire. It would probably go off if Becker was shot. At least Becker
would be dead like his son.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I’m here, let Monroe
go.” I decided I wasn’t going to give him any info he might not already have.
Did he know we were married?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “You call your wife by
her maiden name? Come, come, Smith, how odd.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Let her go, now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Maybe I’ll keep her,
she has been entertaining.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Let her go, or you
die, right here, right now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “She will die with me,”
he said as he wiggled the gun and caused Danni to choke.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, she will, but
better that, than to stay in your hands. She, and I, are the only chance you
have of walking out of here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He smiled and said, “Of
course, I know that and I fully intend to walk out of here, with you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Then let her go, now,
I won’t ask again.” I looked over my shoulder and said, “Sargent?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Lawrence activated the
laser on his carbine and when I looked back, the red dot was centered on the
bridge of Becker’s nose; at this close of range, the bullet would hopefully
pass through his mouth and sever his spinal cord at the base of his skull, “Say
the word, Major.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “It looks as though the
two of us think we are in control, Smith, perhaps neither of us are. It seems
my continued existence depends on how much you care for this woman, but then,
you have another, yes?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “The fact I love her is
the only reason you’re still breathing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I have already
informed your allies from Holloman I need a helicopter; it will come, I will be
escorted out of the building and to the helicopter. When you and I are safely
onboard, I will release your wife and we will fly away. Agreed?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I shook my head, “No, I
don’t think so, you will release Captain Monroe immediately and I will be your
hostage. That is the only way, the only way, you walk out of here. Believe it!”
We stared at one another and then I said, “You really screwed up, didn’t you?
All these people here who were found dead, they’re dead because someone wanted
you out of the equation. Someone is finished with you and this was a good way
to relieve themselves of a problem. I’m right, aren’t I?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He was silent a moment
and then smiled, “There are a few who do not appreciate my talents.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “That’s why you are
stuck here, they’re not coming for you, are they?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He shrugged, “It
doesn’t matter, there are others who will appreciate my abilities, my talents,
I’m just going to relocate to more favorable conditions.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I became quiet and just
stared at him until he muttered, “Do we have an agreement, or not?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Danni Monroe is to be
released now, then we leave.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He stared a moment
longer and then smiled, “Agreed, see how easy it is to reach an accommodation?”
He stood and twisted the pistol pointed at Danni, she groaned in pain as he
ordered me, “Remove your equipment, Smith, all of it.” I unzipped my flick,
shrugged it off, and placed it beside my weapons on the desk. “The belt also,”
he said. I removed my sustainment belt and laid it atop my flick. “Empty your
pockets.” From my right cargo pocket on my pants, I pulled my backup IFAK and
again placed it on the desktop. From the left cargo pocket, I removed a vinyl
bag that held a pair of dry socks, a wool scarf, and a Carhartt watch cap. I
placed those beside the rest of my gear. “Is that all?” He asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “You’re lying, Smith,
there’s something in your right front pocket.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I slid my hand into the
pocket and deposited the large folding knife on the table, “Oops,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Don’t press your luck,
Smith, it’s running out.” He turned and said over his shoulder, “Come out now
and secure Smith!” Two men stepped through a door in the back of the room and
approached me. One had a roll of duct tape and the second held a pistol. They
turned me around and then I heard a long ripping sound as a length of duct tape
was pulled and then wrapped around my neck, tightly. More tape was added and
then attached to the barrel of the gun. Then they twisted it until there was
barely an inch from the muzzle to the back of my neck. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I turned my head and
looked at Becker, “Let her go, now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Of course, just as we
agreed,” He dragged Danni to her feet by her neck and guided her to the desk
where my weapons and gear were. Slamming her face down on the table, he picked
up the pocket knife and flipped the blade out before slicing through the duct
tape between her neck and the muzzle of the pistol. Then, holding her head
pressed to the desktop, he reversed the blade of the knife and pressed the tip
into her shoulder as he leaned over her and said, “A little something to remind
you of our time together.” He pulled the blade the length of her back leaving a
shallow cut as she screamed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I rushed forward, but
the man behind me jerked back on the gun taped to my neck, my feet went up and
I landed hard on the floor. Becker then pulled Danni’s hands behind her back
and spinning around, threw her across the room and into a wall where she
collapsed and laid still.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “You motherfucker!” I
screamed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Lawrence stepped
through the doorway with his weapon pointed at Becker, but withheld his fire as
the man behind me said, “DON’T, I’ll kill your Major, I will!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> They pulled me to my
feet and Becker asked Malone, who was now at the doorway, “Where is my
helicopter!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “It’s arriving now, if
you…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No threats, Colonel! I
am in control! I have always been in control! Now clear the corridors
immediately, or Smith dies!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The Marines and my
people cleared a path and as I passed Kate Summers, I said, “Take care of
Danni, don’t leave her side.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir!” There were
tears running down her cheeks. Becker and his Zippers rushed me up the stairs
and outside towards the helipad where a small commercial bird was waiting with
the prop spinning slowly around. One of the men ran forward and climbed into
the pilot’s seat while Becker and his other man directed me towards the open
side doors. Becker climbed in first and sat on the front set of two bench seats
facing one another. I was pushed in and sat facing Becker as the man holding
the gun taped to my neck, sat next to me. Because of the cramped quarters, the
butt of the gun was angled off to my left side and I decided it was the best I
could hope for.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I reached up with my
left hand and grasped the wrist of the man holding the gun. Jerking it forward,
it moved the muzzle out of alignment with my neck, hopefully, I raised up and
drove the heel of my right boot into Becker’s chin and throat as I reached
under my smock and pulled the short little dagger I carried there, from its
Kydex sheath. Taking an ice pick grip, I pushed my fist up between myself and
the man holding the gun and then slammed the short blade into the right side of
his neck as I tried to force the blade as deep as possible. I jerked my elbow
backwards and was rewarded with a scream. I repeated the move and this time I
was rewarded with a heavy spurt of blood from the carotid artery. The pistol
taped to my neck discharged and I felt an intense wave of heat radiate up the
back of my head and down the collar of my smock. I turned my attention back to
Becker to find he was struggling to remove his pistol from its holster. I
stomped his throat again and then leaning forward, I ice pick stabbed him in the
right side of his neck, the same as the first man. Becker was a big burly man
and it took three slashes to open the artery. The pilot was in the process of
banking away from the buildings and was trying to see what was happening behind
him. I reached forward with my left hand and grasped the forward rim of his
flight helmet and jerked his head violently backwards as I sawed through his
neck. The helicopter continued to bank away, but I could see through the open
side door, it was rapidly losing altitude. The ground was rushing up at me, so
I tried to brace myself for what I decided was going to be a very rough
landing. First, the engine revved up as the rotors struck the ground and
shattered, then the side of the helicopter…I was slammed into the soft, sandy
soil and then it felt like something grabbed my ankles and threw me pinwheeling
into the air. I came down hard on my knees and hands as pain shot up from my
wrists and into my elbows. Blood was starting to drip from my left eyebrow and
something kept slapping my ear and left cheek. I pushed myself back and rested
my ass on my heels for a moment before I realized I was falling to my side…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I opened my eyes and
promptly shut them again as they began to fill with dust. I squinted with my
eyes barely open and tried to look around, but the thick dust in the air was
limiting the view to less than ten feet. The cloud of dust was also choking me,
so I pulled my smock up and covered my mouth and nose in an effort to filter it
out. Why wasn’t I in the helicopter? Where was the helicopter? I was eventually
able to make out the glow of flames and decided to walk in the opposite
direction. After stumbling through the dust cloud for a short distance, I
stepped out into fresher air and was met by both Lawrence and Slate as they
were running towards me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I raised my hand in
greeting and said, “Hey, guys, either of you have some water? This El Paso dust
tastes like shit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Both of them appeared
shocked and confused, but Lawrence collected himself and said, “What? How did
you…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I turned to look at him
and something heavy slid over my shoulder, “What the hell is that?” I asked.
“Is it that fucking gun?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, hold still
and I’ll…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I reached under my
smock for my dagger, but it was gone, “Damn, I think I lost my dagger, do you
have a knife?” Glancing down, I saw the handle of my dagger protruding from my
thigh, “Oh, here it is.” I pulled the blade out of my leg and handed it to
Slate, “Cut that damn gun off for me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We were surrounded by
Marines and Malone said, “Get him down before he falls down; he’s in shock.” He
turned to someone else and said, “Radio that medivac and find out where it’s
at, we’ll send the Major to the field hospital with his wife.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I sat down and, no, I
fell down as Lawrence and Slate slowed my fall. “Danni,” I said. “Where’s
Danni?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Medics have her, Sir,
she was knocked unconscious, but they say she’ll be okay, physically. No, stay
sitting down, Sir, you may have just walked away from away an air crash, but
you look beat to hell.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I felt tugging around
my neck, and then a sensation of lightness as Slate said, “That’s it, Sir, the
duct tape and the gun are gone, but you have a really nasty powder burn back
here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Where’s Danni, I need
to find Danni.” I was starting to panic.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “The medics have her,
Sir, remember? I just told you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “You did? Shit,” I
said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Major?” Malone’s face
was in my field of view, so I concentrated on his lips. “What happened up
there, why did the bird crash?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I killed it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Excuse me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Uh, sorry, I killed
the pilot, seems pretty stupid now, but at the time…I’m thinking I need to lie
down, yeah; I’m going to lie down for a while.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “But you told me he was
going to be alright, why isn’t he waking up!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Captain Monroe, my
prognosis was based on past experience, should he have awakened by now? Yes,
but everyone is different, he is responding…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> My nose was itching,
but when I raised my hand to scratch it, I clubbed myself in the face with a
cast that was on my right wrist. I tried to raise the left hand and it was
strapped down with a needle inserted in my arm above the other cast, damn. The
inside of my mouth was dry and it was difficult to swallow. It tasted…nasty. I
cleared my throat and said, “I can still taste El Paso, anyone have some water?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Daniel!” Danni bent
over and kissed me, “Thank god, it’s been a day and a half, do you hurt
anywhere? Are you confused? Are you thirsty? God, of course you are, you said
you were, I’ll get you some water right away.” She straightened up and looked
around, “There’s no water in here, why isn’t there any water in here? Somebody
better get me some god damn…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Honey! Hey, come on,
calm down, okay?” I was becoming alarmed by her actions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No! I mean, damn it!”
She took a deep breath and released it, something I’ve seen her do before in
order to calm herself. “Sorry, it’s just, you almost got killed saving me and
now…I’ll go find a pitcher of water.” She walked out of the room and I raised
my eyebrows at the doctor.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “She’s suffered through
an extended period of intense physical and psychological torture, Major, and
she’s going to have some difficulties for the time being.” He cleared his
throat and continued, “The only thing that seemed to engage her, is caring for
your needs while you were unconscious.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I nodded and said,
“Believe it or not, she has a lot of experience caring for me; it’s probably
providing her with a sense of normalcy.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, she told me about
some of your exploits and the consequences. This man that had her, Becker, she
says his son did much the same to you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yeah, that’s why I
came as fast as I could, I didn’t want her to…” My voice choked up and I had
difficulty swallowing because my mouth was so dry. Danni hurried back into the
room and poured me a glass full of water, raised the head of the bed and then
held the glass as I sipped from it. The inside of my mouth felt gritty and
tasted bad, so I stopped her and said, “Something to spit in?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The doctor handed her a
curved, stainless steel pan and said, “Use this.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I took a mouthful of
water and sluiced it around before spitting it into the pan, it was actually
murky looking. I repeated the process several times until what I spit out
looked like what I sucked in. With that out of the way, I allowed Danni to once
again hold the glass to my lips as I drank from it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I smiled at her and
said, “I bet I need a shower after being caught in that dust cloud.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She shook her head and
said, “No, I made sure you were cleaned up, it took a while but you’re good to
go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Okay,” I said. “Enough
about me, how are you doing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Her eyes went dead and
she mechanically replied, “I’m fine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No, you’re not, I saw
what he did to your back, how bad is it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The doctor spoke up,
“She needs to limit her movement, so the injury can start healing up. I’ve
already had to re-staple the wound.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I looked at her black
eyes and asked, “You had to drain the eyelids?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She nodded as he said,
“Yes, I was very concerned to begin with because it went so long untreated, but
it went pretty well after all is said and done. If you look, you’ll notice the
right is almost returned to normal, which really surprised me, but the left is
drooping still, though I expect it will continue to improve.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I shifted my focus to
her mouth and asked, “Your teeth?” I had already noticed she was speaking with
a lisp. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Her hand drifted up and
covered her mouth as he said, “Unfortunately, we couldn’t save any that were
broken, but we were able to fix the inside of her mouth. I understand the
dentists at Asylum have some expertise in replacing lost teeth?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I touched the left side
of my face and said, “Everything on this side and I have had zero problems with
them.” I reached up and pulled her hand down with the fingertips protruding
from my cast, “You’re going to be fine, Honey, I promise.” She nodded and
squeezed my fingertips.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Okay,” I said. I
glanced around and asked Danni, “Where are you sleeping?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “She hasn’t,” the
doctor replied again. “She has been in here with you and we gave up trying to
get her to sleep.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “He needed me to be
here for him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes,” I said. “And now
we’ll be here for each other.” I turned to the doctor and asked, “Can you move
her bed in here with me, or vice versa?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “It’s already in the
works, Major, in fact, I’ll go see why that hasn’t happened already.” He walked
out and Danni immediately leaned over me and gave me a lingering kiss.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Then she said, “I
didn’t want you to come, I knew what he would do to you when you did, he told
me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “He didn’t get the
chance,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “When I heard your
voice, I died inside, you were going to give him, you, for me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Of course, I was,
there was nothing else I could do, Danni. You and Debra and the kids? You’re my
everything, the hole left from losing even one of you would be too much to
bear.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Debbie and I were
talking one night when you were away, she said if anything ever happened and I
was taken, that I shouldn’t give up, you would come for me, the same way you
came for her. I didn’t really think that, you know, what with your
responsibilities to Debbie and the kids, that you would really come, but you
did, you really did.” She started softly crying and wiping at her bruised eyes.
“She said that,” she hesitated and then rushed on. “She said that no matter
what was done to me, you would want me back, you would want me by your side.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, she told you the
truth, Honey, no matter what.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She started crying
harder as she said, “The things he did to me…” She couldn’t finish.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I want to say
everything is going to be okay, but I can’t. What I can tell you is that
whatever he did, it will not affect the love I have for you, nothing will ever
change that; do you believe me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She nodded and then
straightened up wiping her eyes as the doctor returned, “Captain Monroe, your
bed will be here in short order and they’ll get the room fixed up for the two
of you. Major, some of your men will be arriving in the morning and we are
making arrangements to provide them quarters.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Good,” I said. “I hope
they have my weapons and gear. Thank you, Doctor…?” I questioned him with my
expression.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Keppler, Jonathan
Keppler.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “One last thing, Doctor
Keppler, I realize my wrists are broken, but I’m noticing some discomfort in
the area of my knees and ankles, were they checked for fractures?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, and there are
some greenstick fractures in both legs at the knees and ankles, you are
extremely lucky, Major.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I had the same thing
happen before and it ended up being completely broken from an additional
trauma, can I assume I face the same possibility again?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, and no,
technically, what you have is not a greenstick fracture per se, those generally
happen when a young child experiences a lateral trauma that bends the bone but
does not completely break it. Your injuries are more along the lines of a
series of micro fractures within a small area. You could say that the affected
bones were almost splintered, that’s why I said you were very lucky. You could
have suffered amputations if the breaks were complete.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “So, no marathons,
mountain climbing, parachuting…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Right.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Damn, what am I going
to do for exercise?” I said as I wiggled my eyebrows at Danni.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She actually started
turning red, “Danny?!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Okay, one more final
last thing, where are we?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Danni said, “Holloman
hospital, so we’re safe, you can rest easy.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We were interrupted by
orderlies arriving with Danni’s bed and the doctor took his leave. Within a few
minutes, we were side-by-side and the last thing I told her before she fell
asleep was Debra gave birth to twins. She said we needed to get home right away
because Debbie was going to have her hands full. Yeah, her back is stapled from
the shoulder to her waist, broken out teeth, tortured and, more, the only thing
she could think about was taking care of me and getting home to see her new
children and help Debra. That’s our Danni.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The next morning, we
lay in our beds next to each other and talked as we were examined, monitored,
poked and prodded. I kept having sneezing and coughing fits until Doctor
Keppler ordered a nasal irrigation. I’d like to meet the person who came up
with that shit, I mean, it wasn’t painful, but having clear water pumped
through one nostril and a bunch of crap coming out the other is kind of
disconcerting. Even Danni, who has a cast iron stomach, turned away and gagged.
You know what though? I could breathe better through my nose than I had in a
long while.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> At eleven o’clock,
Lawrence, Summers, and Slate came to visit and I could tell something was off
as they gathered at the foot of our beds. “Okay, guys, what’s wrong?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Sir,” Lawrence
started. “I’m afraid we have bad news.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “What is it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Lawrence glanced at the
other two and then said, “Lieutenant Morrison and almost all of 1<sup>st</sup>
and 2<sup>nd</sup> Squads were killed yesterday in an ambush in El Paso.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Danni gasped and said,
“Oh no, no, no!” Rich Morrison was a long-term friend and more. When I had been
falsely accused of treason by the Federal Government, it was him and his wife
that released me so I could escape.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I took a deep breath
and asked, “What happened?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “There were three
survivors, they said they were transporting that Major Moller and the Danish
prisoners here, where the platoon was supposed to regroup. One of our trucks
was leading the convoy and another was bringing up the rear. Most of the Danes,
the ones that turned against Moller, were in one bus and those still loyal to
Moller were in a smaller shuttle van from the airport. Rocket propelled
grenades were used against both our trucks and the larger bus with most of the
Danes inside. Then assault troops took out the driver and guard in the shuttle
van. According to what we have been told, Lieutenant Morrison was killed
instantly in the lead truck when an RPG hit the cab. Like I said, three of us survived
the attack and…four?” He glanced at Katie and Jimmy and they both nodded. “Four
of the Danes also survived.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Have we recovered the
remains?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “It’s in the process,
Sir, Holloman is helping with the recovery.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I laid in bed and thought
for a moment, “Moller is a lot more important than I thought.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, one of the
surviving Danes told us Moller, who had just taken over command of their unit,
wasn’t working for Becker, Becker was basically working for Moller.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “You’re fucking kidding
me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No, Sir. Becker was
the Director of Intelligence in Austin; Moller was CO of the security forces
there. Like us, Intelligence is a component of the security force and
therefore…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Becker was working for
Moller,” I finished.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir. Becker was
originally higher on the food chain, but was demoted after the crap that went
down with his son.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Danni brokenly said,
“It’s my fault, Rich and the others are dead because of me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No,” I firmly said.
“They’re dead because some assholes killed them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “The Major is right,
Captain Monroe, this isn’t on you, it’s on them.” He turned back to me and
said, “Find us a target, Major, we’ll burn it down and salt the earth when
we’re done.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “You can bank on that,
Sargent Lawrence, whose senior NCO in the platoon now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I am, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Good, consider
yourself officially in command until we can get our feet under us again. Have
you notified Asylum yet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, they know
everything.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Okay, have you been
assigned temporary quarters yet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, we’re good
to go until you and the Captain are ready to travel home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I thought we were
having a good day,” I said. “Now, not so much. Give your people some downtime,
Sargent, get cleaned up, full stomachs, and we’ll figure out when we can
leave.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir,” he reached
into a pocket and handed me a slip of paper. “There’s a phone where we’re
billeted and this is the number, call if you need us and we’ll come running.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Thank you, Sargent.”
He saluted and the three of them left.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Nadia and the boys,
Daniel, what is she going to do?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “The same things you
and Debra would do, she’ll push through for the kids because she has to. She
won’t be alone though; she’ll have us to lend a hand when she needs it and
we’re not her only friends.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Rich was always there,
fun and loyal, loving and competent. The Rangers are going to miss him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I’m going to miss him
even more,” I said. I wanted to say how much his loyalty had meant to me, how
his rescue of me had earned him an important place beside me, but I also wanted
to avoid dumping a load of guilt on Danni.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Did you know Packer
offered him a job as a Company CO, but he turned it down so he could continue
running your security?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No, he never mentioned
it to me.” I felt somewhat guilty to discover he had turned down the offer in
order to continue leading my security team.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Did you know Debbie
turned down the rank of Air Force major so she could stay at Asylum with you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yeah, Packer told me
because she didn’t. I’m torn between wanting her to be recognized for her
abilities and wanting her with me. I guess I’m being selfish, but when either
one of you are gone there’s an empty place inside of me.” I lay there for a
moment and finally asked, “What about you? What have you turned down in order
to stay with us?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She simply stared at me
for a moment and then said, “Scoot over some, I want to feel you against me.” I
did and she crawled from her bed to mine and pressed herself against me with
her head on my shoulder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Well?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Both Denver and
Holloman have tried to get me to come and work full-time for them, but I can’t
imagine being so far from you, Debbie, Danni Lynn, and now the twins. I know
John would be affected also. No, my place is with you. Always.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I don’t know what the
future holds, but I feel the same, it’s going to be us, no matter what.” I
reached up to caress her face and clubbed her with my cast instead.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Ow?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Oh, shit, Honey! This
damn cast; I’m not used to it being there! I’m so sorry!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She actually smiled,
the first real one since I woke up, “It’s okay, really, I just wish the two of
us weren’t so screwed up. I could really go for some quality time, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I groaned and said,
“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean, but there’s not a lot of privacy around
here either.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She raised up and said,
“I need to pee, I’ll be back in a minute.” She crawled off the bed and left the
room for several minutes and then came back. As she reentered the room, she
closed the door and then pulled the curtain around the beds closed before she
climbed back beside me, “I spoke with the nurses, we have 45 minutes to
ourselves before they come check on us.” She gave me a passionate kiss and then
added, “Let’s figure out a way to make the most of it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It was a week before
Doctor Keppler gave us the go ahead to travel. Danni’s wound was healing and he
said I could use canes when the casts on my wrists were removed, but until
then, I should use a wheel chair. I could remember the multiple times I had injured my right leg before, and Danni stated unequivocally I was going to be
restricted from walking as much as possible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Holloman helped
recovering the bodies of Rich and the rest of our dead, and provided
transportation for the remains back to Asylum. They even provided aluminum
caskets for them which was greatly appreciated. The ride back was painful to
say the least; Danni’s wound forced her to sit sideways and every little bump
in the road reminded me my legs were less than optimal. Needless to say, our
return was somber and sobering. Packer and Gilly arranged a military funeral
with full honors for those we lost and Debra, Danni, and I, sat with Nadia
during the entire process. On the surface and in front of most, Nadia stood up
rather well, but she was devastated to say the least. Packer and Felicia
decided that widows, widowers, and the children of fallen Rangers and Militia
should be provided permanent housing and construction was started for more
homes outside of the interior of Asylum.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It wasn’t all sadness
though, Danni was delighted with our two new additions and spent as much time
with all of the children she could. Debra still hadn’t named the two newborns
because she said she wanted Danni and I home before she did. My new son has
been named Richard Michael Monroe and my new daughter has been named Nadia
Michelle Monroe. I requested the names as tribute to Rich and Nadia, the two
friends who rescued me from the Feds and the two middle names connect them
together as fraternal twins. Debra and Danni were on board 100%.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Debra, at first, was at
her wits end trying to care for me, Danni, and the kids, all at the same time,
but she finally relaxed and let us help. The first night we were home was a
comedy of sexual frustrations as the three of us tried to figure out the best
ways to work around all the injuries, but the girls are very adaptive and
figured it out. Packer and Gilly dropped off a cart for our use and they
brought a wheel chair for me, but all we have at either the front or rear doors
are steps. Packer says he’s going to call Morgan at Facilities and have a ramp
built for the wheel chair. That sounds like a hell of a plan.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The Intel Office has an
official runner now and I see her so often she’s starting to become a member of
the family. Carrie Michaels is fourteen, red headed, more freckles than you can
shake a stick at and a definite late bloomer, physically. I think Julia likes
her around because Carrie is the only person in Asylum that Julia looks tall
next to. I think Carrie likes delivering massages to me because she has so much
fun with the kids when she comes around. She doesn’t have any family and I
think maybe she’s adopted ours as her own. I don’t mind, she’s a real
sweetheart and her bright personality seems to be infectious. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Danni’s back has
finally healed up and I don’t worry so much about it anymore. She’s started
working out again and is back to giving hand-to-hand combat lessons to Cadets
and anyone who wants them. ‘Charlie’ Maniker is acting as her assistant trainer
and damn that little girl is growing up fast. Her dad must be frantic with all
the boys following her around, but I’ve noticed she spends an inordinate amount
of time in the company of Toby Tyler. Remember him? Mister ‘he won’t miss a slice
out of the middle?’ Yeah, him. He seems to have grown up quite a bit though and
even Debra is looking at him a little less dubiously. I actually kind of like
him after all is said and done and I overheard General Packer saying the kid
was on a fast-track to promotion. Whenever Debra and I are together and we see
him, she always leans over and growls in my ear before laughing. Danni has
started doing it also; those two are incorrigible when they’re together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The casts are off my
wrists and damn, I lost an awful lot of strength while they were on. My legs
are another matter though, it seems the slightest use sets me back in the
recovery process. Of course, sliding down an icy ramp and doing an end-over-end
at the bottom didn’t help matters much. That shit really hurt, but what was
worse was Debra’s reaction. She had just pushed me out the front door and Danni
Lynn wanted to climb up and give me a goodbye kiss before I left for the Intel
Office. Debra was able to grab Danni Lynn, but wasn’t able to slow my race to
the bottom of the icy ramp and had to let go in order to keep from falling with
our child. It got to the point I would grit my teeth in order to avoid making
any noise she might consider as a result of pain whenever I had to stand or
walk a short distance, like to the toilet. Man, that woman buys into self-guilt
way to easy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Like I said, Danni’s
wounded back has healed, but it is still causing her grief and she is very
self-conscious of it. It had to be re-stapled in several places because she
kept doing things to pull them out. like taking care of me. I finally had to
raise some hell and explain to her that every time she re-injured herself, I
felt as though it was my fault. I told her that if she didn’t stop, I was going
to go to the Adobe outside Cliff until she was healed up. She got the message
and started allowing me to do for her, the way she did for me. The end result
of all the re-injuries though, is the scar from Becker’s cut is very pronounced
and prominent. It doesn’t bother me except it’s a constant reminder of the pain
she suffered at his hands. Her skin is so pale, and the scar so red and dark,
it’s hard to miss and I’ve caught her numerous times standing in front of a
mirror with a smaller one in her hand and looking at it. She started wearing a
button up shirt to bed and when we made love, she would allow me to unbutton
the front, but wouldn’t let me take it off. She would allow Debra to apply an
ointment to it to try and soften the scar, but not me. Debra and I sat her down
one night and explained she was doing the same thing I did after my shoulder
had to be extensively carved out and it was insulting to me that she thought I
would be repulsed by the scar. She relented and started allowing me to help
treat the injury. I think she’s finally realizing that though I hate what the
scar represents, I don’t hate the scar.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Another thing I’ve
noticed, Danni keeps mentioning how much she misses being pregnant and how she
feels she isn’t doing enough to add to our menagerie. All three of us want a
large family, but I let the girls decide when that is going to happen. I think
she wants me to say, hey, isn’t it time for another? I think I might suggest
it, you know, sort of.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Sargent Lawrence is now
Lieutenant Lawrence and commands my travel platoon. Captain Jacobs has been
released from the Militia and has returned to Red River, which means, you
guessed it, I became CO of Golf Company. Golf Company is the only Militia
Company with an extra platoon, my travel Security Platoon, plus, it’s Rangers
rather than Militia, so we’re sort of a hybrid formation. It’s led to some
interesting developments. The Rangers, as a unit, are the more highly trained
of the Asylum armed forces, sort of an elite unit. It stands to reason since
most militia members have day jobs. Since I have incorporated my security into
Golf Company, the entire Company has benefited from the combination. Formations
are tighter and more precise; training is more intense and the Militia members
of Golf are becoming even more professional in bearing and capability. 1st
Lieutenant Merrell is XO and I can see him becoming Commanding Officer of Golf
when the time comes. He and Lieutenant Lawrence work together to develop
training sessions and I lay a lot of Golf’s success at their feet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I spend most of my time
dealing with Golf Company, but I still get down to the Intel Office at least
once a week to keep my fingers in it. It’s not that Julia isn’t doing the job
well, it’s just I like doing it so much and it keeps my mind working; I feel
more in tune with everything, more connected to what is happening. Kansas is
communicating with us constantly and requesting Militia instructors to train
their fledgling military. They say they have a surplus of military veterans who
want to help fight the Zippers and some of them are very well-trained, but
Asylum has gained a well-earned reputation and they want to be a part of that.
Packer says he wants to put together a training cadre to send out there and he
wants me to go to set up their intelligence arm. Shit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Oh, and Danni is
pregnant. I hope she doesn’t have twins, especially twins with colic.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I’m not going to
Kansas. Things have come up and General Packer wants me here to work it out.
Instead, he’s sending Julia Ortiz, and three of our staffers from the
Intelligence Office; Terry and I have to train three more newly hired people.
Plus, I’m still commanding Golf Company, but apparently not for long. I was
confined to the wheelchair for so long that Packer made Lieutenant Merrell Provisional
CO until I returned, which I have. Golf Company has become a highly mobile,
premiere combat unit with the changes I instituted and Packer wants me to step
up and take command of 3d Battalion, 2<sup>nd</sup> Regiment, Militia, in
which, Golf is one of three Companies. I won’t be taking Golf’s fourth platoon,
the Rangers, with me because they are going to Kansas with Julia and one other
senior officer, Debra, as security.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I was freaking fit to
be tied when Packer informed me and only managed to stay calm because Debra was
there to keep a lid on things. I guess they learned from the last time they
sent one of my wives and child on a mission without informing me first. There
will be additional training personnel going also, but Debra will be in overall
command of the mission with the rank of Major. Yeah, she finally received the
rank Holloman wanted to give her if she would re-enlist in the Air Force. On
the one hand, I’m as proud as a man can be for his wife, on the other, she has
two babies to care for and I used that as an excuse to question the decision.
Packer was ahead of me and informed me Debra was going to have a nanny for the
kids in order to free her up so she could perform her duties. When I looked at
Debra, I could tell she was getting apprehensive about how I might react and
decided to keep my shit to myself and gave the mission my blessing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> One good thing about
the mission, Debra and our people won’t be alone so far from home. Both Denver
and Holloman are sending detachments also. Holloman is sending a group from
their Predator Wing with Air Security and Denver is sending a platoon of their
Rangers. In addition, they won’t be driving, Holloman is providing the aircraft
to fly them there along with some support vehicles. C130s, damn, I’d love to ride
in one of those. Of course, I said the same thing about helicopters and the
first time I got the chance, I crashed it. Maybe it’s better if I do stay home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Watching Debra leave
again was difficult, very difficult, and Danni was beside herself with worry.
After Danni’s last mission away from Asylum, she’s more than a little jumpy.
She still has nightmares, periods of depression, and what I believe are anxiety
attacks. Keeping busy with her job duties and helping me with running my new
job seems to help her cope. Then again, maybe it’s just masking the problem. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Being a Battalion CO is
a bear; the only good thing is, my staff members are outstanding. Luckily, I
didn’t have to do the battalion Executive Officer job before taking command.
Company XO was one of the worst jobs I have ever held and it just does not
stop, ever. I probably immersed myself in a lot of the crap that shouldn’t be
done by the XO anyway. I know Danni says I need to lighten up and let my staff
do their jobs, she’s probably right. One of my first priorities was getting the
vehicles my men needed. Golf Company was good to go after I was there for a
while, but now Hotel and Item Companies have needs and guess who is
responsible? It’s not just Hotel and Item either, Battalion Headquarters needs
all kinds of crap also. I’m working on Hotel Company first and acquiring
vehicles the same way we did for Golf. One of the biggest headaches is dealing
with personalities amongst the battalion officer corp. Everyone thinks they
should be getting priority status and rightfully so. It’s a Company CO’s job to
put his company first after all, but damn.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Long story short, I
used Golf’s trucks as transportation to send troops to different locations in
attempts to find vehicles for Hotel and Item. Terry and I worked long hours
establishing the most likely places to find the vehicles we needed and it has
been paying off big time. As of the moment, Golf, of course, is fully equipped
with the vehicles it needs. Item is nearing their final count, but now I’m on
another path; what if each company had a platoon, or company for battalions,
equipped with armored vehicles? I’m not talking about high-end Bearcats, or
MRAPS, I’m thinking about some of the things that were done to up-armor normal
transport trucks that has been done in the past. The two squads I lost in El
Paso wouldn’t have benefited from the armor, at least I don’t think so, but
protection from small arms would be greatly appreciated by everyone. I need
steel plate and reinforcement materials; this could be very interesting if it
works out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Initially, I didn’t say
anything to Packer about the armored truck idea, I just went with it and sent
elements of Hotel Company to Tucson in search of steel plate, welding
equipment, specialty tools et cetera. When they returned, I put the Motor Pool
to the task of developing the first truck as a test of the feasibility. I went
by every day and watched the progress and though it was slow, it was still
advancing. We used a six-wheel-drive power company truck as the prototype and
after three weeks, it was finished. We drove it up to the end of the airstrip
and tried shooting holes in it and you couldn’t even see where the 5-5-6 rounds
ricocheted off. 7-6-2 dimpled the armor, but none penetrated. I then had them deliver
it to Morgan at facilities and they painted it Coyote Brown. I and several
others then visited the Art Department at Human Resources and we collaborated
on a graphic to symbolize the Grant County Militia. We settled on a simple
silhouette of the helmet warn by Greek Hoplites, some of the original
citizen-soldiers, with a spear and sword crossed behind it. The Art Department
designed the stencil and we used flat black paint to apply it. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The following day, I
met the men assigned to the armored truck in front of the Ranger Bunker, had
them stand at ease with a full set of weapons and away gear, while I went
inside and asked General Packer for a moment of his time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “What do you need,
Daniel?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I have a sort of,
well, proof of concept example outside and I was wondering if you would look it
over and give me your opinion?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “A proof of concept
involving what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “An armored truck,
Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He looked at me for a
moment and then said, “Really? You’re not busy enough getting 3d Battalion up
to speed, now you’re designing vehicles as well?” He stood up and exited his
office as I followed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> At the building exit, I
heard the Sargent of the Militia Squad shout, “ATTENHUT!” As Packer and I
walked outside. He looked the men over, congratulated them on their bearing and
then we walked slowly around the truck as he examined it closely.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> At the first door
bearing the graphic, he stopped and examined it, “Sweet, is that a Hoplite
helmet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, same with
the sword and spear as well.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Citizen soldiers, same
as our Militia,” he said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir.” We
continued around the truck until we reached the front again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Will the plate stop
small arms?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, both 5-5-6
and 7-6-2. I wouldn’t hold my breath with .50 caliber though.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “No, of course not, but
it will probably turn away a lot of shrapnel as well.” He dropped to his knees
and checked the undercarriage. “It’s going to be susceptible to ground and road
emplaced mines and IEDs, you might want to consider some sort of armor for
underneath.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, I know we’ve
never run into IEDs, but yes, it’s something to think about.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Okay, get started on
the follow up and see what we can do for the undercarriage protection. Work me
up a projection on a company of armored vehicles in each Battalion. Tactics,
SOPs, the works, then get back to me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, Sir, I was hoping
you’d agree it was a worthwhile project.” I was breathing a sigh of relief.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “This is good, Daniel,
you’re thinking of the safety of your men, I’m liking it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Thank you, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Packer complimented the
men again and then returned to his office as we loaded up and returned to my
Battalion headquarters. I started thinking about the things I had left undone
while concentrating on the armored truck and gritted my teeth; I was
over-loading myself again. I sat down with the Battalion Personnel Officer and
had her pull our records and start looking for people who might have experience
in armored units of the US military and eventually she found thirteen. I had her
call them in and discussed with them what I wanted to do and the suggestion
Packer had made to improve the protection of the undercarriage. They were very
interested in the idea and set to work developing standards for the improved
armor and the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures. They were coming
up with so many good ideas I started wondering if there were more people in the
Rangers, or Militia, that had previous armor experience and decided to find the
answer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I organized a dinner
for the Commanding Officers and XOs of each battalion of Rangers and Militia
with the express purpose of making inquiries into anyone with armor training
and experience. After I started the ball rolling, I contacted Packer and told
him of my general plan; we needed a training cadre to teach what they most
likely knew. Again, he told me to run with it and Gilly helped Danni with the
planning of the dinner. I told Danni she had responsibilities of her own and
planning parties for me wasn’t one of them, but she insisted and I finally
acquiesced. She really seemed to relish the role of supporting her husband’s
interests. Then again, she also seemed to relish working her own ideas into the
mix. It didn’t bother me in the least; she generally was more helpful than some
of the other officers that attended. We discovered we had quite a few
experienced armor people and we chose those with the best qualifications to
form a training cadre. Danni, in addition to her own responsibilities and her
experience in developing educational programs for the Cadets and training for
Militia members, became an advisor for Major Jeff Stills, the head program
administrator. I wasn’t the only one who was getting overloaded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Major Henry Sanchez is
the XO for 3<sup>rd</sup> Battalion and what a catch he was. Seems kind of odd
for him to be saluting me since I’m a major also, but he says I have seniority
because I’ve been a major longer than he has. Okay. I asked why he didn’t take
command of the Battalion when it was offered to him and he said he just wasn’t
comfortable with the responsibility. He liked being the Executive Officer and
he enjoyed performing the job. I relaxed a little more and turned over a lot of
the BS tasks I had been doing, to him, and concentrated on the training and the
leadership role. The entire 3<sup>rd</sup> Battalion was coming along nicely as
I continually adjusted training cycles to meet our needs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The Motor Pool finished
modifying our first armored truck and built a ‘V’ shaped hull below the vehicle
which was supposed to deflect an explosion away from the bottom. The idea
sounds good, but I have no experience with the concept, so I’ll take their word
for it. We now have enough trucks being modified to equip one of the companies.
I requested the help of Facilities and Morgan loaned us a team of fabricators
and welders. They started training guys in the Motor Pool and before long, the
modifications to our salvaged trucks were really coming along.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Debra has now been gone
two months and it’s starting to stress the family. Danni Lynn has started to
constantly ask for Mamma and John seems to notice her absence as well. Danni
Lynn has started what will become the family norm; Debra is Mamma, and Danni is
Mommy. Don’t get me wrong, as far as Danni goes, Danni Lynn considers Danni her
mother, but she recognizes that Debra is her biological mother and the
connection is closer. John is the same way with Danni and I think it must have
something to do with the olfactory sense, maybe. Interestingly, both Danni Lynn
and John miss the twins and ask about them as often as they ask about Debra.
Danni says when Danni Lynn is having a bad day and is missing her Mamma, she
perks up and becomes more normal when I am there. Yeah, it makes feel good my
little girl can find solace in my presence, but it eats at me she misses her
mother. I asked Packer about Debra’s mission duration, but he has no firm
answers for me and I get frustrated. There’s been nights when Danni cries
because she misses Debra so bad. I try to be there for her, but I’m not Debra,
and the two of them have some sort of special bond between them. I mentioned it
to Danni and I believe she thought there might be some sort of jealousy on my
part, but there isn’t, not really. In fact, I think it’s great they feel the
way they do for one another. I have a special relationship with Debra that’s
different from the one I have with Danni, and the same goes the other way as
well; there are things between Danni and I that Debra isn’t part of. I don’t
mean anything secretive, just…different.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Twelve weeks, three
months, I want my wife back. Danni is depressed and Danni Lynn is listless when
I am not close to her. Even Gilly has noticed and accosted Packer with demands
he do something about the situation. He told her he would try and make
something happen as soon as possible, but I see as it as problematic. If he
does do something out of the ordinary, it could cause friction within the
Rangers and Militia if some people detect preferential treatment for my family
over others. Additionally, there is the problem of intelligence security. We
avoid any type of personal messaging over the radio or satellite connections;
there’s no telling what information might be exposed unintentionally. My family
isn’t the only one suffering from separation. I try to rationalize the
situation by remembering family separation is part of military life and in the
past, separations could last much longer than just three months. I also
recognize, I can expect Debra’s and the twin’s return while others, like Nadia
Morrison, will never know the return of their loved ones. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We spend time with
Nadia and her little ones at least two or three times a week and I see her
often due to Militia concerns. Nadia is now the Company XO for Baker Company, 1<sup>st</sup>
Battalion, 1<sup>st</sup> Regiment, Militia. Due to how busy she is with her
Militia duties, she had to give up her position at Facilities, but like me, she
has to be available to give advice when it’s needed. According to her Company
CO, who is an ex-National Guard officer, she is the best XO he ever had the
pleasure to know. I’m not surprised.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Son-of-a-bitch! I am so
excited! The communication guys at Holloman devised a way to send burst
communications in encrypted packages! So? Mail! Danni and I just received our
first letter from Debra and she even included pictures she took of herself,
Nadia, and Richie! She says she believes she will be able to wrap up the trip
to Kansas soon and will be coming home. I’m a little worried though, in the
picture she looks thin, too thin. It reminds me of the way she looked after we
got back together after the Gupta picture. When I mentioned how thin Debra
looked, Danni laughed and said I was the pot calling the kettle black. I guess
I’ve lost weight as well and Danni says she probably would have if she wasn’t
pregnant and had me harping at her constantly to eat. God, it will be good to
hold Debra and the kids again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Danni is in a deep
state of depression. Not because she misses Debra, she does, but this is
something else. Terry dropped by late in the day and asked me to go over some
reports he had received and weren’t making sense to him. I invited him in and
we sat at the dining table as he started spreading out sheets of information
and a series of pictures of different people. One I recognized right away,
Major Mathias Moller.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I know this guy,
Terry.” I pointed at the picture of Moller.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yeah, I figured you
would. We received a report he was out in Kansas and in the general vicinity of
where Debra and our people are.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Really?” I picked up
the sheet of paper and studied the man’s face. “What’s he doing out there?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “I’m not sure, but it
seems to me he’s searching for someone. He’s alluded to it in several
messages.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I glanced at him as I
asked, “In what way? I mean, what has he said?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Mostly, his
communications are pretty vague, but once in a while, he gets more
descriptive.” He shoved a sheet across to me and said, “Like this one, this is
one of the ones that has raised my awareness and caused me to draw a bead on
him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I read the transcript
and shook my head, “The Queen of Clubs and the Hangers On? What the hell is
that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Like I said, not what,
but who. He’s looking for someone and is getting agitated by delays.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Danni walked out of the
back bedroom, said ‘hi’ to Terry and then leaned over and kissed my ear, “Kids
are down and out, they must have had a busy day at the Child Care Center
today.” Straightening up, she asked, “Terry, would you like a glass of Bock?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, thank you,
Danni.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Babe? How about you?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Yes, please.” She
walked to the fridge as I started glancing through several more transcripts.
“This Queen of Clubs, is there someone in the anti-zipper movement it could
be?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Maybe, but I don’t
know who it would be. From what I’ve gathered from the comms with Debra, the
leadership of the Kansas Militia is all male. They have a few women in their
ranks, but nothing that might…” He suddenly stopped as Danni dropped a bottle
of Bock that spilled over the papers and the dining table.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She gasped and shakily
said, “Why is a picture of HIM on our table?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I turned to the
scattered papers and focused on Moller, “Moller? When did you run into Moller?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Daniel,” she looked
desperate as she said, “That’s not someone named, Moller, that’s Becker!” She
tried to pick up the fallen bottle of Bock, but her hands were shaking too
badly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I reached out and
grasped her hands and held them, “Honey, that’s Major Mathias Moller, he’s the
one we captured in the hotel in El Paso. Remember? He escaped when Rich was
killed after I killed Becker in the helicopter. Becker had you at Biggs,
remember?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “All I know is,” she
stabbed at the picture with her finger. “That, is Becker! I will never forget
what he did to me, the way he smiled as he did it! That is Becker!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Honey, I killed the
man that had you at Biggs, he said he was Becker, I realize your eyes were
swollen shut, but you heard his voice, surely you would have…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “He never spoke to me,
not a word before I couldn’t see any more. He just laughed as he did things to
make me scream.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I put my arms around
her and she seemed to melt into me, “Terry,” I said. “Call Packer, tell him
Becker is alive and somewhere in Kansas near Debra and the twins. Then make
sure Debra knows he’s there; I think we know who the Queen of Clubs and the
Hangers On are.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Danni began to shake as
she said, “Oh, God, he’s after Debbie and the twins!”</span></p>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
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<![endif]-->dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-65213690670360323282021-07-11T23:36:00.002-07:002021-08-15T20:59:11.618-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 34<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
34</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It probably sounds like things were going
pretty well, and they were to a degree, but there is always something that
doesn’t want to play along. This pregnancy of Debra’s for one. She was really
upbeat when she was carrying Danni Lynn, this time, she seems, I don’t know,
off, just off. It worries me that maybe she isn’t really sure of us. No, it’s
not that, not us, but I don’t know, maybe the problem isn’t her, maybe it’s me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was seven months along before I
finally found out what the problem was. I was asleep and Danni shook me awake.
I was in bed and could tell it was either very late at night, or early in the
morning, “Danni? What’s wrong? The kids okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The kids are fine, Daniel. Babe, there’s
something you need to know and Debra made me swear not to tell you until…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Until what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Until she has the new baby.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scrubbed my eyes and sat up and looked
around, “Where is she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The livingroom and she’s crying her heart
out. This shit needs to stop because she’s starting to, god, Daniel, it’s
starting to scare me. She thinks when the baby is born, you’re going to leave
her, us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why would she think that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She paused and started to talk twice, but
both times she stopped, “Damn it!” She said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, talk to me, now you’re getting me
scared.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She didn’t want you to know, she didn’t
ever want you to know and made me promise not to tell you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell me what, Danni?” I started getting
angry, the kind of angry that…never mind. “Tell me what is going on; I can’t
help if I don’t know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny, the day you were shot, Walter Pix
raped Debra and she thinks that might be the reason she’s pregnant.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Christ.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She didn’t want you to know, but now she’s
convinced the baby will look like him and you won’t want the baby or her. She
thinks you’ll leave and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because the baby would be, black?” I
clenched my jaw and shook my head. “It would be a bit of a shock, I’ll admit
that; she should have told me from the very start.” I started getting out of
bed, but Danni held me in place.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you going to do?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Talk to her, find out if…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan, please don’t attack her; it’s not her
fault and if you blame her in any way, it’s going to crush her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that what you think of me? That I would
blame her?” I shifted her aside and stood up, but she stood up also and got
between me and the bedroom door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t think so. I trust you, but this
is too important for me to be wrong.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, at least you have some sense anyway.”
I grabbed her wrist and dragged her behind me and into the livingroom where I
sat her down on the opposite end of the couch that Debra was curled up on.
Debra wiped her eyes and scooted back as I rounded the coffee table and stood
in front of her. She honestly looked frightened. I knelt down and placed my
hand on her belly.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni told me, what you should have,” she
began to cry. I tilted her head up and said, “Look at me.” She shook her head.
“Debra, Look at me.” She finally did and I said, “This baby, is mine, it
doesn’t matter what color it is, this is my child, do you understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If it’s black, everyone will think…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We tell the truth and if anyone has
anything to say we don’t like, the Adobe is waiting for us, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want you to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be the father?” I asked. “Because that’s
the only thing that would make me back up. If you want me to be the father, I
am the father, understand?” She nodded. “Besides, it could actually be mine,
right? Who was it that crawled on top of me in the clinic and welcomed me home?
Without a condom if I remember correctly?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni fake gasped and said, “Debbie! You
hussy!” I knew what Danni was trying to do, it was a favorite way the two of
them used to lessened the severity of disagreements they would occasionally
have.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra started crying harder and then she
began hiccuping as she tried to talk, “I don’t know what I was thinking, I was
confused and upset and I thought if we had sex without a condom you would think
it was yours, but if the baby is black you would know anyway and I didn’t want
you to know he did it and I didn’t like it, I swear!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t like it at all! I hated it when he
touched me! I didn’t have an orgasm, I swear to you, Daniel, I didn’t, I really
didn’t, but you won’t believe me, I know it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, Babe…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t want me anymore and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni, loudly broke in, “Debbie! For god’s
sake, shut up and listen to Daniel! Give him a chance to talk!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra slapped both of her hands over her
mouth and silenced herself as she tried to breathe through a runny nose. I
pulled her hands away and said, “Babe, you need to breathe, okay?” She quickly
bobbed her head up and down and then tried to look away, “No,” I said. “Look at
me, please?” She locked eyes with me as I said, “This is the last time I’m
going to say this,” I put my hand back on her swollen stomach. “So, you have to
believe it. This baby is yours, and mine, and Danni’s, right?” She nodded. “I,
am the father, right?” She nodded again. “I believe you when you said you
didn’t like it in any way, okay?” She nodded again as fresh tears started
running down her cheeks. “You love me, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Say it,” I said as I reached out to Danni
and taking her hand, I pulled her tight against Debra and I.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned forward and kissed her gently
before saying, “We’ve had more than our share of troubles, haven’t we?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but another man has never…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop,” I allowed a little harshness into my
tone. “Remember when you were telling me about your escape from Denver?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember you said you decided you were not
going to be taken prisoner because no man, but me, would ever touch you again?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes?” She started clouding up again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did I tell you about that?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started to look away, but I turned her
face back, “You told me,” she said. “You didn’t want to hear that. You told me
to stay alive and you would come for me, and find me because you wanted me by
your side, no matter what.” She raised up on her knees and put her arms around
my neck and squeezed, “I love you so much, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni smiled and said, “I think Debbie needs
a little quality alone time with our man; why don’t I sleep in the spare room
tonight?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra pulled an arm from around my neck and
put it around Danni, “No, I need to feel both of you against me. I need both of
you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were more normal after that and I
think Debra accepted the fact I wanted to be the father of our child no matter
what, but there was still a noticeable difference. As far as me? I kept finding
myself wishing Pix was still alive, so I could kill him again for what he did.
If anyone deserved a worse death, a slower death, it was him.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni was sent to Denver again and stayed
for two weeks before she could come home again, but she made huge strides in
removing kinks in their Cadet and Militia programs. She was home for a week and
then off to Holloman to attend meetings there regarding the same reasons as
Denver. Holloman wanted Debra to come, but finally conceded that it was getting
too close to her time to deliver. Then, Packer dropped a bombshell on me. He
told me it was time for me to get back with the program and accept the fact
that it was time for me to return to the Ranger fold. Julia and Terry were
hitting home runs in the Intelligence Office and though they brought me in on
occasion when they were stumped, they were doing an outstanding job. Julia was
advanced to Provisional Captain and Terry was officially a Sargent.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me? Packer said I needed command experience
and wanted me to accept the position of Company Executive Officer. I informed
him there was no way I had the experience necessary to perform the function and
he said I was right, I didn’t, but I was going to learn on the job. He had two
openings available that needed to be filled, one was with Charlie Company, 1st
Battalion, Rangers, and the second was, <a name="_Hlk53607998">Golf Company, 3d
Battalion, 1<sup>st</sup> Regiment, Militia. </a>Unfortunately, the position
also came with a demotion; Packer said it would be confusing to everyone to
have a Major as an XO under a CO that was a Captain, okay. I decided I preferred
staying close to home, so I chose Golf Company.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I was closer to home, but what a
cluster fuck. I had no idea an XO’s job was so demanding and complicated. I
struggled constantly to stay ahead of the curve, but every time I thought I was
caught up and looking good, I discovered something else I should have been
doing. In one respect, I was lucky, the Company Supply Sargent, Sargent Harold
Navarre, and the Company Motor Pool Sargent, Sargent Chet Amendola, were both
retired ex-Army and had served in both of the capacities they were assigned to
in the Militia. Captain Jacobs, was the Company CO and I had a sit-down with
him my first day.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, Lieutenant,” he shook his head and
added, “I don’t know for sure what the General was thinking when he assigned
you, a Major, as XO for a Motorized Infantry Company.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m, unofficially, a First Lieutenant for
the duration of my assignment, Captain Jacobs.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe so, but it just doesn’t seem right
for you to be saluting me instead of the other way around. One other thing, I
know in the past, you’ve gone by the last name of Smith, then Tarn, followed by
Monroe and now, by the paperwork I’m looking at, your last name is Menendez?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacobs stared at me for a moment as he
waited for clarification, but finally shrugged, “Right, alright then, here is
where things start getting crappy for a new XO, your first priority is getting
the Company up to speed with transportation. As Motorized, we’re supposed to
have a total of twelve trucks and a Command Vehicle; what we have is three
trucks we use for training purposes. What can you do for me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, the Rangers and Militia are all short
on vehicles, so it’s not like you are being shorted on purpose. I assume you
have already approached Battalion Command with your problem?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I have, and what I was told isn’t
worth repeating. Apparently, Battalion expects us to procure our own equipment,
but how we’re supposed to do that is one of the great mysteries. Again, what
can you do for me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an uncomfortable feeling that Jacobs
might be one of the people Packer advanced to a rank he was incompetent at.
“What does my responsibility look like to you, Captain?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re XO, figure it out and get back to
me.” He then completely ignored me and finally, I saluted, turned about, left
his office and walked outside, what the hell?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing outside the Captain’s office were
Sergeants Navarre and Amendola, and Navarre was the man who spoke first, “I see
you’ve met the Captain.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did the blank look of disbelief give it
away?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sort of, what’s he wanting you to pull out
of your ass?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nine trucks and a Command Vehicle.” I
answered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amendola chuckled, “Well, not to piss on
your parade, but the three trucks we have are barely running. We have three of
those Mercedes trucks and they’re held together with bailing wire and duct
tape; we ran out of bubble gum. What you need is twelve trucks we can procure
parts for.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Great, okay, are the two of you available
this evening?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could be,” Navarre said. “What did you have
in mind, Major?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Asylum Bock and a brainstorming session,
are you up for it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell us where and when, anyone else you
want?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Company First Sargent, do you know
where Deer Track Road is?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Up where they finished those rammed earth
houses by the airstrip?” Navarre asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Number 14, white house with blue trim, be
there at six o’clock.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” They both replied as they
saluted and then walked away conversing with each other. I headed for the Intel
Office with the intent to do some research on where I might be able to find
transportation for Golf Company, 3d Battalion, 1<sup>st</sup> Regiment,
Militia.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a while, but between the three of
us, Julia, Terry, and myself, we located some good possibilities, all of which
were in and around Tucson and Las Cruces. I had a feeling we would need to hit
both cities in order to meet our needs. The plan was to hit the locations of
vehicle sales, construction companies, and municipal, county, and state
facilities that might have commercial type vehicles available. We were not
going to be able to order what we wanted, but salvage might get us what we
needed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told
the girls what was going on and they made a quick dinner, showered, looked
after the children and prepared them for the evening while I cleaned up the
house and prepped it for visitors. At six o’clock on the dot, Sergeants,
Amendola, Navarre, and Company Sergeant Robert Jimenez arrived at the front
door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come in, Gentlemen.” I stepped out of the
way and allowed them to pass through to the livingroom, “Have a seat, anyone
want a glass of bock?” They all three said yes and I started pouring the beer.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni walked into the room with Danni Lynn
on her hip and I introduced her to the Sergeants when they stood up and shortly
after they sat back down, Debra walked in with John and we went through the
introductions again. The three men already knew who they were, but they had
never officially met.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “I believe I know where we
may be able to come up with some transport for Golf Company, but I want to hear
what the three of you think we need.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimenez nodded and said, “Harold, give the
Major, I mean, Lieutenant, a run down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Navarre cleared his throat and got started,
“Like I said earlier, Sir, the three trucks we have should be relegated to
parts vehicles for the rest of the Militia equipped with the Mercedes trucks;
at least they’ll serve a purpose.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Agreed,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Next, we need nine trucks just to transport
the men of the Company, plus each platoon should have a supply vehicle as well
for a total of twelve.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Agreed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We also need, which Captain Jacobs doesn’t
agree with, some sort of tanker truck to carry fuel for the Company.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Reasonable, but why does the Captain
believe we don’t need a tanker?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sergeant Jimenez answered, “He says as
Militia, we don’t need to wander far from home; he says the projection of
combat capability is the domain of the Rangers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, I take it he was not with the
Militia during the Battle of Las Cruces?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, he came down from Red River about
a month after the battle and offered to serve. He was a Naval Lieutenant in the
Seabees and because of his past as an officer, the General gave him the
position of XO with Fox Company and then CO here at Golf.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, what else do we need in the way of
transportation?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Captain wants a Command Vehicle that
will double as a communication van, but we need a dedicated recon team as well.
I’m thinking either three Jeep type vehicles with three, or four-man crews, or
motorcycles with a support vehicle.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can think of pros and cons for both
ideas, however, the history of the effectiveness of the Long-Range Desert
Groups of World War Two makes me lean towards the Jeeps,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimenez nodded in agreement, “Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, if we utilize jeeps for the recon
team, and the team consists of one squad, we need three Jeeps and one less
troop transport, but one more supply vehicle that can stay with the jeeps to
resupply. That means we need eight troop transports, three supply trucks, three
Jeeps, one recon resupply vehicle, a fuel tanker, and a command/communication
van, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimenez hem-hawed and finally said, “Well,
the recon team should be separate from the three platoons, Sir. I’m thinking
twelve trucks for the three platoons, three jeeps, a fuel tanker, and a supply
truck for Recon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re talking about adding another twelve
to sixteen men to the Company?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir. It will be best if we have troops
trained for recon instead of rotating other squads through the job.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you spoken with Captain Jacobs about
increasing the head count?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, he said we don’t need a Recon Team
and he didn’t want the extra headaches of keeping track of twelve more men.” He
cleared his throat and added, “I know that all of the personnel need to be
aware of the recon job, but reconnaissance is a specialty, Sir, and we need men
who are well-trained for it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at Danni and Debra and they both
nodded in agreement. “I agree with your sentiments, Sargent.” I looked back at
the girls and asked, “What do the two of you think, does the Company need a
dedicated Recon Team?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “Absolutely, Danni and I have
both approached the General about this topic and he has already issued the
clearance for additional reconnaissance assets within each company. If Golf
Company is short the personnel they need, we have a class getting ready to graduate
Scout training and we can send a few of them your way.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How many can I have?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without hesitation, she answered, “No more
than three, but they’ll be good to go and capable of training others as well.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Jimenez and said, “Okay, you will
have three trained team leaders, pick at least nine more good men from the
company, so they have a full complement.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just out of curiosity,” I said. “What type
of vehicle does the Captain envision for a Command Vehicle/communications van?”
The three sergeants glanced at each other and I could see some hesitancy to
answer. “Permission is given to speak freely, First Sergeant.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, the Captain told us to keep an
eye out for a motor home, in particular, a diesel pusher with at least one
pop-out room.” He sat there quietly for a moment as he waited for my response.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, an RV, I think that might be a
little grandiose for a Company Commander, don’t you think?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The First Sergeant smiled and said, “That
was my initial thought, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, if something along those lines
presents itself…” I allowed the statement to fade away and continued with, “I’d
like the three of you to work out the details for a mission to Las Cruces. I’ll
get together a list of probable locations and we’ll head down that way and see
if we can come up with some vehicles.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Navarre asked, “Duration, Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Probably no longer than five days, but plan
for ten. Figure on a full platoon and we’ll want mechanics with us, some of the
vehicles may have been sitting for an extended length of time and might need to
be pampered a bit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir,” Amendola said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?” Navarre.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sergeant?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did the CO mention we had a shortage of
weapons?” He was definitely dancing around the prospect.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing to me personally, I imagine he
figured I would discover the fact and take appropriate action.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I’m sure that must be why he has
left the problem unaddressed.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra, who were sitting quietly and
listening, inserted herself into the conversation, “How short of weapons are
you, Sergeant?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“20 percent of the Company have no primary
arms, Ma’am.” Navarre wouldn’t meet her eyes.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Danni asked, “And Captain Jacobs is
aware of this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First Sergeant Jimenez said, “Begging your
pardon, Sir,” I nodded to him. “Will it be possible for Sergeants Amendola and
Navarre to return to the Company Compound at this time?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at Debra and Danni and they both
slightly nodded to me, “Yes, First Sergeant, I’m sure they have preparations to
make.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both men stood up and saluted me, then
quickly left. Danni asked Jimenez, “You followed proper procedures?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Platoon Leaders?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, all three of them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When you approached Captain Jacobs about
your concerns, what was his response?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The same as always, Ma’am, he told us to
take care of it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The acquisition of weapons must be signed
for by the Company CO, but he expected you to take care of it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra inserted herself, “Article 138? Did
you mention it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“His response?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He informed me, we were not under the
U.C.M.J., that we were not real soldiers, we were a bunch of civilian
wannabees.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see,” Danni said. “We will check into
this, First Sergeant, thank you for getting us up to speed.” Jimenez stood up,
saluted me, and then departed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “What was all that?” At
first, I started thinking I wished I hadn’t asked, but then realized there was
a huge amount of military life I simply did not know. Why does everything have
to be so complicated? What it boiled down to was, Debra and Danni were going to
approach Packer in the morning and fill him in on Jacobs refusal to perform his
duties. God, I hope that doesn’t mean I get bumped up into another job I have
no idea of how to perform.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacobs was not removed from command of Golf
Company and I was still XO, so it didn’t seem to me that much was accomplished.
The sergeants and I put together the mission plan to Las Cruces and left three
days later, oddly, Jacobs came with us. I wished he hadn’t, because I came to
know him better than I wanted; he was self-centered, a braggart, and I
suspected a liar as well. His self-promotion was extensive and I noticed the
men listening to him quickly lost interest in his stories. I was surprised to discover
he commanded a Company of Raiders while he was in Africa building helicopter
bases for the Marines. Lucky for the Marines he was there or the Raiders would
have had their asses handed to them by a bunch of weekend Jihadists. I found
myself wondering how that whopper would go over with Matthew Thomas and decided
if the opportunity presented itself, I intended to find out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the three trucks assigned to the
company and we were using my own personal truck as a supply vehicle. At our
first repair stop in between Hurley and Deming, Jacobs discovered how
comfortable the seats of my truck were and ‘requisitioned’ it for his personal
use as the command vehicle. I’m serious, he claimed my truck was officially his
truck because of military necessity. We were definitely headed for some serious
disagreement when we returned to Asylum.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, I wasn’t faced with the actual
process of challenging his actions.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process of recovering the vehicles we
wanted was simple, but also complex. First, we located heavy equipment
contractors in Las Cruces and then went through their office records to
discover where we might find the ones that were not within their yards. Then,
we had to go to where the trucks had been left and see if they could be
started. Almost all of them needed new batteries just to begin the process, and
we ended up giving all of the trucks tune-ups, oil changes, tire replacements,
you name it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the sixth day, we made contact with a
small group of people who asked if they could accompany us when we returned to
Asylum and Jacobs said no. He didn’t just say no, he was rather caustic about
his refusal. In all honesty, I would have refused also, but I would have done
so in a manner that may have been more constructive. The people we encountered
were slavers and were looking for a new market, apparently, they believed some
of the false information that had been broadcast about Asylum and wanted to
sell some of their product to us. After angering the assholes, he sent me to
negotiate with them. They decided taking me prisoner was a good idea and
thought they could negotiate from a position of strength if they had the man
who was second-in-command under their thumb.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was being held, Jacobs told Jimenez,
Navarre, and Amendola to gather everyone up and prepare to leave. When they
asked him about me, he said he considered me an acceptable loss in exchange for
the vehicles I had provided Golf Company. They conferred with Lieutenant Jason
Merrell and decided they would rather return to Asylum with the trucks, and me.
I wasn’t there when it happened, but I got the story from Merrell and Jimenez
afterwards.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell asked, “Captain Jacobs, you are
aware, are you not, that Major Menendez is a rather popular person amongst the
rank and file of both the Rangers and the Militia?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s one man with a checkered past and well
worth the exchange for the trucks. I’m not getting into a fire fight over one
man of dubious loyalty.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How many hostages would make a fire fight
worthwhile?” Amendola asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacobs looked puzzled and said, “What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Merrell said, “Sir, the men will
be unhappy if you drive away and leave one of our own in enemy hands.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are enlisted grunts; they have no
opinions and I am in command.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir,” Navarre said. “Speaking as an
enlisted grunt, I’m curious though, if you’re willing to drive away and abandon
someone like Major Menendez, how quickly would you leave someone like me
behind?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No man is more important than the mission,”
Jacobs said. “With that said, let’s get the convoy on the road and back to
Asylum. That’s an order, people!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell looked back and forth at the
Sergeants and finally said to Jacobs, “No, Sir, not without the Major.” Turning
to First Sergeant Jimenez, he said, “First Sergeant, take first Squad and
position them to attack the right flank of the Slavers on my command.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sergeant Navarre, Sergeant Amendola, take
your people and escort Captain Jacobs to the trucks and make sure he doesn’t
cause any problems, he is no longer in command. Second Squad and Third Squad,
follow me!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on my knees and a man named, Duarte
was standing next to me, “You’re making a mistake,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Am I?” He clipped the side of my head with
his pistol. “We’ll see; I think they’ll bargain for your life, and believe me
when I say, it is your life we’re negotiating for.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t understand,” I said. “We don’t
bargain with slavers; it’s in your best interest to walk away, right now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve heard it before pal, lots of times.”
He punctuated his statement with another smack from his pistol. It was actually
kind of pretty in a grotesque kind of way. Looking at the muzzle and the
cylinder of the big, nickel-plated revolver, I figured it was .44 Magnum or .45
Long Colt. Whichever it was, it was definitely overkill and the recoil would
slow down target re-acquisition. “Nothing else to say?” He laughed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Naw,” I replied. “My inner voice is saying
to just wait until one of our DMRs puts a bullet through your brain pan.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One of your what? What’s a DMR?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll find out…” He collapsed as if there
were no bones in his body; the .45 caliber bullet had passed through his mouth
and embedded itself in his brain stem. “…or not.” There were ten or twelve
others and they started falling all around me as I threw myself down on the
ground. I waited as the sound of gunshots and pissed off bees buzzing past
dissipated, then someone started shouting.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cease fire! Cease fire!” I raised up high
enough to look around and saw Lieutenant Merrell walking towards me. “Are you
alright, Major?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing up, I swallowed, hard, and said,
“Yeah, but I may have pissed myself a bit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the Militia guys was picking up that
big ass revolver and said, “Yeah, right, you were probably getting ready to
kill them all somehow.” He tucked the pistol into his MOLLE Belt and continued
to the next body as he broke down his silenced rifle.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merrell chuckled and said, “There were bets
being made while we were setting up for the attack.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Concerning what?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How many of these asshats would be dead
before we got here.” He laughed at my expression, “You know, I’ve met both of
your wives.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Most people have, both of them love a good
bullshitting session.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “Captain Monroe, Danni
Monroe, told us about you going hunting for the people that murdered Stacey
Menendez.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded as I felt the side of my head where
Duarte had clubbed me; there was a double-bump and small smear of blood on my
fingertips, “Not a very good time for me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, I imagine it wasn’t, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him and said, “What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Monroe said you killed over fifty
men that night.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Yeah, but it’s not as
big of a deal as some have made it sound.” I shrugged and added, “I set fire to
their headquarters and shot anyone that tried to escape the flames, most of
them died in the fire.” I looked around and asked, “Where’s the Captain?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked a little uncomfortable as he said,
“I’ve relieved the Captain of command, Sir, as ranking officer and Company XO,
I guess you are in charge now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, I suppose so, I’m still a little
inexperienced and this is actually your platoon, Lieutenant Merrell, so why
don’t you command your unit and I’ll sort of, uh…” I stammered to a halt.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “Yes, Sir, I’ll get the
men to wrap this up and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant, these men were slavers and they
wanted to do business with Asylum.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When someone wants to trade and do
business, they usually have product to sell, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, shit, I wonder where…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed back behind us and farther up the
street, “While we were waiting for the Captain’s response to their taking me
hostage, one of their guys showed up and said the bus was behind a building up
the street. I imagine their slaves are in that bus, so what do you say to us
searching for it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a while, but find them we did. We
collected all of the slaver’s vehicles, weapons and the people they were
holding for sale. We told those we rescued they could leave on their own, in
which case we would provide them with weapons, food and transportation if they
had somewhere other than Asylum to go. Of the sixty-three freed prisoners,
fifty-two returned with us to Asylum. Their ages ran from fourteen to thirty;
slavers figured younger than fourteen and older than thirty were not worth the
trouble of transporting. Those who were not taken by the slavers? Again, dead
men tell no tales.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good homecoming, Danni was back at
Holloman, well actually East of Holloman somewhere in Texas. A new group of
survivors had made contact with the Air Force and requested a meeting with both
Holloman and Asylum and because Danni was already there, Packer and Felicia
Ortiz sent her as our representative. They had requested me, but they were in a
hurry and settled for her instead. The ex-slaves were handed over to Human
Resources and were quickly settled in and the interview process developed by
Dak was started to find out where we could use them. Packer relieved Jacobs
from duty until a decision could be made concerning his command, but no matter
what, he was definitely out of favor. When your entire company command
structure turns on its CO, you can bet there are repercussions.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra dragged me home and dumped a huge load
of saved up sexual cravings in my lap; like I’ve said before, pregnancy seems
to really increase her desires. We don’t have a phone in our house, so I wasn’t
surprised when one of the General’s runners knocked on our door at 8:30 in the
morning.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young female Cadet said without
preamble, “Major Menendez, Captain Monroe, the General is asking for you at the
Intelligence Office immediately.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When you say, immediately, immediately as
in…?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As in, come as you are, Sir, right now.”
She pointed over her shoulder and added, “I’m to take you to the child center
to drop off your children and then drive you straight to Intel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I removed my duty belt from my gear rack and
buckled it on, Debra retrieved jars of breast milk from the fridge for John as
I picked up Danni Lynn, she put the bottles in a courier bag that had her side
arm and spare mags attached to the front. She then picked up John and we locked
the house and got into the cart the Cadet was driving. After the child care
center, the Cadet raced down to and inside Asylum without slowing down.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cadet,” Debra asked. “What is the rush?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The general was very specific, Ma’am, he
said he wanted the two of you as quickly as possible.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did he say why?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, I’m kind of low on the need to
know list.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at Debra and could read the
concern on her face. The cart stopped in front of the Intel Office and I
assisted Debra at getting out; her belly was well past, huge. A guard on the
inside of the office saw us pull up through the window and opened the door for
us as we walked in; I could see Julia, Terry Martin, Gilly and General Packer
in my old office. Packer saw us and waved us in.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“General?” I said as I walked in.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to a chair and said, “Daniel,
have a seat, you too Debbie.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled a chair out for Debra and she sat
down as Gilly pulled up another chair and sat next to my wife. I sat down and
before I could say anything, Debra asked, “This is about Danni, what’s
happened?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I closed my eyes and slowly reopened them as
Packer said, “Danni and her security team were ambushed outside of Austin.
Initially, we thought everyone had been killed,” Debra gasped and her right
hand went to her swollen belly as she leaned forward. “But we received a video
this morning that proves she is alive.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Show it to me,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s pretty rough, Daniel and with Debra’s
condition…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly leaned forward and said to Debra,
“Sweetie, you shouldn’t see it, you should…Debra? Oh crap! Jerry! Her water
broke!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to her and put my arm around her,
“Get a crash cart here immediately! Babe, come on, look at me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gasped out, “Not now! NOT NOW!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia was already on the phone and Terry was
white as a sheet.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly looked up at Packer and shook her
head, then she looked at me and did the same as Debra said, “I want to see the
video.” She took a deep breath and leaned back in the chair.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, she needs us, I know she does.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The baby needs you to get your head in the
game, alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grabbed her belly and leaned forward
again. Gilly who had her hand on Debra’s stomach said, “Uh, oh! These
contractions are very close together. Julia! How long on that crash cart?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pris had one there and it’s on its way
now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra’s contraction lessened and she said,
“The video, show it to me!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said. “Your job and only concern
right this moment is the baby.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, it’s Danni! Show me the…” She bent
over again as the crash cart pulled up in front of Intel and the paramedics
rushed in with a stretcher. They hurriedly got her on to it and before they
carried her away to the clinic, she said, “Daniel! See me before you leave to
go get her!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held her hand as she was carried to the
cart and I said, “I will, as soon as I finish here, I’ll be with you, I
promise.” She was strapped down and driven away as she again suffered through
another contraction.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked back in and sat down as Gilly said,
“I’m not needed here, so I’m going to the clinic. Someone needs to let me know
what is happening, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia answered, “We’ll all be there shortly,
tell Debbie that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Packer and repeated, “Show me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia placed her laptop on the table and
opened it up as Packer said, “Brace yourself, Daniel, she looks…just brace
yourself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia opened a folder and a still picture
appeared, it was a picture of Danni, tied to a chair. Her arms had been secured
behind her and over the back of the chair. Her ankles and knees were tied to
the front legs of the chair and she was nude. Her breasts and belly were
striped from blows and there were trickles of blood running down to her lap.
Then the still picture became a video. Someone, a very big someone, walked up
behind her and grabbed a handful of her hair and jerked her head up and back.
Her face was almost unrecognizable and both eyes were completely swollen shut.
The man reached around and forcefully opened her lips and mouth, I could see
gaps where teeth should have been. This was identical to the way I had looked
when Becker had finished with me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man stepped from behind her and knelt
down as he stared at the camera filming what he was doing, the actual image of
his face was blurred and I suspected on purpose. “Daniel Smith, are you there?
Do you see what I have done?” He was speaking with a German accent. The hair on
my arms and the back of my neck stood on end. “Do not be concerned, she is
alive.” He reached and grabbing one of her nipples, twisted it savagely causing
Danni to suddenly squirm and try to look around herself until she focused on
the probable location of the camera. I doubted she could actually see it as she
shook her head as if to clear it and oriented her face in the direction of the
camera again as her lips moved.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You must come for her, if you come, she
will live, if not? It will take a long time for her to die and I will enjoy
making her live longer; do you understand?” He smiled as he twisted her nipple
again and she cried out in pain. “Send a message to the IP address of this
broadcast and I will cease until you come. If you do not? Well, I am very
experienced with this, I can make it last a lifetime if I choose. You wonder
who I am. You killed my son, you knew him as Major Carl Becker, I am Heinrich
Becker and I demand retribution. You, or her? I’m waiting, are you coming?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The video froze as I took a deep breath and
said, “Do we know where this was sent from?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry quietly said, “Austin.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll leave as soon as possible.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer said, “No, you won’t. Daniel, there’s
nothing you can do, he’s not going to release Danni just because you show up
and surrender to him. You know that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia leaned down and said, “Daniel, one of
Terry’s friends from Cliff is deaf and reads lips, did you see Danni moving her
lips at the beginning?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “What was she saying?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She said, ‘I love you, do not come, for the
children.’ She said it over and over.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be leaving as soon as possible; get me
all the information you can,” I looked up at the three of them and said,
“Understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” Packer said. “Your death will be
for nothing; she may already be dead.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said. “He’ll keep her alive as long
as he can while he waits for me. She’s entertainment, an appetizer, he wants to
guarantee the main course, me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…” Packer started to say.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need a security team, is the one I had
before still available?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The platoon attached to you when you were
traveling to negotiations?” He asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rich Morrison is still…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No married men, no fathers, no mothers, no
one with dependents, volunteers only.” I kept staring at the image of the
blurred face of Heinrich Becker on the screen. Packer kept trying to dissuade
me and finally I put my foot down and said my wives needed me and I needed to
get to the clinic before I left. Packer tried one last time to change my mind
with guilt.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” Packer said. “The chances of any
of them coming back…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, I’ll go alone,” I said as I stood
up. “I need to get to the clinic” I looked at Packer and said, “All I ask is,
don’t get in the way.” I walked out of the Intel office and headed for the
clinic.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I walked into the clinic, Doctor Horne
and Pris were standing next to the admitting desk and nodded to me. Horne said,
“Daniel, you’re late to the festivities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pris stepped forward and took my elbow as
she led me down a corridor, “Listen, this probably is going to be a shock for
you, especially with what’s happened with Danni, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “It’s okay, Pris, Debra
and Danni knew there was a possibility, but it doesn’t matter. The baby is just
another added to the menagerie.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and said, “Well, I guess that’s
one way to look at it, still though, a child no one was expecting can be
challenging to a relationship, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not to ours, really, I knew there was the
possibility.” I was serious, what color the baby was didn’t matter. Not to me,
the child was mine, period.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled the curtain aside and said,
“Debbie? Look who’s here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t smile at me; she looked drawn and
off-color. “When are you leaving?” She asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As soon as possible; Becker’s father has
her and is doing the same thing to her that Becker did to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, god, no!” Tears started running down
her cheeks, “I’ll be ready in a day or two, then we’ll…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be ridiculous, the baby needs you and
your milk, there’s no way you can go.” I looked at the baby that was wrapped in
her arms and obviously suckling, “Boy, or girl?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Both,” she said as she exposed the baby’s
pink face.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed to a bassinet beside the bed and
said, “This one’s sister is in the crib.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Twins, Daniel, you came loaded for bear, I
guess.” A faint smile flitted across her face, but then was gone. “I want to be
so happy, but without Danni to share in it…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She will, one way or another.” I leaned
over the bassinet and gazed at my new daughter. She was swaddled tightly and
was making sucking motions with her mouth as she slept. “Names?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet, I’m still kind of at a loss, it’s
hard to think, Danni…” She began to quietly cry again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly stepped around the curtain and stopped
beside me, “That was the fastest twin birthing I’ve ever heard of.” She said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought she would still be in labor when
I got here,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gilly,” Debra said. “Find out if any of the
mothers that are nursing can take care of these two while…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“NO!” I think the vehemence in the word
surprised both Debra and Gilly. “Sorry, but no, these two, Danni Lynn, and John
need their mother, you are not going. I will not allow my children to be raised
the way I was.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them stared at me and finally Gilly
touched my arm and said, “The two of you need to talk; I’ll be back in a
while.” She stepped around the curtain and was gone.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, please, don’t endanger yourself, I
can’t face losing both of you. I…the children need you more than ever
now…please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, if you go after Danni, you will
need me, you know you will. We’ll stop in Holloman and they’ll give us whatever
we need, I promise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The children come first, when I said I
refused to allow our kids to be raised the way I was, I meant it. You will be
there for them like no one was for me. I will do everything I can to bring
Danni home, but you have to be ready to be their mother alone, do you
understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She squeezed her eyes shut and said, “You
don’t think you’re coming back, how can I go on without you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because of who you hold in your arms;
that’s how you will go on if I don’t come back, but coming back is the plan,
Debra. The plan is to bring Danni home, so she can see her new children. I will
get her home, I promise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and said, “Can you stay with me
for a while? Just a little while? Hold your babies, so they can remember your
scent?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached down and lifted my new daughter to
my chest as I sat in a chair next to the bed. “Hey, there little one,” I softly
said. “It’s daddy, and I’m going to bring your other mom home, I promise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there for several hours as our friends
came and went while holding the children off and on. Finally, Debra reached out
to me and I embraced her while we touched our faces together and soaked up each
other’s scent. After a few long moments and promises, she said, “Go, go now and
bring Danni home. Remember you said you would come for me, no matter what?” I
nodded and she said, “I told Danni you would come for her too. I told her to
never give up if she was taken because we would come for her. Go get her,
Honey, and when you come home? Leave nothing behind but scorched earth. Show
these assholes what waits for them when they act like feral animals. They don’t
understand who they’re playing with, show them there are consequences.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned down, kissed her, and then I
whispered into her mouth, “I will, for you, for Danni, for all of us.” I kissed
her again and then walked out of the clinic, I had preparations to make.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a cart that was outside the clinic
and drove home. Once there, I gathered my away gear, spare magazines, ammo, combat
gear, everything, and then drove outside to where my truck was parked. When I
arrived, the cab was folded forward and a crew of men were going over it with a
fine-toothed comb. I recognized Sergeant Amendola and asked him, “Sergeant,
what’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We heard you were going on and extended
trip, Major, we’re just making sure your truck is good to go. There are four
fifty-gallon drums of diesel in the back and your main tank is topped off. We
changed your oil and checked everything else, she’s ready for a long-range
trip, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I appreciate it, Sergeant, but who told you
to do this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ranger Lieutenant Morrison, Sir, he was by
earlier and said you needed it done. Anyway, we’re done with her and she’s
ready to leave when you are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sergeant.” I opened the back of
the truck and tossed in the majority of my gear and then started to close it up
as four of the Mercedes trucks and a fuel tanker pulled to a stop behind my
own. Rich Morrison stepped out of the first and waved to me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rich? What’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did they finish with your ride?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but why are you here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The General called me and said to get the
platoon loaded up because we were headed into Indian country with you. He told
me about Danni and we’re going with you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Packer told you? Then he also told you I
said unmarried volunteers with no dependents only.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If it was me out there, or Nadia, you,
Danni and Debra would be the first to gear up and come for us. Nadia knows the
situation and she would be coming along if it wasn’t for the boys, so your
security team is here, are we leaving now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rich, this is more than likely going to end
badly, you might want to rethink the situation.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped closer and lowered his voice,
“Daniel, these men and women are all volunteers, we know what we’re doing and
where you’re leading us, every single one of us. If you go alone, yeah, it’s
going to end badly, but you’re not alone, there’s forty-eight of us, all four
squads demanded to be allowed to come, so let’s get this show on the road.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at him for a moment and then said,
“Anything else I need to know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, the General says keep our radio use
down and make sure we stop at Holloman, he’s made some arrangements there for
us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Okay, like you said,
let’s get this show on the road.” I finished loading my gear and closed the
back of the truck. Three of the Rangers off-loaded from their vehicle and
climbed into my truck with me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major?” A sergeant said. “My name is
Lawrence.” He pointed to a woman and said, “Corporal Kate Summers.” Then he
pointed to the second man, “Jimmy Slate, we have the honor of being your
personal security until relieved.” He nodded to Jimmy and said, “You’re
driving, let’s hit it.”</span></p>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
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</p><br />dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-15702301707254979432021-07-11T23:35:00.002-07:002023-02-08T18:42:48.044-08:00ASYLUM: Chapter 33<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
33</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Late in the afternoon, I returned to the
Adobe to find Debra and Danni were gone. I never heard their truck start, or
the sound as they drove away. I locked up and drove my truck to Juan Morales’
place and told him I needed to go to Asylum for a short while and could he have
someone go by and check my place for me while I was gone. He said he would and
suggested having someone stay there until I returned. I thanked him and
returned to prepare for the trip.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry and I drove our own vehicles in case
one of us decided to leave and the other decided to stay. My return to Asylum
wasn’t full of pomp and circumstance and it seemed no one even recognized me,
then I realized, my hair had grown out and I sport a beard now. When Danni
threw out my belongings, she hadn’t thrown out Dan’s uniforms she gave me. no
wonder no one knew me. I was back to wearing my civilian clothes, though I was
wearing the bulletproof vest Packer had given me under a zip up sweatshirt. I
was still a little suspicious about what kind of welcome I might receive. After
we arrived, I went to the Ready Room first, but there appeared to be some sort
of class underway for some of the Cadets. So, I took Terry to the Intelligence
Office in order to touch bases with Julia.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pix wasn’t there and Julia seemed really
excited to see Terry and I. She hooted and hollered and took us to her office
where we sat and talked. She tried to offer me the chair behind the desk, but I
sat at the conference table instead. I explained why Terry and I were there and
they started talking shop, which means I had no idea what they were talking
about. Eventually, I excused myself and walked to the apartment that Debra,
Danni, and I had shared with the kids. I was hoping to visit the children.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t live there anymore and the new
residents had no idea where they were staying now. I wandered farther into the
complex and ended up at Dak’s office. When I walked into the receptionist area,
the young man behind the desk asked me what I needed and I told him I was there
to see Dak Sorenson. He informed me Mister Sorenson was a busy man and did not
accept unscheduled visitors. I could see Dak in his office, but he was involved
in a phone call, so I left and walked back outside and to Facilities. Morgan
was in his office and when his receptionist told him I was there; he
practically ran outside to greet me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan! Holy shit am I glad to see you!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Why do I have the
feeling it’s not my sparkling personality you’ve missed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, that too, but the pre-action system
in Lab Three, Phase Six, keeps tripping and causing mayhem when the alarms go
off. Can I get you to take a look at it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure,” I said. “It might be nice to find
something I can fix for a change.” Unfortunately, it was a simple adjustment of
the air pressure and all was well again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it, Dan, when are you coming back? I
get so tired of putting people off and saying, yeah, we could fix that if,
Daniel Monroe was here!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Menendez,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My last name is Menendez now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I heard a little bit about that, I
really liked Stacey, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She was easy to like.” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, so are you going to come back, now
that everyone knows you didn’t sell Asylum out?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I doubt it, Morgan, there’s not much here
for me anymore.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, man, there is nowhere else you
belong! Shit, I miss your calm, unassuming confidence. You walk into a room and
everybody automatically figures everything is going to be copasetic.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s nice of you to say, Morgan, but, no,
I have a place of my own now.” I glanced around and then asked, “You wouldn’t
happen to know where Danni and Debra relocated to, do you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, Ortiz had some modular homes put out
where we’re building the kind of homes you suggested. The population has been
really expanding and the new homes being built were taking too long.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you know which one they are in?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t, sorry.” We exchanged some
small talk and then I lied by telling him I had another appointment to keep and
took off. I headed down to the Child Care Center and when I arrived, I
discovered it was no longer a child center, it had been changed to a small
apartment. The woman who answered the door told me the Child Care Center had
been moved to the rooms next to the Medical Clinic in Phase Three.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived there, I was informed that
there was another child center Topside and the children were probably there
since they lived closer to that one. I walked back to the loading dock area and
as I passed the Ready Room, I saw Packer and Gilly talking to a couple in their
office; I just kept walking until I heard Gilly’s voice.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel!” I slowed to a stop and turned
around. “I thought that was you! Wait right there!” She went back inside and
moments later, she and Packer came quickly walking out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer said, “Dan! When did you get back?
Damn, Kid, it’s good to see you!” He held out his hand to shake mine, I looked
at it for a moment, and then finally shook it. “Danni came by and told me she
and Debra had been to see you; she told me about Stacey,” his demeanor changed
and his smile disappeared. “Is there anything we can do?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, no. The three of us stood
there awkwardly for a moment and then I said, “There is something that might be
beneficial.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anything,” Packer said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a couple of communities out Highway
180, west of Silver City. They’re trying to organize an area militia and though
they have some ex-military, they seriously need training. Is there any chance
Asylum could help with that? Maybe send a couple of advisors?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waved towards the Bunker and said, “I
don’t see why not, let’s go to the office and have a sit-down; we can discuss
it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can throw together a meal; have you eaten
today, Daniel?” Gilly was her normal friendly self.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was on my way to find the Child Care
Center Topside. I haven’t seen my children yet, and I’m getting a little
antsy.” I took a step back and asked, “Can you tell me where it’s located?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m surprised Danni or Debra aren’t here to
take you,” Packer said as he frowned. “Either one of them could take the time
off to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The last time we talked,” I said. “We
didn’t part on good terms. I imagine they have better things to do with their
time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nonsense,” Packer said. “I’ll send my Cadet
runner to track them down and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, thanks, I can find it myself.” I turned
and started walking away as they stood there. Did they really think I was going
to sit down and have a meal with the guy that gave me to the Feds? </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Topside, is a term used for anywhere above
ground at Asylum and it can be rather large area to travel when you’re on foot.
Add in the fact the elevation changes radically and you can start seeing a walk
being an exercise event. I used to hate it during militia training when we were
sent to take a ‘jog’ around the airstrip. Some of that run was up a few very
steep grades. I was walking up the first one, thinking about how much my
physical conditioning had lapsed from not running almost every day, when Gilly
pulled up beside me in Packer’s Command Cart.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, need a lift?” She had that Gilly smile
that always put people at ease.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up the grade and finally slid in
and sat down, “Thanks, I forgot how uphill everything is around here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started the cart up the road and said,
“Daniel, I’m going to get straight to the point and I’d really appreciate it if
you would agree to listen without pre-judgement?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve always tried to be open-minded, Gilly,
but there’s a limit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sounded sad as she said, “Yes, I imagine
there is.” She was silent for a moment and then said, “What was done to you is
unforgiveable, I know that, Jerry knows that, god, everyone knows that. I think
the ones the most upset are Danni and Debra, but I want to talk about Jerry
first though, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed to be contemplating how to start,
and then said, “When the representatives from the government arrived, the first
thing they started with was the topic of what they could provide Asylum if we
joined in the effort to reorganize the nation. They painted a very rosy picture
of the possibilities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure they did,” I said. “They need
Asylum, Holloman, and Denver to be on-board; you represent a sizable organized
portion of the middle of the U.S.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we do, and the area we control could
be even greater if we play our cards right. When the Federal Government came
here, they also sent envoys to Holloman and Denver. They ordered Holloman to be
ready to support them if we or Denver refused to toe the line, we didn’t find
that out until days after you left…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Escaped, with Stacey’s help; let’s be
precise, not politically correct.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was silent for a moment before she said,
“Their evidence condemning you was compelling, Daniel, especially when you
consider the second personality you, yourself, admit to. It was never a problem
when all things are considered, but the way they twisted it, it was concerning.
They actually had a person they claimed was one of the foremost experts on
aberrant psychology that convinced some of us you were unreliable and a
liability. Dak tried to reassure us that you were not a problem, but when you
consider his credentials compared to the expert’s, well, you could see our
dilemma.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I can. That’s the reason I was
unsure about returning here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled to the side of the road and
asked, “Why did you come, Daniel, are you testing the waters to see if you can
come back?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I came for two reasons, the first, and most
compelling, was to see my children. The second was to pay back a friend who had
performed a service for me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stared at me and then said, “So, you’re
not looking to return?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but like I said, I’m open to
possibilities. I’ll consider it if it’s to my, and my children’s, benefit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about Danni, and Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They made choices; choices have consequences.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s not a fair assessment, Daniel, you
know it isn’t. Debra was concerned for both you and Danni when Danni went off
the rails. You know what the contaminant does to people, heck, you were the one
that figured it out to begin with. Danni seemed the most immediate problem at
the time because Debra didn’t know the Government was taking you the very next
day. If she would have known, she would have done anything she could to help
you. You weren’t here when Debra was so distraught, she cried night and day.
You weren’t here when Danni realized what she had done and was crushed by the
weight of it. Both of those girls love you, Daniel, and I firmly believe that
if it wasn’t for their children, we may have lost both of them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked her in the eyes and asked, “What do
you mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, it’s really wonderful that you are
so humble and don’t realize the effect you have on those around you, on the
other hand, that same humility can be problematic. You don’t realize the pain
you can inflict, unintentionally, because you don’t recognize your importance.
You imagine that you are easily cast aside, you’re not. The girls, I’ve
watched them spirally down into the depths of depression; they both blame themselves for you leaving and us for not finding you. When Jerry agreed to hand you
over to the Government? It destroyed a part of him, I watched the man I’ve been
married to for twenty years break down and cry because he felt he was
abandoning you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, you didn’t, how could you?"
She wiped at her eyes and said, “He was going to resign his commission and he
wanted to leave Asylum, but me and others, Felicia, Dak, lots of them, begged
him to stay. When Julia brought the proof you were innocent? Daniel, I’ve never
seen him so angry, so upset, he literally screamed, something I’ve never heard
him do before. He loves you like a son, Daniel. Can you see the effect this has
had on him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I doubt I can come back, Gilly; my
credibility has been shot to shit. How can anyone here trust me with anything
important after all of this? It will always be in the back of their minds; can
I be trusted? I don’t want to see that in their eyes when they look at me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You shouldn’t think that way, Daniel. Are
there people who will have their doubts at first? Of course, there will be,
it’s human nature, but we can get past it, I promise. Let me tell you something
about how most of us feel about you. When the girls returned, they told a few
people what they learned about you while they were there. Did you really kill
over fifty criminals that were terrorizing the people where you were?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked away and said, “They deserved it,
they raped, tortured, and murdered Stacey.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And you loved her, didn’t you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and my eyes started to leak tears,
“Yes, she was one of the few people that I knew believed in me. It seemed
everyone else…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know it probably seemed that way, but
it’s not true. Even before we received the information you were innocent; the
vast majority of the Rangers and the Militia had already stated they didn’t
believe the Government’s accusations. Banner actually called his battalion to
formation and asked every man and woman who believed in you to step forward;
the entire battalion stepped forward, Daniel, the entire battalion. This story
about you killing so many people for what was done to Stacey? No one who has
heard it, doubts it! You, are a legend here, Daniel, and legends die hard, just
as they should. This is your home, Asylum, is your home, Debra and Danni are
your wives, your children are here, your friends are here, your duty is here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wiped at my face and looked away before
saying, “Stacey is buried at the Adobe, I don’t want to leave her alone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly reached out and laid her hand on my
arm, “Daniel, we can bring her here, she’ll have a place of honor that others
can visit and spend time in contemplation of the meaning of love, trust,
devotion, loyalty and duty.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She really loved the Adobe, she said it was
the first place she felt like she was home. I don’t want to take her from that.”
I took a deep breath and released it. “I think of it as home now, where my
heart is. Maybe I can find someone to stay there and take care of it when I’m
gone. Someone that will keep the weeds pulled over her grave and plant flowers
for her, you know? Maybe a vegetable garden, she was looking forward to next
Spring and then the following harvest; she said it was going to be wonderful to
eat the food we grew. It would be a really great place to retire to when I get
old.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If that’s what you want, then make it so.
Is it a good place for children to grow up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, they could hike the hills, hunt, fish
the river, learn about gardening and husbandry. The house is about as safe as a
house could be,” I chuckled sadly and said, “You’d need a bunker buster to
breach the walls.” A sign of the times I suppose, thinking about how defensible
a home would be.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly put her hands back on the steering
wheel and said, “It sounds wonderful, Daniel. It sounds like the perfect place
to take your family on weekends and holidays and I wish Jerry and I had a place
like that also, but if we are to have that, first we need to create a world
where we don’t need to wonder how strong our homes are, we need a world safe
for our children and we need your help to create it. Please, Daniel, we need
you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, but said, “How much farther to the
day care?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled back onto the road as she said,
“We’re almost there. I want you to do something when we get there, when we walk
in, be quiet and don’t say anything, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni Lynn seems to be slow about talking…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was told I was also.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She says Mama, Mommy, John, and oddly
enough, Daddy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? I’ve been gone for months and she
wasn’t talking when I left.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, it’s kind of puzzling, don’t you
think?” She pulled to a stop in front of a modular building that had a sign
reading Child Care painted on its front.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here we are.” She pointed down a short road
with maybe ten or twelve houses lined up on it. “See the white house with blue trim?
That’s where your family lives; Debra, Danni, and the kids.” I nodded and slid
out of the Command Cart to stare at the child care center. When Gilly walked
around the cart she said, “Come on, let’s go say, hi.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went up a set of stairs and I opened the
door for Gilly to enter; she paused in the doorway and then motioned me in.
After I stepped in and closed the door, she held her index finger to her lips,
so I remained quiet. I saw Danni Lynn immediately. With her mother’s wild and
curly hair, she was hard to miss, even with her back turned to me. I smiled and
started to walk forward, but Gilly held my arm as she whispered, “Wait.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several seconds passed and then Danni Lynn
raised her head and glanced around the room until she turned and her eyes
settled on me. She stood up from where she was drawing a picture and touching
the side of her nose, she said, “Daddy!” And then ran to me, I was amazed by
her dexterity and balance. Kneeling, I scooped her into my arms and held her
tightly as she pressed her face into my neck and began patting my face. I
started to cry. Then she pulled away and pointed to a short hall, placed her
finger alongside her nose and said, “Momma, John-John!” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up with her in my arms and started
to walk towards the hall when Debra walked out holding John. When she saw me
with Danni Lynn, she froze as John began squirming against her. Then it hit me,
I was smelling a scent I had never sensed before, it was coming from Danni
Lynn. “What the…?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded and tightened her grip on my
wriggling son as she said, “Danni and I wondered if it was just a mother-child
thing, but I guess the olfactory effect extends to you as well. Can you smell
Danni Lynn?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and asked, “How were they
contaminated?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To our knowledge, they’ve never been
exposed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued to approach, stood close to John
and extended my hand to stroke his cheek, he immediately ceased squirming and
became still as he turned his nose to my hand. “When did it start?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right after we moved into the modular home.
All the homes have been completely sanitized before anyone moved in, so there
shouldn’t have been anything in there. Sara and Felicia are checking other kids
born to contaminated parents and it seems to be transmitted through the
mothers, not the fathers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But the kids can detect the father also?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If the father was contaminated, yes, if
not, then there seems to be no scent connection.” She wasn’t smiling as she
spoke to me and she seemed purposefully distant in her demeanor. She was
definitely exhibiting a detached attitude towards me. I couldn’t really blame
her after the way I had acted in the Adobe. It was probably for the best
anyway.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you brought Martin to speak with
Julia?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A simple question that could create
complicated answers; I chose easy and simply replied, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did she agree to Terry working here?” She
used a napkin to wipe John’s mouth and her arm where he had drooled on her,
“He’s teething,” she said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I figured that was the case,” I answered.
“I don’t know what she decided, they started speaking computerese and I went
looking to see if I could find the kids and see them while I was here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you’ve seen them, what now?” She
reached out and used the same napkin to wipe chalk dust from Danni Lynn’s nose.
“Going back to Cliff, or what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know yet, I’ll have to go back
eventually no matter what I decide. Gilly wants me to come back and she
provided a pretty good argument to support the idea.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really,” not a question. “Gilly, provided a
reason you might want to stay,” again, not a question and her tone became
sharp. She shifted John to her hip and then reached for Danni Lynn. “You must
be busy then, so hand me my daughter and you can go about your business.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra,” I said. “I’m not trying to start an
argument.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow, imagine the shit you could start if
you decided you wanted to. Hand me Danni Lynn, I need to take the kids home and
get them ready for the babysitter; I have a date tonight.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right,” I said as my stomach churned. “You
were always in demand, so yeah. Anyone I know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not your concern, is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly said, in a disapproving tone, “Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right, of course,” I replied. “It
isn’t any of my concern.” I handed Danni Lynn to her and then headed for the
door. Behind me, both of the kids started fussing. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I opened the door and stepped out, I
heard Gilly say, “Debra, what are you doing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the stairs down, walked to the
beginning of the lane, and then started cutting across through the woods, it
was quicker than walking the road back to the Intel Office. I replayed in my
mind what she had said, what I had said, and I tried to figure out what I did
that angered her. She was definitely angry; I could tell by how off her scent
had become as we talked. I had been seriously thinking about the possibility of
us getting back together, not right away, I knew I wasn’t ready for that, but
maybe a possibility. Now though, yeah, life was less complicated at the Adobe,
it could continue to be less complicated as long as I didn’t screw myself back
into the shit again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was almost to the Bunker when I decided to
stop and think things out. It was really pissing me off that I couldn’t figure
out what I had done wrong. I sat down beside a fallen tree and leaned against
it. The woods, here at Asylum, smelled different than the area around the Adobe
and frankly, I missed the smell of the pines. Another thing I missed was the
sound of the wind when it passed through the trees. I sat there and allowed the
smell and sound to envelope me. What the hell did I say that ticked her off? I
asked myself why it mattered? Why should I even care?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer was, I cared because I wanted to
be able to visit my children, that’s why it mattered. If I was going to
successfully navigate the minefield of our relationship, I needed to know what
not to say as much as what to say. Unfortunately, the wrong things said could
have been when she and Danni were at the Adobe and I was just reinforcing what
I had said previously, then again, maybe…screw it, I was never any good at
relationships; I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>probably would have
eventually screwed up the one with Stacey also.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see you’ve kept up your tracking skills,”
I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I teach tracking now, you know that.” She
finished walking up on me and sat on the trunk of the fallen tree. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re scouting skills failed you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The wind was at my back, if I was scouting
you, I would have come from a different angle.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You could have been really good at it, you
know? Look how well you did just by listening to me talk about it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged, “Sorry I screwed things up, but
like I was just telling myself, I’ve never been very good at figuring out
women.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you haven’t,” she said as she sort of
laughed. It wasn’t helpful, but then again, maybe helpful wasn’t what she was
shooting for. “You were getting better at it though; a couple of more decades
and you may have become tolerable.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lucky you, you bailed just in time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it, Dan, can you keep the derision to
a dull roar for a little while? I was joking, I’m trying here, the least you
can do is put a little effort into it yourself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your
date? Not that you have to try, I can’t think of a single guy that wouldn’t cut
off a nut to catch a woman as beautiful as you, or Danni. Is she dating too?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, she’s not, and neither am I, I was
trying to piss you off and I guess I succeeded.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, you did, but that’s alright. I should
have known better than to think…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, throw me a rope a here, I feel like
I’m drowning.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not screwing with rope; I’d probably
end up hanging myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What do you mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe in a couple of more decades I’ll try
to explain what I mean and want.” Her scent was strongly roses again, so she
wasn’t angry, well not real angry, I think. “Debra,” I turned and looked up at
her where she sat. “I still love the two of you, I admit it. I want to be with
you and Danni, but, god, I don’t know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She slid off the tree and sat next to me,
not in an intimate way, just close, “Try to explain and I’ll try not to get
pissed, okay? Just like we always promised each other.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, and look where we are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll start, okay?” She paused and then
said, “Danni was really angry when she heard that Government asshole say you
were responsible for Dan’s death. When she first went off and for some time
afterwards, I was truly afraid she was going to hurt herself for sleeping with
the man that basically killed her husband and then she allowed that man between
her legs and he knocked her up. She finally started coming around a couple of
days later, but by then you were gone and so was Stacey. We figured she was
with you and at first, both of us were really pissed because we knew she had
been interested in you for a long time. At the same time, we were glad she got
you out and away. We hoped at least you were safe. Then Julia told us where you
were and we went to find you and bring you home. Neither one of us really
thought you were with Stacey in a, well, you know, loving and intimate way. I
guess we just didn’t try to look at it from your perspective, from the view you
were looking at the whole thing. It never occurred to us that you believed we
didn’t love you. We didn’t know that you had been told about Danni’s actions
and I guess mine too. When we found you, we thought you would be happy and want
to come home with us and when you didn’t, when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>we realized you had been in a committed relationship with Stacey, and
then you said we represented heartache and you didn’t want any more, I guess we
figured it was a lost cause and we came home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “That about sums it up, I guess. I
told Stace I still loved the two of you and I wanted her to come with me if we
got back together. Then she was killed, and I went off the deep end. I’m not
going to lie to you, Debra, I don’t know what I’m doing right now. I don’t know
where I’m going, all I know is I love you and Danni and I miss my kids, but I
don’t know if it can be like it was between us. I’m not the same guy the two of
you knew. The other guy is gone and I’m just not the same man the two of you
knew before. Debra, you and Danni may be in love with someone that’s just not
here any longer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you say you love us?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do, but the guy that loves you is not the
man you loved. I’m open to trying, but we need to start over and find out if
who I am now is the man you want, do you understand what I’m trying to say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If that’s what you need, Daniel, then
that’s what we’ll do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, not good enough, Debra, don’t speak for
Danni, and don’t decide now who you want in the future. I think we should get
to know each other again, the three of us and then decide what we want to do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I already…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I said, no, and I meant, no. We get to know
each other again and then we go from there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, listen to me, Danni and I already
talked about it, we already made the decision that we would…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, you and Danni made a decision, but
there’s three of us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat there quietly and finally said, “Oh,
you mean you might not want to be with us. We have to prove that we are worth
your wanting.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a harsh way of expressing it and not
what I meant either. You don’t have to prove yourselves; you are who you are,
now let’s find out if who you are, and who I am now, are who we want to spend
our lives with.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you don’t want us, why even try?” She
was getting angry again, I could see it in her eyes and her scent was changing
as well.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought we were going to try and not get
angry?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t fucking patronize me, Dan, I’m not in
the mood for…” I waited as she choked back her anger and then wiped at her
eyes, “You’re right,” she said. “Okay, I’ll explain to Danni what you want and
if she agrees, that’s what we’ll do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and then grabbed her hand and
pulled her up as well, “Why don’t you and Danni talk about it and then maybe we
can get together for an evening and test the waters before I have to return to
the Adobe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and started walking back up the
way she had come down, “When are you leaving?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Soon, very soon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, why don’t you come for dinner
tonight? It will give you some time with the kids and we can spend some time
together in a quiet atmosphere after they’re down for the night.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What time?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced at her watch and said, “Seven,
maybe seven-thirty?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll be there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Promise?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Promise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I returned to the entrance of the
underground, I walked through the Bunker and found Julia, Terry, and Packer
sitting at a table in the Ready Room. I walked in and joined them as Packer
asked, “So, did you see Debra? I found out she was off today, but Danni was
running field exercises with her training class.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we talked and agreed I should come by
this evening for dinner and then discussion after the kids are down for the
night. Did the two of you know the kids have the same olfactory ability as
Debra, Danni, and I?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” Julia said as Packer nodded in
agreement. “I was curious to see how they reacted to you after not seeing you
for so long. How did it go?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni Lynn had her back to me and smelled
me first; when she did, she turned and ran to me after shouting, Daddy!” I
smiled and added, “John seemed very agitated until I touched him and then he
settled down, he actually held my hand as he smelled it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, wow,” Julia said. “They remember your
smell, that’s wild.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So,” I said as I pointed to Terry. “What do
you two think of young Mister Martin?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer nodded and said, “He’s looking very
promising. I want to offer him a provisional job to see how it works out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry
smiled and said, “All I need to do is get my foot in the door.” He smiled
directly at Julia and I had a feeling the statement held true for more than
just a job.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia,” I said. “How are things between you
and Walter?” I wanted to see how things stood for more than one reason.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged and said, “Okay, I guess.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her tone spoke volumes, “What’s going on?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why does everyone keep asking me that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because a lot of people love you,” Packer
said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Even as far away as I was,” I said. “I
heard disturbing rumors of possibilities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ignore them, that’s what I do,” She
answered. I began to suspect with a certainty that something was wrong.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer leaned forward and said, “Lieutenant
Ortiz, is Pix compromising the security of the Intelligence Office?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started staring at her hands and barely
nodded her head as she said, “No.” People will do that sometimes, they answer
verbally, but their nonverbal speech contradicts them. Her head nodded ‘yes’,
she verbalized, ‘no’.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“General Packer,” I said. “I believe you
need an outside party to study the efficiency of the Intel Office staff.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you believe an outside contractor might
be able to end any internal conflict and improve the output of the office?” He
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I do.” I kept staring at Julia
and she started to squirm in her chair. “In addition, Sir, I suspect there has
been physical abuse, intimidation, and further threats of violence made to
critical personnel.” Julia is a tiny woman, she claims five-foot, but I doubt
it. The funny thing is, usually people come away from meeting her thinking
she’s much taller in stature, probably because of her big personality. Right
that moment, she was looking very small. I looked closely and saw the first
tear trickle down her face. “Perhaps it might be best if another woman were to
interview the Lieutenant, in case there is personal information she might not
want to divulge to a man?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer pushed his chair back and said, “I’ll
get her now,” as he walked away. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured Danni might be at the rifle range
holding court after field training, so I stepped outside and looked. It’s about
75 to 100 yards to the range and I could see a class sitting at the tables as
she was drawing on a whiteboard. I placed two fingers in my mouth and blew a
shrill whistle, then watched as she didn’t look. I blew again and this time she
glanced up and then stared in my direction. I held my palm in a spear point and
pulled it to the center of my chest where Militia and Rangers wear their rank
patch, three times to signify I wanted a captain. Then I pointed the spear
point at her with my arm extended before sweeping it up and towards me several
times, come here. Finally, I raised my fist into the air and pumped it up and
down, hurry.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to someone else and spoke, then
picked up her rifle and started jogging towards me. When she arrived, she said,
“Daniel? When did you get here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This morning, but something’s going on and
I want you here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When you were at the Adobe, remember you
said Julia had suspicious bruises?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we’re about to find out where they
came from and I’m pretty sure it was Walter.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That motherfucker…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t go there, she’ll clam up if you do,
okay? Just be supportive and I think she’ll give it up to you and Gilly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and started to walk past me as
she said, “Okay, but we’re going to have a serious talk when this is over.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m coming for dinner at seven, we’ll talk
then.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stopped and looked at me, “What?” Gilly
and Packer came out and walked to Julia, so Danni said, “I still want a word
with you when this is over; I mean it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave her a slight, sarcastic bow, and
said, “Yes, your Highness.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly sat down next to Julia and Danni took
the other side. Packer motioned to Terry and I as he walked out of the Ready
Room. “Let’s wait out here and let the ladies hash this out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If Pix has been up to no good, what are you
going to do?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Depends on what he did; I just hope it’s
not a case of she said, he said.” Packer was looking extremely uncomfortable.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?” Terry asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because those type of things never go far
in a court room.” He shrugged and added, “If he did something else though,
something that we can sink our teeth into, I’ll exact every pound of flesh I
can,” he said. “And I’ll make sure that he knows, whatever he did to Julia is
what got him wherever he ends up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t say anything, I didn’t consider
myself part of the Asylum leadership and there were no restrictions on what I
could do. I smiled to myself as I thought of possibilities.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of us stood and talked as we, more
often than not, looked back into the room to see what was happening. Finally,
Gilly came out with a grim expression, “Walter Pix has some things to answer
for, Jerry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer immediately started walking back
inside as he said, “I’m going to give Williams a call and have him hunt up Pix
and confine him right away.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly turned to me and said, “Julia wants to
talk to you, she feels like she betrayed your trust and feels horrible.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did he do to her?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Beat her, raped her, told her he would kill
anyone that came between her and him. Threatened her life if she didn’t agree
to marry him, threatened Debra and Danni because they are married to you.
Threatened your life if he ever found out she had told you what he has done.”
She took hold of my arm and squeezed, “You are, whether you realize it or not,
her hero, she loves you the way she would an older brother and Pix knows that,
he used it against her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and walked in to where Julia was
sitting. Her face was tear stained, her nose was red and her eyes looked like
they were going to bleed. Terry followed and stood close by as I kneeled beside
her and put my arms around her, “It’s going to be okay, Julia, wait and see,
things are going to work out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How?” She whispered. “I really screwed up
and now he knows things he shouldn’t, I didn’t do like you said, Daniel, I
trusted, but I didn’t verify.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guarantee we’ll verify now, Julia.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s too late, no one will ever trust me to
do my job again, and I can’t blame them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes, Sugar, life teaches us terrible
lessons; it’s up to us to learn the lessons and apply them to help each other
and sometimes, even ourselves. You learned a hard lesson in a bad way, I kind
of think you are going to be more careful in the future, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I have the chance; I’ll probably end up
in the cafeteria cleaning trays and dishes again.” She wiped her nose on the
sleeve of her shirt and then stared at the smear of snot, “That was gross.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry reached out and handed her a napkin,
“Here, try this.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She blew into it really hard; the paper
napkin came apart and she covered her fingers with more than a smear, “It just
keeps getting worse,” she groaned. She stole a furtive glance at Terry and
said, “God, you must think I’m a real skank.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, not at all, I think…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer walked in and said, “We have a
problem, Williams sent two men to pick up Pix and he escaped.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, shit,” Julia said. “He’s going to come
after me or someone I care about, he said he would!” She started crying again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni squeezed her shoulders and said, “No,
Sweetie, he’s not getting close to you without going through someone else
first.” Danni looked at Packer and added, “I’m going to take her home with me.
Between me and Debra, the son-of-a-bitch won’t stand a chance.”<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Packer said. “He’s pissed at the
two of you also, taking her there will just create a target rich environment;
we need somewhere he doesn’t know, somewhere he’s never been.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry quickly raised his hand, but everyone
spoke over him as they discussed places Julia might be safe. “Excuse me!” He
almost shouted. “Uh, I know the perfect place Julia, I mean Lieutenant Ortiz,
would be safe and Pix has no idea where it is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hid my smile and waited.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer looked around and said, “Where?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My grandparents farm.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone just stared at him and I could see
he was becoming uncomfortable, so I said, “It’s a good idea, Pix has no inkling
of where the farm is. Once we get him in custody, we bring her back here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But,” Danni started.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right,” Julia said. “He doesn’t know
where Terry, I mean Mister Martin lives. There’s no record in the data base, so
how could he know?” She thought for a moment and added, “I’ll have to get some
fresh clothes from my bunk room and my carbine…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said. “The longer you take to leave,
the better the chance Walter finds out you are leaving. Just go, right now.” I
turned to Martin and said, “Terry, in the gun cabinet in my loft, there’s a
Glock 17 with a shoulder stock and a bandoleer of 33 round mags, it will be
perfect for Julia. You know that rifle Stacey always had? The Mossberg with the
twenty round mags?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take it for yourself, it’s a good shooter
and holds more rounds than your lever action chambered for .45 Long Colt. It
should be easier to find ammo for it also.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Dan.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now go, get out of here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia stood up and everyone gave her hugs
and kisses before Terry hustled her out the door and to his truck. Danni looked
at me and said, “Are you sure about this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, he’s a good kid and believe me, he
wants to protect Julia, not control her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly said, “I don’t know for sure, but I
think Julia has a little more than a passing interest in that young man.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She could do a lot worse,” I said. “He’s
steady, well-mannered, and good natured. Not to mention they can spend hours
talking computer forensics.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer sat down and rubbed his face, “Young
people, first she’s all about Pix and now this kid, god, I’m glad I’m past all
that drama crap.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he said irritated me a bit, “Julia is a
lot older than her years, but still inexperienced in some matters. Someone
started paying attention to her and she fell for it. As far as being flighty
and jumping from one person to another, someone brutalizing you can have that
effect.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess it was too much for Danni to ignore,
“What’s the excuse you’re using?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The interior of the Ready Room went quiet as
I said, “After you and Debra left the Adobe, I did some soul searching and
decided that maybe I was over-reacting; you were under the influence of the
contaminant and hell, maybe I was too. So, I decided to come here and talk to
the two of you and see if we could find some common ground, ground that we
might be able to come to a consensus on. Something we could use as a foundation
to rebuild; maybe I was wrong. As far as an excuse? Excuses are worthless and
mean nothing. Reasons though, are valid if based in fact. I assume you’re
referring to me being flighty and flitting over to Stacey’s flower? My reasons
were based in trust and lack of trust, faith and lack of faith, and finally,
love and hate.” I stood up and sighed, “Things seem more inviting elsewhere,
tell Debra I’m sorry for breaking my promise, but I think I need a period of
quiet and peace before screwing myself back into the game, hell, I don’t know
if I even want to make the effort. It’s been…interesting.” I turned around and
started walking out to where my truck was parked; diesel fuel was getting harder
to find and at the moment, it seemed the fuel I had expended was for nothing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard some raised voices as I turned left
outside and continued to walk, but then I heard running steps and Danni’s
voice, “Daniel! Wait a minute, Daniel! Stop! Please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I released a sigh and thought, okay, here
comes some shit. I stopped, though I really didn’t know why; I was spinning my
wheels and I knew it. When she caught up with me, the first thing she said was,
“This better be real, Daniel, I’m not going to…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and continued walking towards the
truck. “God damn it! Can’t I be even a little pissed? Can’t I at least blow off
some steam before I start sucking up to you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sucking up to me? I spun around and stormed
back until I was an inch from her face, “Suck up to me?! You really think I
need your suckage?! Do you know what your problem is?! You like being angry!
You revel in the power you feel when you’re pissed off!” She started backing up
as her eyes became round and her mouth formed an ‘O’. “You want confrontation!
You enjoy it! You think it makes you seem strong and in control, but it
doesn’t! It makes you look like a petulant bitch! If you could crawl out of
that hateful shithole you’ve immersed yourself in you could probably see it for
yourself! Believe me, I know what I’m talking about! I’m in that shithole
myself, but I was trying to crawl out!” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went silent and stared into her eyes for
an extended period of time before she cleared her throat and said, “Is suckage
actually a word?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
said suckage, is it really a word, because it’s kind of cool, in a weird kind
of way. If it’s actually a word, I bet I could work it into one of my
ass-chewing sessions with the trainees.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I was stunned at first, but then I
said, “Unbelievable, un-fucking-believable.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you done feeling powerful? Because if
you are, the offer for dinner is back on the table.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, what are you doing?” I could feel my
voice trembling from the adrenaline coursing through my veins. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, remember you said the other guy
disappeared? That he hadn’t been around since before you left with Stacey?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That sort of sounded like him, tempered by
you. Maybe he has finally become part of you and you part of him. I kind of
like it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be there at seven, until then, leave
me alone.” Debra has the two different smells, roses and cinnamon. Danni does
too, but hers are different and I’ve never been able to identify the two scents
and hang a name on them, but what I did know was, she was especially aroused by
me shouting in her face.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” she said. “But just know, you can
smell the way I feel right now, and I can smell how you feel also, so let’s
drop the pretense and admit we still want each other, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head as I turned and walked away.
Shit.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The closer it came to seven o’clock the more
nervous I became. If it wasn’t for the chance to spend an extended period of
time with Danni Lynn and John, there’s a good chance I would have simply left
and returned home to the Adobe. Packer’s runner hunted me down and told me he
wanted to talk with me, so at about five thirty, I wandered into the Ready Room
and waved to him in his office where he sat behind his desk. He promptly
motioned me inside.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“General, your runner said you wanted to
speak with me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, look, Daniel, Julia has only been
gone a few hours and the Intel Office is grinding to a halt. I was talking to
Anthony Caballero and they have some stuff coming in that they need correlated
and he can’t pull it together. He’s good at what he does, but he’s not Julia
and let’s face it, she’s not you. How would you feel about going down in the
Hole and taking a look at what they have?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t come here looking for a job,
General Packer, I’m planning on going home sooner, or later.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, Daniel, but…” He faded out and then
said, “Is there some way I can convince you to stay? It’s just not the same
around here with you gone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to answer him, even after he
gave me to the Federal Government, I still couldn’t help, but like him. He was
fooled along with others, but I still had that deep-seated sense of betrayal. I
was constantly walking around with a feeling of confliction; one moment I was
happy and excited, the next I would slip into depression or anger, so I simply
said, “Things change, General, sometimes for the good, sometimes not so much.
Maybe I’m lucky, I learned early on to keep my distance from the actions of
others, I guess I forget about the importance of that on occasion, but there’s always
someone ready to remind me.” I looked away from his expression and added as I
returned my gaze to his, “Anything is possible though, right?” I smiled and
said, “Let’s go take a look and see what’s going on,” I glanced at my watch as
said, “I have an hour before I need to be somewhere else.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started walking towards Phase 2 and he
continued to ask questions.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dinner with your wives and the kids, right?
Danni mentioned it to me and seemed excited about it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right now? It’s more dinner with my
children and then a talk with the mothers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked puzzled and then frowned as he
realized what I was saying, “Oh, so do the girls understand you’re not
committing to anything?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am committed, General, I’m committed to
seeing if we can develop a common place to start from, to see if there’s
somewhere to go once we start.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know what I mean, Dan.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re smart, General, you also know what I
mean.” I sighed and said, “I haven’t been evasive, Jerry, I’ve been completely
up front with how I feel. Now, we need to see if there is anything to build on;
that’s all I can promise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, we talked about other topics. I
told him about the Adobe and the improvements Stacey and I had made to the
empty shell it had been. I told him of the future plans we had made together
and I think he began to grasp the disconnect I had with Asylum. We arrived at the
Intel Office and I pushed the entrance buzzer which brought Caballero to the
door that he opened.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Monroe! It’s great to see you back
again!” He actually seemed pleased with my arrival.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tony, you’re looking a little more fit than
when I left and that’s Menendez now, so just call me Daniel, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?” Now he was looking confused.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My name is Menendez now, Tony, and I’m no
longer a Major. I’m simply here in an outside advisor capacity, so you’re the
one in charge, not me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh…” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at Packer who nodded and then
said, “He’s here to take a look at the plot you are trying to make sense of,
why don’t you show it to him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did and frankly, it was a mess. I kept
walking the length of the board reading notes and the way they were connected
before I finally said, “Oh, okay, got it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer smiled at Tony and back to me,
“Figured it out already, excellent, I knew you were good, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “No, General, all I
figured out was what the topic is and the central point; now the real work
begins.” I began stripping colored yarns and reattaching them to new points of
interest and naturally, I lost track of time. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer said, “Dan, you only have ten minutes
until seven; we need to stop for now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled myself out of the web and said,
“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dinner, at Debbie and Danni’s place, you
have ten minutes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw, for shit’s sake, I’ll never make it in
time!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer laughed and said, “Same old Dan, I
called a cart for us; it’s waiting outside.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, General!” I laid down the skein of
yarn I was holding and realized both Tony and Kate Hightower were sitting at
the conference table watching me. “Okay,” I said to them. “If you come up with
more data, leave it on the table and I’ll get back to this tomorrow, okay?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both answered, “Yes, Sir.” As they got
up and started going over the web.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Packer I said, “Let’s go!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at precisely seven o’clock and I
slid out of the cart, “Thanks, General Packer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Calm down before you go in there, you’re a
little stressed looking right now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, of course.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving me a critical look, he said, “You
should have shaved and got a haircut.” Then he started to pull away, but
stopped, “Daniel, I think you want this to turn out more than you think. Go in
there with that frame of mind rather than wait and see, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and he drove away as I started up
the four steps to the front porch attached to the modular home. At the front of
the door, I took a deep breath and firmly knocked on its metallic surface.
Whoever designed the door did a good job, the steel sheathing looked like
wooden planks, you could even see the texture of the wood pressed into the
metal. I took another deep breath and slowly exhaled as I heard the door latch
unlocked and the door began to open. I pasted a smile on and…</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shot me twice in the chest, pointblank.
As I stumbled backwards, he fired again at my face, but he clipped my right ear
instead. As I started falling backwards, I pulled the MP-9 and fired two rounds
upwards into his chest and the third entered his left cheek and exited the back
of his head; Walter Pix began falling to the floor as I slammed into the gravel
walkway to the porch. I panicked; he was in the house! He was in the house with
Debra, Danni, and the kids! I groaned as I rolled to my side and then to my
stomach, god my chest was hurting bad. I struggled to draw a breath as I pushed
to my feet, pulled myself up the steps and into the house where I found both
Danni and Debra tied in chairs in the living room. Danni had her uniform on,
but Debra was naked. They were both fighting their bindings and screaming
through the fabric stuffed in their mouths and taped in place. I could hear
both of the children crying.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost made it to them before I dropped to
my knees, my ears were ringing loudly, my vision kept fading out and I decided
I was probably going into shock. Blood was starting to drip onto the floor as I
crawled on my hands and knees to Danni who was closest and pulled my pocket
knife out to cut her bonds, but there just wasn’t enough air, the pain when I
tried to breathe was incapacitating, so I laid there a moment before once again
getting back to my knees. I reached behind her and started cutting the paracord
that was digging into her flesh. The paracord tying her right wrist finally let
go and Danni reached up and ripped off the duct tape and then pulled out the
fabric inside of her mouth.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Give me the knife! Give it to me!”
She was reaching out to me and I forced myself to get the knife close enough
she could take it. She began sawing at the cord securing her other arm and legs
and then she released Debra as I pulled myself to the wall and propped myself
up against it. God, my chest was hurting so bad! “Debbie! Call 911, get a crash
cart up here!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started fading out again as she ripped
open the front of my sweatshirt and froze, “Oh, thank god! You have a vest on!
Debbie! He’s wearing a bullet resistant vest! Daniel, I know you’re in pain,
but you’re going to be okay, just like last time. Just concentrate on
breathing, you’ll be okay, I promise!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel my heart beating in my ears.
Thump, thump…thump, thump…thump…thump, thump, thump… … thump…thump, thump.
Every time it faltered my vision would start to fade and the ringing in my
ears…</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lying in a hospital bed again. That’s
not good, I’ve been in a hospital and waking up, so many times, it’s become
familiar. What happened this time? Oh, yeah, I got shot. Wait, I had the vest
on, why am I…blunt force trauma. Okay. I tried to take a deep breath and
squeaked as the pain shut it down. Instead, I started concentrating on taking
shallow breaths. I opened my eyes and saw Mary Cho attaching leads to my
abdomen, “EKG?” I whispered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She jumped and looked to the side and then
leaned down close to me, “Yes, but don’t worry, Doctor Horne says you’re
improving and you’re going to be okay.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then glanced to where Mary had
looked before; Danni was slumped in a chair and asleep. I looked back and Mary
pressed her index finger to her lips, “Shhh,” she leaned down and whispered to
me, “We have to stop meeting like this, Debra and Danni are going to get
suspicious.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I snorted and then groaned from the stabbing
pain in the center of my chest.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wha, what?” Danni, I woke her up. “Is he
awake?” She stood up and leaned over to look at me, “You are awake! Good, Doc
Horne said you would wake up soon and you did.” She leaned over and kissed me
softly on the lips. I whispered and she leaned down and turned her ear to my
mouth, “I’m sorry, Babe, what did you say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The kids?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re fine, really, they are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” I coughed and groaned, “What was for
dinner?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh,” she straightened up and said, “Debbie
fixed Lemon Pepper Chicken with a jalapeno sauce, fresh mashed potatoes, and
string beans with home baked rye bread. It would have been excellent, but it’s
gone, Pix ate it before you got there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s dead, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, you did good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My right ear decided to start singing, so I
reached up and touched the bandages over it, “How bad?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The bullet clipped the top of your ear;
there may be a notch in it, but Horne says it’s nothing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This hurts,” I whispered as I touched the
area of my sternum. “A lot worse than the first time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s not surprising, Pix used a .45
instead of 9 mil. The bullets are twice as heavy and knocked the shit out of
you. You’ve got some cracked ribs and really bad bruising.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded again and closed my eyes.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone was laughing when I opened my eyes
and I felt a lot better than the first time I woke up. I tried to sit upright
and remembered not to try that again as pain stabbed me in the chest. I must
have groaned because the curtain around my bed was pulled aside and Gilly was
there. “I thought I recognized that laugh.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Daniel, Mary was just leaving
and she told me what she said to you last night when you woke up. How are you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’d be great if I could take a deep
breath.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I imagine so. Jerry landed in a tree one
time when he was making a parachute jump to maintain his Airborne qualification
and fractured some ribs. I had to baby him for weeks until I discovered he was
faking how long the recovery process was taking.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I controlled a laugh and asked, “Debra and
Danni, back home with the kids?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni is. Debra is here, but she’s in the
Ladies Room, too much coffee this morning.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She should be at work; she doesn’t need to
be here for me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but let me ask you this, are you
glad she is? Were you glad Danni was last night?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hesitated and then said, “Yes, really
glad.” My voice broke on the last word and I grimaced as I tried to take a deep
breath.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you all right?”’</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, guess I need to avoid any emotion for
a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, maybe not. Which is more painful,
the fractured ribs, or being alone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Being alone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, then,” Gilly smiled. “Aren’t you
lucky you’re not alone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra walked around the curtain as she wiped
her cheeks, and then she leaned down and gave me kiss, “You’re never alone,
Daniel, not as long as Danni and I are alive.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Which makes me wonder, how the hell did Pix
get the jump on the two of you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t the two of us, it was me,” Debra
said. “I had no idea what was going on with Pix and the fact he was a fugitive.
That’s something we need to do something about in the future; some way we can
notify the community when there’s trouble around. Believe it or not, he knocked
on the door and when I answered, he shoved a gun in my face. I had John in my
arms and that pretty much ended any chance I had to fight, so he had me put the
kids in their cribs and then he…” Her voice faltered before she continued. “He
tied me to a chair with one free hand in case the kids needed attention.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That surprises me,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, I wanted to ask him, but I was
afraid it might cause him to rethink his options. Anyway, he kept watch and
when he saw Danni coming, he tied my free hand to the chair, stuffed a dishrag
in my mouth and taped me up. When Danni walked in, he had a gun to my head and
Danni had no choice, but to do what he wanted. It wasn’t until after he had
secured Danni, we figured out it wasn’t us he wanted, but you. He knew you were
coming for dinner and he wanted to kill you, he said everyone would be better
off with you out of the picture. There was one thing he said that got me
wondering, he said you were a danger to everyone and the future that was
planned. Do you have any idea why he would say that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “Not a clue. Maybe he was
just playing with a card short of a full deck?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anyone that beats up a little thing like
Julia deserves any trouble they have. He seemed so nice at first, so hard
working and dedicated. I don’t get it, any of it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “He wormed his way inside
pretty well, a lot like Maria, I mean Mary Stevens did.” I lay there for a
moment and then said, “I need to get out of here and over to Intel, there was
something they were trying to pull together and I need to finish working up the
corkboard for it.” I tried to lean forward and yeah; it wasn’t going to happen.
Once I got my air back, I reached towards Debra and said, “Give me a hand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stared at me and then said, “Please
don’t make me say, no.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly spoke up and said, “She’s right,
Daniel, you are in no shape to be up and walking around. I was talking to
Doctor Horne and he said blunt force trauma to your heart needs to be monitored
for a while. That means you lay there and get better, or you will, get worse.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I feel fine, I knew my heart wasn’t working
right after I was shot, but now I know it is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” Gilly shook her head. “If it
wasn’t for Debra and Danni, you probably would be dead right now. Your heart
stopped and they kept you going with CPR until the crash cart arrived and
brought you here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, uh,” I smiled at Debra and said,
“Thanks?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t think my attempt at humor was
successful, at all. “Do you have any idea at all what it feels like to see the
man you love get shot in the chest and there’s nothing you can do to stop it?
Do you know what it feels like to see the man you love crawling, crawling, on
the floor to try and reach you so he can set you free before he blacks out?”
She almost broke down and Gilly quickly wrapped an arm around her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but I know what it feels like to fail
to be there when someone you love is murdered.” I looked into her eyes and
said, “Thankfully, you don’t have to bear that. You saved me; I couldn’t save
her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and sat on the edge of my bed,
“It wasn’t your fault, Daniel, if you would have been there, you might be dead
also, at least you got her revenge. You killed them all. All I could do was sit
helplessly and pray for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, you two,” Gilly said. “You both lived
through horrible situations, try to never allow it to happen again and then
push forward, it’s the only direction we have left to us. There are no do
overs, no resets, no what ifs, if only something else. Life is what it is, take
it and deal with it. The three of you have laid the ground work for something
wonderful, something that can carry down through the ages, don’t waste the
chance you have been given.” She reached down and picked up her possibles bag
and slung it over a shoulder. “Okay, I’m done with the advice and Jerry is
probably wondering where his breakfast is. You two, no, the three of you, get
this straightened out and get on with life and I’ll talk with you later.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Gilly left, Debra stood looking at me
and finally said, “Well, I guess she told, us, what for.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think we can? Push forward?” I asked
her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m more than ready to try and I know Danni
is too.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t forget Stacey, Debra, she’s a part
of me now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and said, “Danni and I talked
about it, about her and you. We decided that the only thing we can do, is
accept she was there when you needed someone. She was there when you needed
someone to love you. For that, we’re grateful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached out and took her hand in mine,
“Let’s do forward, John Cameron always told me to never try, just do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wish I could have known John.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, do I, he would have loved you and
Danni, and the kids? Wow, he would have been ecstatic.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at the space between me and the
edge of the bed and said, “Do you think I might fit there? I’m kind of tired
and upset; the idea of sleeping in your arms is really appealing.” I started to
move over and she said, “Don’t! Never mind, you’ll hurt yourself; I can nap in
the chair, do you mind? If I take a nap?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, not, you even look wore out.”
She did.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’m going to go pee and talk with
Pris, I’ll be back in a minute.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not going anywhere.” As soon as she was
around the curtain I started inching over until my hip was against the opposite
bed rail and then I worked at getting my breath slowed down again. When Debra
came back, she had Pris Pringle with her and the two of them gave me the look.
Pringle picked up my hand and looked at my fingernails and then looked at my
lips.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right,” she said to Debra. She
pulled an O2 Monitor from a pocket and placed the little thing on my index
finger and stared at it until it did something that displeased her. “Okay, I’ll
tell Doctor Horne and we’ll see what he wants to do.” She walked out and I
looked at Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your lips are blue which means you’re not
getting enough oxygen. The injuries to your ribs are restricting how deeply you
can breathe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later, Horne walked in and
asked, “Are you short of breath?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, the pain makes it difficult to take a
deep breath.” I answered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to Pringle, he said, “Dial the O2
generator up to three and monitor his saturation levels. If it doesn’t improve,
increase it again, but keep me informed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Doctor.” Horne left, Pringle adjusted
a dial on the O2 machine and then she left also.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You moved after I told you not to.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You shouldn’t have mentioned laying down
beside me, now stuff that crap, take off your sidearm, and get up here so I can
get an arm around you.” She placed her sidearm on the table next to us and then
laid down beside me. We shifted around a little until we were comfortable with
her head on my shoulder and drifted off; the increase in the oxygen was
welcome. I woke up twice to her nightmares and comforted her, both times she
was mumbling ‘no’ over and over as she cried. When I woke in the evening, Debra
was gone, but Danni was there and she was staring off into nowhere.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey,” I said. “You okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” she smiled and gave me a kiss. “What
about you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Better, but I’m worried about Debra, she
seems to be taking this thing harder than normal. She had nightmares more than
once while she was here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was hard, seeing what we saw; nightmares
aren’t that odd under the circumstances.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but keep an eye on her, okay? It
just feels different.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I will. But don’t worry about it,
she’s pretty tough, all things considered.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning, Debra was back and seemed
more herself and a little more upbeat. She teased me by feeding me with a
little tiny spoon and finally I grabbed the bowl of scrambled eggs and just
scooped them into my mouth with my fingers. She actually laughed a little. Her
mood swings were still off though and I knew something was eating at her, but
every time I pressed her, she would stiffen up and deny anything was wrong. Her
and Danni started alternating eight hour shifts and one of them were always there
with me. It was really nice, but I was starting to worry they were hovering a
little more than necessary. I began to wonder if there was more wrong with me
than anyone was letting on.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Late one night, Danni was sleeping on a cot
beside the bed when Mary Cho came in to do another EKG. I held my index finger
to my lips and then motioned her close.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What it is it, Daniel? Are you in pain?”
She whispered to me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but not as bad,” I whispered back.
“Mary, is there something else wrong with me that I don’t know? A medical
problem? You’d tell me, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I would, so would Doctor Horne.
Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The girls are making me nervous because
things seem different; it’s like they’re tip-toeing around something.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, my guess is they don’t want to do
something that will make you consider leaving. I heard them talking to Packer
yesterday and they were kind of angry because he wanted to ask you some
questions about stuff going on at Intelligence. They don’t want you worrying
about anything right now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Well, okay,” I pointed
at the printout for the EKG and asked, “Look good?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and whispered, “Better.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I relaxed a bit, but still, things were not
quite right, I knew it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was five days before they started getting
normal EKG readings and Horne allowed me out after another two days of normal
readouts. I wanted to go straight to Intel and finish what I had been working
on, but Tech Services hooked me up with a conference type setup that allowed me
to see what Julia and Terry were doing on the corkboard from another computer.
It was still kind of a hassle, but we were making it work, sort of. Yeah, Julia
and Terry were notified about what happened and they came to the clinic before
anywhere else when they got back. Naturally, Julia was blaming herself, but she
was the one who discovered Pix was dealing with the Federal Government and
using his position in Intelligence to work the system. The Feds had offered him
a job if he could arrange to remove me from the position I held. The entire
operation was his plan from the start. He seemed such a good guy.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a nutshell, there is no actual Federal
Government, they are, in reality, an extension of the ZPG movement.
Unfortunately, they do have an extensive military contingent. Well, not
military per se, but many of their troops are ex-military, or ex-alphabet guys.
Everyone was wondering where all of these people came from; where did the
Federals get all of these trained SWAT type people. Well, think about it, did
you know the Social Security Administration had SWAT teams? How about the
Department of Education? The Library of Congress? Every government agency had
SWAT teams, whether they needed them or not. It was a good way to develop
trained troops for an uncertain future while funding them without being blatant
about it. One of the training facilities was located in Artesia, New Mexico and
tens of thousands of people were trained there. We have become worrisome to the
ZPGers and through them, the Government. It is really making me nervous.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m living in Asylum again, but every few
weeks, I take off and head down to the Adobe for a few days of R-and-R. At
least one of the girls always accompanies me and both of them have started
enjoying our times there. Juan Morales moved a small RV to the property and has
a couple living there to take care of it and they are both people I enjoy being
around. Dick and Sally Fermin are hard workers and have turned the place into a
little working farm. There’s a steer being raised for beef, pigs for pork and a
slew of chickens. There are two geese I fricking hate though. Dick says they
are better watch dogs than dogs, but the damn things are forever pecking at me,
or Danni and Debra. I see a goose dinner on the menu.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Asylum now has a militia training facility
in Cliff and if Dick and Sally ever decide to move on, I’ve told Packer he can
use the Adobe as a patrol point to shelter our people when needed. Terry’s
grandparents are officially residents of Asylum now and seem to really like it
here. Terry and Julia quickly became a thing and I mean a thing. They have made
it official and I think there will be a wedding come June. Maybe sooner if
they’re doing what I think they are. We’ll see.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and Debra is pregnant again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-41682887144779900292021-07-11T23:34:00.003-07:002023-09-09T10:44:53.773-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 32<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
32</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Daniel, you
shouldn’t do this; Stacey would not want you to go and kill yourself, for her
memory, please.” I think Juan was trying to keep me safe, but safe is not what
I was looking for. The men who killed Stacey had a price to pay and I was going
to ensure they paid a heavy price. Even if it killed me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan,” Terry said. “Mister Morales is right.
Give us a little time to pull people together and we can go in force. Everyone
around here loved Stacey, please, give us a chance to help, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pull the people together, Terry,” I said as
I started applying my camo face cream. “I’m going to soften them up for you.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Listen, I know you can probably kill some
of them, hell, Stacey got four. You can do what she suggested, you can train us
up and make us into a militia of our own, but you can’t if you’re dead. Come
on, Dan.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t answer, I finished my camo and
slipped on my smock. The rest of the gear, I placed on the floorboard of my
truck. “Don’t take too long, Terry, or it will be over before you get there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I climbed in and drove West, down the 180.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the High School where the
“Militia” kept their quarters from a hill on the south side of the 180 and
waited until sundown. Then, wearing the gilly cape Debra and I made, I began to
work my way down towards the school. At ten o’clock, I removed the breakdown
rifle, Henderson had designed and built, from its case and loaded it. I began
to slowly crawl towards the buildings. The sentries were pathetic and died
easily. From a gasoline storage tank, I drained off two five-gallon cans and pre-positioned them for their purpose. From a storage building for the
high school track and field team, I removed bags of neoprene pellets and poured
them at the base of every door to the gymnasium, but one. Then I splashed
generous amounts of gasoline over the pellets. When everything was ready, I
struck a highway flare and ran from door to door igniting the gasoline and
pellets. At the one door I didn’t prep, I took cover and switched to my bullpup
with the thermal scope attached.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lying only 50 feet from the door when
I started hearing shouts of alarm from inside the gymnasium; it was filling
with black toxic smoke. When the other doors had been opened, those trying to
escape the smoke were met with blazing mounds of burning plastic and were
forced back inside. They finally found the correct door, my door. I shot the
first man to try and exit through it. Then the next and the next one after him.
Wild, un-aimed gunfire began to pour out in various directions, but I just laid
where I was and shot anyone trying to exit the building. The bodies of the
panic driven victims of the smoke and fire started piling up in the doorway and
I kept killing those who tried to escape. It was easy, killing them was so
easy. They were idiots.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the building was fully engulfed with
flames, I stood up and began the walk back to my truck. I drove it back to the
school and watched as the flames reduced it to a complete ruin. From around the
nearby homes, people began to gather and some of them cheered. I had no idea
how many I had shot and I had no idea how many had died inside of smoke or
fire. I had no idea and I didn’t care. These, things, had tortured, raped, and
murdered a good woman, my woman, my wife, fuck them.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I was a little lost for a while. I
drank up a lot of John Cameron’s rum and I either slept hard or was oblivious
to what was going on around me. Then, one night as I knelt beside Stacy’s
grave, I felt a hand on my shoulder and a woman's voice said, “Daniel? It’s cold out
here and you don’t even have a jacket on. Come on, let’s go inside now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged off the hand and felt around by
my knee for the bottle I knew was close-by, “Leave me alone, go away.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, Honey, come on, let’s go inside, it
feels like snow is coming.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and through blurred vision, looked
at the face beside me, “Stacey?” Then the scent hit me, roses.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Daniel, I wish it was, come on,
please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled up and she pushed her shoulder
into my armpit and supported me to the door of the Adobe. I fumbled with the
latch and finally managed to open the door and almost fall through, but she
caught me and then after a moment, guided me to the bathroom.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The outside of your house says, ‘nothing
here,’ the inside is really put together.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stacey fixed it up,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s nice.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s empty, nothing left, but memories.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sit down,” she said. “Start getting
undressed, your clothes stink.” She started to unbutton my shirt and I slapped
her hands away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Knock it off! I can take care of myself!” I
started fumbling with the buttons of the shirt.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell me where, and I’ll get you clean
clothes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!” I took a deep breath and exhaled. “In
the loft, but don’t go up there; it’s where they…why are you here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni and I, we came looking for you. Why
don’t you want me to go up there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because that’s where they killed Stacey!” I
shouted, then shook my head and took a deep breath before opening the lid of
the toilet and vomiting into it. I kept at it until nothing came out but bile.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here, wipe your face,” Debra handed me a
wet cloth. “I’m going to close the door, I found clean laundry on the line
outside, so there’s clean clothes on the wash basin, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damn, how long was I vomiting? “Sure,
whatever, but don’t start wandering around her house!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to go get Danni and bring her in,
okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pushed her out the door, closed it, and
then locked it. God damn her fucking scent! Why did they come here? Isn’t the
shit I’m in deep enough?! I slid down the face of the door until I was sitting
on the floor. Fuck them, fuck them both, I’m staying right here until they
leave! After a few minutes, I rose to my feet and started undressing. When I
was done, I turned on the water in the shower and after the water warmed, I
stepped in and bowed my head under the spray. I used a bar of soap, rinsed off
and then looked at the clothes she had laid out. It was the OCP Ranger uniform
I was wearing the day I was arrested; I threw it on the floor and walked out in
my underwear and up to the loft where I grabbed a pair of sweats and a
tee-shirt. After I dressed, I went back downstairs.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two of them were sitting at the kitchen
table, Stacey’s kitchen table. I held back an angry outburst and went to a
cabinet and took out a bottle of rum before turning and looking at them. “Okay,
again, why are you here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “To bring you and Stacey home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am home! This was her home! She loved it
here and so did I! You’re too fucking late! Here’s a better question,” I took a
deep breath and tried to calm my anger. “How did you find us…me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia,” Debra said. “When you asked for
your computer? She had an electronic transmitter installed, so she could find
the computer’s location through the GPS system.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and laughed, “Even those I
thought I could still trust. Am I under arrest?” I asked as I opened the drawer
next to my hip while sipping from the bottle.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.” Danni said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,” I said. “I feel so much better
hearing you say that.” I removed the Glock pistol from the drawer and placed it
on the counter next to my hip, “It case you missed it, that’s called, sarcasm.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked away and then back as she said,
“Dan, for god’s sake.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you don’t get to use that tone with me.
You lost that privilege a long time ago when you wouldn’t even come and hear my
side of things. I got sold down the river by people I thought I could trust and
they didn’t even come to wave goodbye.” I took another drink from the bottle.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni indicated the bottle and asked, “Are you
going to offer Debra, and I, a taste of that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “Daniel, please, just sit with
us and talk, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, we can explain what happened, why we
acted the way we did.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No explanation is required, you made a
choice, live with it.” I took another sip from the bottle. I was going to have
to stop that sipping, it was playing hell with my stomach. Debra’s eyes were
already red and so was her nose, I decided she was on the verge of starting to
cry. Good.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stood up and said, “Daniel, if you
need someone to blame, then blame me. Debra never doubted your innocence. She
kept telling me you wouldn’t have done what the Feds said you did, but that
damn blue shit got hold of me and I couldn’t shake it. I know you understand what
I’m talking about; when you are saying things, but another part of your mind is
screaming at you and saying no, no, no! You explained it to me yourself, before
I ever got contaminated.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started walking towards me and I held up
the palm of my hand to her, “Don’t, I don’t want either of you near me until I
know what the hell you want from me. Do the two of you have any idea what I
felt like knowing neither of you would even come and see me before they took me
away?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra started breaking down, “Yes! I know
how I would feel if you turned your back to me, the way you are right this
moment. It tore your heart out, I know it did! But we didn’t know they were
taking you away the next morning! No one told us! No one told me! I would have
come for you and I wouldn’t care how many of them I would have had to kill to
get you away! I would have given my life for you, Daniel! I would have!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni started to step towards me again and I
said, “If you take one more step…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t want my scent to cloud your
judgement, okay, but before we go any further, please try to understand, it was
not Debra’s fault. Send me away if you have to, I’ll go, I don’t want to, but
if that’s what you need, I will.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!” Debra said. “It’s us, it’s always been
us! The three of us! It was always meant to be!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was it?” I asked. “Just the three of us? I
told Stacey that I loved her, I told her I still loved the two of you, but I
loved her too. I wanted to bring her into our family if I found out you wanted
me back. The only way I would come back was if she came with me. What would you
have said?” They both stared at me silently and finally I sort of laughed,
“Yeah,” I waved Danni to the table and said, “Sit down.” After she did, I
walked forward and placed the rum on the table, “Glasses are in the cupboard.
If you’re here in the morning, maybe we can talk some more, you have kind of
got me curious about how you rationalize what you want.” I glanced around and
said as I pointed, “There’s another bedroom back there by the front door. The
bed has clean sheets on it.” I pointed up to the loft and said, “I’ll be up
there, alone,” and walked away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an unpleasant dream, but I can’t
remember what it actually was. I was slowly waking up when I heard Danni’s
voice, “Oh, my god!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened my eyes and saw Debra and Danni
staring at mine and Stacey’s bed. Both of them had expressions of shock and
dismay. I didn’t look, I already knew what it looked like. The four pieces of
rope I had cut from Stacey’s wrists and ankles were still attached to the
corners of the bed frame. The stack of pillows they had placed under her hips,
and the stain, where they had cut her throat when they finished with her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled up from the floor to a sitting
position and leaned against the wall. “Interesting decor, isn’t it?” I rubbed
my eyes and said, “Is there any of that rum left, or did the two of you finish
it off last night?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” Danni said. “Why have you left it
like this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Every time I try to do something with it…”
I faded out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra
said, “I’ll take care of this, Danni, see what there is for breakfast; I doubt
he’s been eating. Daniel, when was the last time you ate?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is there rum left, or not?” I struggled up
from the floor and leaned against the wall as my head started spinning.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christ!” Danni said as she grabbed me and
pushed a shoulder under my arm, “Debbie! Help me hold him up!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her scent, oh, god, her scent, I was
enveloped by it as I shook my head and pushed her back, “Stop it! I told you to
stay away from me, god damn it!” She let go, stepped away and naturally, I
stumbled sideways, tripped over my own feet and landed, hard, back on the
floor. Humiliation.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up at her and said, “I guess you
enjoyed the hell out of that, didn’t you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not really, I guess at the moment I’m not
feeling much of anything. What I think is, we need the other guy to pull your
shit together.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni?!” Debra sounded shocked by Danni’s
tone.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah?” I said. “Well, you are officially
out of luck. I haven’t seen or heard from him since the day the two of you left
me to rot in that holding room, so, if that’s who you came for, what you
consider a better me, he’s checked out; I guess you can be on your way.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe,” Danni said. “Why don’t you come find us when you finally decide to man up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gasped as Danni started down the
stairs from the loft and started to follow her, “Danni? What are you doing? He
needs us, he’s just confused and grieving. We need to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the bottom of the stairs, Danni stopped
and looked back up at us as she said, “Look at him, he’s a shadow of himself.
He’s pathetic, he couldn’t protect Stacey and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“YOU FUCKING BITCH!” I screamed at her as I
stormed down the stairs and grabbed the front of her blouse as I drew back my
fist to punch her face.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“GO AHEAD! HIT ME! IT’S WHAT YOU WANT! JUST
LIKE ALL THE REST OF THEM! DO IT! DO IT!” I wanted to, so bad, but I lowered my
fist and realized Debra had hold of the cocked arm and was crying. I released
the hold I had of Danni’s blouse, and then behind her, I saw Terry silhouetted
by the morning sun shining through the open front door. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Terry.” I turned and walked past
Danni and into the kitchen where I spotted the bottle of rum on the table. I
picked it up and took a long drink before I walked out the back door and headed
to Stacey’s grave.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was there for quite a while before Danni
walked up beside me and knelt by the rock I was sitting on. “I was trying to
drag you out of that horrible place you were. I hoped if I could get the other
guy to come out… I went too far, I know it, I’m sorry, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged, looked at the bottle between my
feet and tapped it with the toe of my boot. “That’s becoming a problem; I need
to stop it I guess.” I inhaled through my nose and immersed myself in her
scent. “God, you smell so good.” My eyes started to burn and I choked up, but I
steadied myself and said as I pointed at Stacey’s headstone, “You were right
though, I couldn’t protect her, I wasn’t here when she needed me, but she
killed four of those fuckers before they took her down.” In my peripheral
vision, I saw her wave her hand to Debra and Terry and then place the same hand
on my forearm. “I checked around and saw where they cornered her in the garden;
she put up a hell of a fight. Then they took her inside.” I tried to continue,
cleared my throat and said, “I found her upstairs, tied face down. I cut her
loose and wrapped her in a clean sheet and…It doesn’t matter, I have a lot of
very good memories about her and I together.” Tears started to leak out of my
eyes and I started to cry, “Danni, I miss her so bad.” I couldn’t talk anymore,
I just cried.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry softly said, “Finally, he’s been
holding all that back for too long.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra knelt down and put her arms around
me as she said, “Stace was wonderful, she was smart, beautiful, deadly, and
loyal. If I couldn’t have you, I would have wanted someone like her to.” Her
scent curled around me and comforted me. “We’ll go back to Asylum and gather
the forces we need and then we’ll track down the fuckers that did this. We’ll
hunt them to the ends of the earth and lay waste to everything and everyone
that gets in our way.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re too late,” Terry said. “Dan already
did it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked up and said, “What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There was a self-proclaimed militia in
Cliff that was running what was really nothing more than a protection racket.
They were the ones that killed Stacey.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra asked, “A militia? How many were
there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Almost sixty. Stacey killed four, the people
in Cliff say they dug fifty-two bodies out of the burned remains of the
gymnasium. There were more, but the people in Cliff said about ten or so new
guys had left the day before. I guess Dan set fire to the place and shot the
ones that tried to get out, the rest died from smoke inhalation, or burned to
death.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked around, but the rum was gone,
somewhere, so I stood up and said, “I’m hungry,” as I started walking back to
the house.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind me, I heard Danni say, “He killed
over fifty people, by his self?” I kept walking and when I reached the house, I
entered the kitchen and started poking thru the fridge for something, anything,
to eat. The rum I had drank earlier was burning my stomach and I was in danger
of upchucking; I finally settled on moldy toast. I cut two slices from the last
loaf Stacey had baked and dropped them in our toaster. When they popped up, I
spread some of Terry’s, grandmother’s butter on them and started eating. After
I finished the toast, I stood up and went back to the fridge and started
looking for something else; when was the last time I ate? I couldn’t remember.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a short while, the three of them
entered the kitchen and Debra asked, “Daniel, what would you like me to fix for
you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was thinking about making some instant
mashed potatoes and then frying them into patties. Maybe add some bacon bits or
something. I’m not sure. Busted down gravy sounds good, but I know you’re not
real excited about it. Like I said, I’m not sure.” I was rambling.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why don’t you sit down and I’ll throw it
together, okay?” She started opening cabinets and looking for what she needed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mumbled, “Alright,” then sat down.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan,” Terry said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you remember what I told you about
Buckhorn?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Buckhorn? I, I guess not. What about it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The people out here armed up and we drove
to Cliff. I sort of figured we’d find you dead somewhere, but when we reached
Cliff the school gymnasium was a smoking ruin and the people around there were
having a pretty good time celebrating. Mister Morales got up in the bed of a
pickup and gave a pretty good speech about how our neighbors in Buckhorn were
in trouble and we needed to arm up and chase the assholes out of there as well.
I guess everyone was feeling really supercharged and that’s what they did. We
killed a bunch of the Buckhorn militia guys and the rest bailed out and headed
deeper into Arizona. Mister Morales gave another speech and now both towns are working
together to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Good for them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are they going to do?” Danni asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They want to create their own militia and
maybe even some form of Sheriff’s Department, but I was wondering if maybe
Asylum might be able to send us some advisors, or something?” He looked
hopeful.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “We used to do that all the time
until the Feds came, now not so much, but we want to start helping people out
again. You folks are local, so I’m sure if you came and requested assistance,
the General would help and Felicia Ortiz would be willing to make some
agreements on trade with the people out here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,” Terry said. “If someone goes to
speak with your leaders, it won’t be me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why not?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because,” I said. “Walter Pix beat the hell
out of him the last time he was there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?” Danni asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry shrugged and said, “I guess I was
smiling too big at Julia Ortiz.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh,” Danni said. “I wonder…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni started looking pissed and said,
“Julia showed up with some unexplained bruises a while back, and she was a
little evasive about how she got them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You think Walter…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, but I’m going to try and find
out.” Danni was looking incensed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, why are the two of you here?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni softly said, “We came to get the
children’s father back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If the children’s father goes back, he gets
arrested,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, when Julia gave the General what Terry
brought her, it ignited a firestorm. Packer went ballistic and took the
information to Felicia. Felicia told Packer she wanted the Feds out of Asylum
immediately and he kicked all of them out. They claimed they were duped just as
we were, but Packer wasn’t buying it. Even after that, Julia didn’t tell him
she could find you; she was hoping Terry would come again, so she could get
word to you. Daniel, he wants to bring you back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He doesn’t really believe I’d be willing to
return, does he?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, he doesn’t, but he wants to give you
the option. He wanted Stacey back too, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there for quite a while as I thought
things through, when I finally started noticing things around me again, there
was a plate of fried potato patties covered with Busted Down Gravy sitting in
front of me. I dug in and wiped it out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Terry needs a job,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni asked, “Okay, but what can he do?” She
looked at Terry.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “He found the proof I was innocent
within minutes of looking at the shit that had been posted about me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He found something that Julia couldn’t find
after weeks and weeks?” Debra raised her eyebrows and gave him an approving
look.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry started turning red and said, “I think
she was looking for complicated, she should have started with the simplest and
then moved on to complicated. She’s really good though! It’s just, a lot of
people automatically go for complicated explanations when the simplest is usually
the answer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled at me and said, “Occam’s
razor?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, but didn’t say anything. I knew
what she was doing, she was trying to tie in our past life together and make it
seem worth trying to renew; I wasn’t ready to go there, not yet, maybe never.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So,” Terry said. “Do the two of you know
Dan’s wife back in Asylum?” Debra and Danni both turned and looked at me as
Terry continued, “I wonder what she will think when she finds out Dan was
innocent and she bought in to a campaign of misinformation and lies. What I’m
interested in finding out is, why did the people that slandered him think it
was so important to screw Dan over?” He looked at me as he said, “You’re really
a good guy, why screw someone that’s a good guy?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni kept looking at me as she said, “His
wife didn’t buy into it, she tried to convince Daniel’s other wife that he
wasn’t guilty, but she wasn’t able to overcome the rage she felt and now here
we are, wondering where we’re going from here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’m getting confused,” Terry said. He
looked back at me and asked, “You were divorced from your first wife, I assume
your second wife believed in you and the first didn’t, but then you escaped and
Stacey became your wife?” He paused and looked back and forth between the two women
before the realization sunk in, “Oh,” he started turning red with
embarrassment, “Uh, which one of you is Dan’s current wife?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both said at the same time, “I am.”
Then Debra added, “We both are, the three of us are married to one another.”
She looked back at me and said, “We also have two children that miss their
father.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Try to imagine,” I said. “The chances of
them ever seeing their father again if Stacey hadn’t freed him from the Feds.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni sighed and said, “Daniel, I have
already said, Debra supported you even when I couldn’t. If me gone, is what you
need, then I am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Debra and asked, “When you gave
Stacey the keys to my truck, what did you tell her?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni interrupted, “I told Debbie I was
going to burn your truck and trailer, that’s why she wanted Packer to have the
keys.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t answer, she sat staring at her
hands as she twisted her fingers. Finally, she said, “Danni was so hurt and
angry, I wanted to calm her down. I knew if I could get her to listen, she
would realize that what they said about you couldn’t be true. She would
understand it was the contaminant and not you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I did, Daniel. Once I started coming
down from the rage, I started realizing that you would never do what they said.
They tried to tell us it was the other guy that…” She stopped and looked at
Terry who was sitting quietly trying to figure out what was happening.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him also and said, “Terry, I’m
going to make a trip to Asylum, do you still want to investigate the
possibility of working there, with Julia Ortiz?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, if her boyfriend won’t beat the crap
out of me again.” Pix definitely made an impression on him.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’m going to make some plans; are you
free tomorrow morning?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and said, “Sure, Asylum might be a
good place for my grandparents and the job sounds really interesting.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright,” I said. “Why don’t you head on
home and tell your grandparents you will be gone for a couple of days and then
come back this is evening? No, wait, come back day after tomorrow and we’ll
go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and replied, “Okay, I’ll see you
then.” He lowered his head to Danni and Debra and then left, leaving the three
of us staring at each other.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra, who was still sitting at the table
said, “Does this mean…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It means,” I cut her off. “Terry needs a
job and Asylum needs someone that can do what he does.” I left the kitchen and
stepped outside where I grabbed a shovel and started turning the soil of the
garden again. At some time in the past, the whole place had been cleared of
rocks and the soil was soft and deep. I was hoping to get some seeds from
Mister Morales and if I could find some potatoes, I wanted to plant them also.
I was sure the soil could grow them; of course, I knew nothing about gardening,
I guess what I was really thinking was, I hoped I could grow a garden.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni walked out beside me with a shovel and
after watching what I was doing, she started working at the soil also. “You’re
going to be sore this evening,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t respond to my statement, but
instead said, “What I said, about Debbie believing in you, that was the truth.”
She kept turning the soil as she spoke. “When the Feds were telling the
officers and NCOs about the evidence, they had about you, Debbie and I, both, said
it was bullshit. Then, when they brought up the other guy and talked about how
he could do things without you knowing, that he, and you were responsible for
Dan and the others, I guess I went a bit of the rails. Everything they said
made sense, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept digging and didn’t look at her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra needs you so bad, Daniel. She cries
constantly, she, Daniel, are you listening to me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at her and nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, because this is so important. You are
her world, you and the kids. What I said before, I’ll leave and you won’t ever
have to look at me again, if that’s what you want, but don’t blame her for my
weakness.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was the contaminant,” I said. “You’re
not to blame I suppose.” I turned another shovel of dirt and said, “I’m just tired,
all my life I’ve had to deal with disappointment. Then the two people I trusted
the most, the ones who knew me better than anyone… it doesn’t matter, I made a
decision when I finished burying Stacey; I’m not going to allow it to happen
again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stopped digging and asked, “What do you
mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I mean, I’m not setting myself up for more
heartache, life is a journey through a world of pain, I’m done with that, I
refuse to participate. If it’s not interesting to some degree, I’m not
playing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You said you were going back, you told
Terry you would give him a job at Intelligence, I don’t understand.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t say, I, would give him a job, but
I would recommend him for a job.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie and I, are we some of the heartache
you want to avoid?” Her eyes were turning red and moist.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pretty much.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept digging as she walked away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-70054280384178151292021-07-11T23:33:00.002-07:002022-07-16T21:02:16.482-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 31<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Chapter
31</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke up to utter silence and darkness. The
lights in the room were out and I couldn’t hear the soft sigh of the air being
pumped into the room through the AC vent. I lay there for a moment and thought,
is this a method of someone trying to release me? I stood up, and with my hands
held out in front of me, I slowly walked towards where I thought the door was
supposed to be. I hit the glass window instead and slid my hands over until I
reached the door. I felt about and found the doorknob, still locked. Okay, I
walked back to the bed with the intent of putting my boots back on and kicked
one of them under the bed, shit. I grabbed the remaining one and slipped my
right foot into it, then kneeled down and felt around blindly until I found the
second. I slipped it on and tied them off. I sat back down and waited. I didn’t
know what I was waiting for, maybe it was just blind hope for, something. Then
I heard it, someone was trying to insert a key into the door of my cell. I
stood up and walked part way to where the door should be and waited, finally, I
felt the air disturbed as it was pushed open.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, are you here to kill me, or set me
free?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan!” A sharp whisper, a sharp whisper I
recognized, Rich.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t use his name as I whispered back,
“What are you doing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Getting you the hell out of here,” I felt
his hand grab my wrist and pull me forward.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Night vision? You have NVDs?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, here,” He whispered as he guided my
hand and said, “Grab hold and hang on, I’ll lead you out, come on!” My fingers
slipped into what I realized was the waistband of his trousers and I gripped
hard.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You shouldn’t be doing this, if we’re
caught…how did you get the keys?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nadia, she still has her master keys from when she worked with Facilities, now shut up and follow me!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled me along behind him and I could
tell each time we passed through a door. Eventually, I could make out the dim
light from the stars outside as we passed through a final door and I could
smell pine trees and feel a breeze. The starlight did help my vision, I had
just walked out of complete blackness, so yeah, I could see pretty good.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What now?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How’s your vision?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It could be better, but not bad.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Listen up, in about,” he went silent and I
could see him looking at his watch. “Fifteen minutes, the power will be coming
back on and they’ll know you are gone.” He pointed to a gap in the trees that I
knew was the road to the highway from Asylum and said, “Your truck and trailer
are down that way, it’s waiting for you, so move your ass and get down there as
quick as you can.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rich, how do you know when the lights will
come back on?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because Nadia turned them off for you. We
wanted to come with you, but with Jack not even walking yet and the new one on
the way, I just can’t take the chance out there, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached out and shook his hand, “I know, Rich.
If I find somewhere good to raise children, I’ll get a message to you, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You get a massage to us and we’ll come
running, Daniel, count on it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt so good to know someone still had
faith in me, I grabbed him in a bear hug, “You can’t know what it means to me,
Rich, I swear to you, I did not do what I am accused of.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We know, Daniel, now go! Go now!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and started jogging, but after a
while I picked up the pace and ran faster. I’m not sure how much time passed,
but ahead, I saw a red glint from the lenses of the tail lights on the trailer
and ran up beside the front door of the truck, opened it and climbed in. I put
on the seat belt, felt the keys in the ignition and switched them to the on
position to wait for the glow plug to heat up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The engine is warm, Daniel, go ahead and
start it so we can get out of here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice from the rear seat startled me and
I turned around to find Stacy Menendez’s face mere inches from my own, “Stacey?
What? Why are you here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, now is not the time. You might not
care if you get shot at, but I do. Start the truck and let’s go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started the truck and accelerated down the
road to the highway and turned left. Once on the highway, I accelerated again
and used the line of the road to stay on until I decided we were far enough out
to turn on the headlights. Once I had the lights on, Stacy crawled from the
back seat and took the front passenger seat as her own. “That went better than
I thought it might,” she said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stacey, what are you doing? I’m major bad
mojo right now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t care, there’s no way you did what
they claim you did, and no one can convince me otherwise.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you see the evidence they accumulated
about me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but I heard about it. I know Debra and
Danni saw some of it; I can’t believe they bought into it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stacey, I saw some of it, and if I didn’t
know better, I would probably believe I did it.” I drove a little farther and
then said, “Listen, are you aware of, well, sometimes I have a friend that sort
of comes into the picture and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The other guy? Yeah, I know, so what is he,
some sort of split personality, or something?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clenched my jaw, slowly blinked, then
glanced at her as I asked, “Who told you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The night of the dance, when you and Debra
had that huge blowout? I saw a lot of it and heard what you said. I heard the
way Debra was talking to you and the way she phrased things, like she was
talking to someone other than you. I guess I kind of pulled away from being
around you for a while, but then I thought, so what? You were functioning at a
really high level, so it didn’t seem all that important to me. Besides, after
you saved me from Becker, there was no way I was going to turn my back on you
when you needed help.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Stacey, I guess I’m feeling a
little like a forsaken son, or something. I hope you don’t get disappointed in
me in the future.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one is perfect, Daniel, no one. Not you,
not Danni and Debra, not me, but we do what we can, when we can, and hope
things turn out okay in the end. Just so you know, there are a lot of people
that were at that meeting and listened to what the Feds told us and they don’t
believe that you are what they said. Rich, Nadia, and I? We’re with you,
Daniel, one hundred per cent.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held my hand out to her and she reached
out and grabbed it, “Thanks, I can’t, I don’t have the words to express…” I
choked up and went silent as she raised from her seat, leaned over and kissed
my cheek.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After she sat back, she asked, “Okay, where
are we headed?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought for a moment and finally admitted,
“I haven’t a clue. Maybe find somewhere to hide out for a while and see what we
can come up with?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but it’s going to have to be
somewhere we can access water and secure shelter. There’s only the two of us to
watch each other’s back.” She thought for a moment and said, “Land we can farm,
somewhere we can salvage from, we’ll need fuel eventually for the truck. Maybe
we can find a small community somewhere that could use some trained soldiers?
Maybe we could offer to train communities? We’re both good at that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wherever it is, it needs to be good for the
winter, and easy to heat somehow. Maybe an old ranch house, or something
similar?” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was quiet a few minutes and then said,
“Outside of Silver City on the 180, there was an old adobe building that our
squad took shelter in once. It looks pretty rough, but the roof was good and it
had thick walls and heavy doors, I think it was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>tall enough to add a second floor to inside. There was a well and I
remember there were some grape vines someone planted once. Power came from the
city I think, so there isn’t any, but if we could find some solar panels and
equipment, we might get a few lights or something going, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“West or east of Silver City?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“West, across the highway was a small river
that was actually running and one of the guys said he thought he saw trout in
it. It might be worth taking a look at, what do you think?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s better than anything else for now,
yeah, let’s take a look and check it out.” She smiled and settled back in her
seat. I drove on for a while and then said, “I don’t have my weapons and gear,
but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What do you mean? Everything I had
was in my apartment. I mean, I have clothes and stuff in the back of the truck
I never took out and I have a sidearm back there somewhere, but everything
else…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I took it, from in front of your
apartment.” She sounded as if she was uncomfortable discussing it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From in front of my apartment? Why would my
stuff be…oh, I see; wow, that was quick.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I, uh, I drove by and saw Danni throwing
things out the front door, so I stopped and asked her what she was doing. She
said she was throwing all your shit out and if there was anything I needed, to
just take it. I went by because I wanted to find out what they planned to do
when it came to you and I wanted to help and, well, yeah, once I realized she
was buying into the Feds’ story about you, I just sort of started loading up
your gear and everything. I made three trips in the golf cart to get it all.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everything? They threw out everything?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, your carbine, a couple of Bowie knifes,
all kinds of stuff. I took it all and…” She got quiet and then continued. “Your
FLC was all torn up and your MOLLE belt was slashed up also. Your plate carrier
wasn’t there and you know that combat knife you carry and the hatchet? They
weren’t there either. I didn’t want people pawing through your stuff, so I took
everything and put it in the back of your truck.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you unlock it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s when I started thinking maybe I
should help you any way I could. Debra handed me the keys to your truck and
asked me if I would take them to the Colonel, I mean the General, and tell him
everything inside was up for grabs. I guess you can see, I didn’t give him the
keys.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Stacey, I uh…” I trailed off and
just stared out the windshield as I drove. The ache I was feeling was eating my
insides. I wiped my eyes and settled deeper into the seat; it looked like the
sun would be rising soon. “Magazines for my carbine, did they throw those out
as well?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I didn’t see any. I didn’t see your
sidearm either.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Williams has it.” I drove a little farther
and added, “But I have that other handgun in the back of the truck I never took
out. I also have a complete set of Coyote MOLLE gear that belonged to a friend
of mine and I have all the magazines he had for the rifle I gave to Debra.”
John Cameron’s Smith and Wesson MP-9 and the spare mags I bought for it in
Phoenix, plus all of his ‘oh shit gear.’ I would need a knife and John’s SOG
modernized Kabar would fit the bill nicely. “I think there’s quite a bit of 5-5-6
and 9-millimeter back there as well.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s good, all I have is the six loaded
mags I had for my AR and three spare mags for my Glock 17. We do have a problem
with weapons though.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The bolt of my AR 15 rifle broke and I
turned it into the armory to be repaired. I don’t have a rifle.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll start checking abandoned homes and
gun shops to see if we can find you something. Oh, yeah,” I said. “I have a
couple Glocks and shoulder stocks for them in back of the truck from when I was
in Denver. I was going to give them to Packer for someone that needed a weapon,
but I forgot about them. I’ll give you one of the stocks if you want it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? I tried Debra’s stock once and
wished I had one.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave her a weak smile and said, “Well, now
you do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure? I mean…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure, there’s a good chance you saved
my life tonight, Stacy, a shoulder stock isn’t much, but it’s some kind of
repayment at least.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I owed you, remember Becker?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yeah, I remember, but thanks just
the same.” I followed Stacy’s directions and about eight in the morning she had
me pull onto a dirt driveway. She got out of the truck and opened a gate so I
could drive through and then climbed back in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pull forward and then we’ll check to make
sure there’s no nails on the floor. I think there might be enough room inside
to park both the truck and the trailer.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what we did and there was enough room
for both, I backed the trailer in and disconnected it, so we could open the
back of the truck. Danni had thrown out the .45 caliber rifle that Henderson
gave me, probably without realizing what it was in its case. I removed my
carbine and the spare mags I had purchased for John’s rifle and loaded them. I
gave Stacy one of the Glock stocks and several of the 33 round mags I had
collected also. She was very pleased with it. Then we took a tour of the
building. She was right, it was rough, but I could easily see the buildings
potential. The walls were almost fourteen inches thick of old adobe bricks and
the exterior doors were solid wood with metal trimmings. I was liking it a lot.
It would take a lot of work, granted, but I felt in would be worth the effort
from a security standpoint. I would have liked it better if it was farther off
the road and not visible, but yeah, I was liking it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think you found us a keeper, Stace.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was hoping you would like it.” She smiled
broadly and clasped my upper arm, “I think it will be a good place to start
over.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I suppose so.” I walked away from her
and went outside as she followed me. “Where are the grapevines you told me
about?” She walked me out to them and I could see they hadn’t been tended in a
long time, but we might be able to get them going again. There was even a well
close by to them. The soil everywhere was sandy dirt and when I dug my fingers
into it, I was impressed with how good it smelled. I hoped it would provide a
good garden. “Septic tank?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, I don’t know, I hope so.” She looked
worried for a moment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll look around and see if there is one;
there must be somewhere.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the first month we were there, we
accomplished a great deal. The area where we parked the truck and trailer had
been the kitchen at one time before it caught fire. There was an extensive
amount of work there, but we skipped that area and installed a kitchen in a
different room. Yeah, there was a septic tank and I got a toilet working
along with the shower. Water pressure was supplied by an electric variable
voltage pump that was powered by solar panels we installed, it worked<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>during the day, but nothing at night; we kept
a full five-gallon bucket beside the toilet for the times we didn’t have power,
but I was still looking for batteries and more panels. We didn’t want to leave
the property unattended, so normally I would drive into town and salvage the
things we needed while she worked on projects around the house and property.
Sometimes she would hunt small game when I was gone and we would have grilled
rabbit, quail, or whatever she managed to bring down around the Adobe. At least
once a week, normally on Friday, we had stream caught trout. The fresh protein
was always a treat after we started dipping into the long-term food supplies
John Cameron had placed in the truck.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as a rifle for Stacey, we lucked out
there. We were searching through abandoned homes just outside Silver City and
found a well-equipped man cave. In a gun cabinet, we found a bolt-action
Mossberg MVP chambered for 7-6-2 NATO/.308 Winchester, ten twenty round
magazines and several thousand rounds of ammo for it. There were also several
hundred rounds of hand loaded ammunition labeled for competition use only.
Stacey put the weapon through its paces and was more than satisfied with it.
With her Glock and the stock for it, she had close quarters and a high volume
of fire covered. Whoever had owned the rifle had also equipped their self with
MOLLE gear to support it, but the only gear she took was the actual magazine
pouches she put on her own vest and MOLLE belt. That hand-loaded ammo? There
was a complete set of reloading dies for the ammo, I took that too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got along really well and we worked well
together, but I have to admit, I was lonely for my family. I remember we were
having dinner one evening and I was distracted as I thought of Danni and when
Stacey asked me a question, I answered, “I’m sorry, Hon, what did you say?” Her
face broke into a huge smile and then it faded as she saw the look on my face.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing, it wasn’t important.” She stood up
from the table I had salvaged and scraped her plate into the compost bag before
washing it and putting it away. “I’m kind of tired,” she said. “I think I’ll
turn in early.” She started walking away and I just sat there and watched her
go.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been increasingly concerned that she
was developing feelings for me and to tell the truth, I guess I had for her as
well. I don’t mean romantic feelings, like I thought she had for me, but a
strong camaraderie type affection we had developed as militia trainees and
squad mates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were workmates,
roommates, and close friends, but not lovers. Frankly, I wasn’t sure it was in
me to go that route again. I was still hurting from what I considered was
Danni’s and Debra’s betrayal and I just didn’t want to get involved again. At
the same time, it was easy to imagine, living a life with Stacy. She was very
attractive, and I know I wasn’t the only man who thought she was. She was also
very sweet and good natured. I guess I don’t have to say she was also fiercely
loyal as well. She was about five foot eight and though she was a little on the
curvy side, she had the perfect proportions that draws a man’s attention. She
was graceful and had a really great walk that could readily catch your eye. Her
hair was shoulder length, thick, and a dark lustrous brown that matched her
eyes. I pushed the thoughts I was having away and cleaned up my plate and the
pans she had cooked dinner in before climbing in the back of truck and pulling
out one of the bottles of Rum that John would drink on occasion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never really been a hard liquor kind of
person and it wasn’t like I could run to the local store and get a six pack of
cola for a rum and coke, so I opened one of our water flavoring packets and
mixed it with sixteen ounces of water. I added some rum and sipped it. It was a
little on the syrupy side and I had added a little more rum than I anticipated
I needed, but not really all that bad considering it was my first time mixing a
drink. I grabbed two blue enameled coffee cups and went looking for Stacy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found her exactly where she said she was
going, her bed. “Hey, Stacy, are you asleep yet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, is something wrong?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, well, yes, but no, I mean…I mixed up
some flavored water then added some rum and I was wondering if you’d like to
have a drink with me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat up and scooted back against the wall
to use as a backrest, “Why?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just thought that, well, I…I miss my
kids, Stace, and yeah, I miss my wives. I know they don’t want me anymore, but
it’s hard to just turn it off, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was there someone back in Asylum, someone
you were interested in?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t answer at first, but finally she
said, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, you threw away your life when
you rescued me, you saved my ass when you could have been…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I never told him how I felt about him.”
I poured some of the concoction I made into a cup and offered it to her. She
took it and sipped at it delicately before saying, “Whew, that’s strong!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because you put too much rum in it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why didn’t you tell the guy you were
interested in, that you were, interested.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, he was kind of oblivious to anyone, but
his wife.” She cautiously took another sip and said, “Okay, I’m definitely
mixing the next drinks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, here, give it to me and I’ll dump it
out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it will be okay for now, but I’ll make
the next drinks we have.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckled and said, “Okay, it’s a deal.” I
took another drink and shivered at the strong taste of alcohol. “Yeah, you make
the next ones. So, he was married?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I would have never approached him
and tried to, well, you know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s because you’re a good person.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A good person wouldn’t fall in love with
another woman’s man.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been told, you can’t be brave if you
don’t know fear; how can you be good, if you’re not tempted by bad?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you think I should have told him how I
felt?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I think you did the right thing because
you’re a good person.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t answer, instead, she tipped up
her cup and emptied it. “Yeah,” she said. “And the end result? I’m just as
unhappy as I was to begin with.” She was quiet for a moment and then said, “I
want another drink.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started to get up and I said, “I’ll get
it for you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, this one I want to enjoy, so I’ll mix
it myself. Empty that cup and I’ll bring you a fresh one.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did the same she had done and tipped it up
to finish it. I handed her the cup as I shivered again. “Wow, that actually was
pretty strong.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The next will be better, I promise.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left to get new drinks and I leaned
against the adobe wall and thought about Debra and Danni. I thought about Danni
Lynn and little John and wondered how they were doing, how much they had grown.
I once again pushed the thoughts aside because I knew the girls would take care
of our children; they may have turned their backs on me, but the kids were still
their children and always would be, even if I was the father. I wondered what
they would tell the kids about me? Why I was gone and out of the picture.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey returned and handed me the fresh
drink and sat beside me. “Look,” she said. “I know I’m not the woman you want,
I’m not as talented as Debra and Danni. I’m not as pretty, or as smart, or any
other metric you might use to compare us, but I will always be there for you,
no matter what.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, I’m the guy you were interested in?” I
was hoping she would deny it and mention someone else.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t say anything in return, I just
sipped from the cup and waited for her to continue if she wanted to. After
several awkward moments, I said, “You’re wrong.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Every person originally hired at Asylum was
smart, Stacey, and you know that. As far as being pretty? You are very pretty,
just in different ways than Debra and Danni. Talents?” I laughed and said, “Did
you know Packer was grooming you to become a Company CO?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was?” She looked honestly surprised. “I
always thought he preferred to put Rangers in command positions?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He did that because he knew the people he
was advancing in rank. Geez, Stacey, you caught his notice early on and he has
been working you slowly upwards, so he could see how you would fit into the
program and believe me, you were definitely fitting in. Between you and Nadia,
the two of you were on a fast track to future promotions.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I never suspected it.” She shrugged,
“Doesn’t matter though, I imagine I’m personae non grata right about now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, you probably are.” I sipped from the
fresh cup of whatever and relaxed a little; it definitely was better than what
I had mixed. “Welcome to the club.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled as she said, “A very exclusive
club, only the best may apply for membership.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The damn drink she mixed was really good and
it disappeared fast. “Ice,” I said. “We need ice.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And not just for alcoholic beverages, we
need it for other stuff also.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “Make a note of that and
add it to the rest of the wants.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She licked the tip of her index finger and
scrawled I-C-E in the air, “Done.” Then she tipped up her drink and drained it.
“I want another one, how about you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she returned, she handed me the cup and
leaned over to turn and sit beside me, but lost her balance and bumped her head
into the adobe wall, “Ow, well done Stacey.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckled and said, “Maybe these should be
the last of the drinks tonight?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She got turned around and settled before she
said, “I don’t know, we’re talking about things I’ve wanted to talk about for a
long time and I kind of want to keep talking about it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said as I examined the warm buzz I
was feeling. “But if you need another drink after this one, I’ll bring the
makings in here, so you don’t get lost.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds like a plan.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and looked at her and she smiled at
me. When she had left the dinner table to go to bed she had changed out of her
clothes and was now wearing a simple white cotton shift that she normally slept
in. It was never intended to be sexy, just comfortable, but sexy was the way
she looked anyway. It was short and exposed a generous portion of her thighs
which were smooth and inviting. I shifted where I sat and pressed my shoulder
against hers. “I think maybe…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” Instead of answering, I reached down
and traced the top of her thigh from her knee to the hemline of her gown with
my fingertip. That simple touch caused her to take a deep, but shaky breath and
exhale. When my fingertip reached the hem of her shift, I started pulling my
hand away, but she grabbed my hand and held it there. “Daniel, you don’t have
to make any promises. I wouldn’t want you too, not until you’re certain it’s
what you want.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning towards her, I kissed her as I
reached down between her knees and started sliding my hand upwards. As my
fingers passed over the inside of her thigh, she opened her mouth and our
tongues met. She raised the leg pressed against my own and opened her thighs as
she placed her leg over my own and tugged on the neckline of her shift. The
elastic within it stretched and she pulled it down over her shoulders and to
her waist before beginning to unbutton my shirt. Her inner thighs were so soft,
smooth, and warm, and when my hand reached the top of her inner thighs, she
moaned into my mouth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started waking up and realized, I wasn’t
in my room and I wasn’t in my bed; I was in Stacey’s. I could feel her pressed
against me and hear her soft breathing as she continued to sleep. I started to
panic as I thought, oh shit, what have I done! Then I relaxed, nothing, I’ve
done nothing wrong, nothing at all. Debra and Danni had made a choice and I was
no longer that choice. Maybe if I would have had the chance to talk to them,
maybe if they would have given me the chance, I could have proven my innocence,
but now? I wasn’t even sure I wanted to prove to them I didn’t do what I was
accused of. No, that wasn’t true, I wanted them to know, to someday be able to
return and somehow be involved in the lives of my children.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed someone in my life, I knew that, I
knew it for a certainty, and Stacey wanted to be that someone. Did I love her?
Not in the way I probably should if I was planning a future together with her,
but like I’ve had numerous people tell me, it’s a different world. Why not
Stacey? She was everything a man might want, intelligent, attractive,
emotionally stable, physically healthy, with a sweet personality, and in
today’s world, fully capable of protecting herself and watching my back, yeah,
I could definitely do worse. Hell, I’d already chosen worse, why not go for
better? She told me she would always be there for me, of course, Debra and
Danni said the same and look where that got me. Maybe I was expecting too much,
Debra and Danni both told me I was too naive. Maybe they were right, maybe I
expect others to feel and act the way I would and it’s just not something that
will ever happen. I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, blame Debra and Danni for what had
happened; for the fact they believed others and didn’t allow me the chance…yeah,
they didn’t even give me a chance to protest my innocence. Maybe I was looking
for a pot of gold while I had Fort Knox lying next to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Regretting what we did last night?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned my head and looked at Stacey, she
was watching me through the hair that was covering her face, “Hold that thought
for a minute, I’ll be right back.” I threw off the covers, tossed a tee-shirt
over my scarred shoulder and walked to the bathroom nude where I quickly
brushed my teeth and put the tee-shirt on before returning to Stacey’s bed. I
slipped back under the covers and faced her, “No, I’m not, are you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, because I’m holding you to that,
right this heartbeat.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were finished, she lay next to me
and said, “I know you’re self-conscious about the scars on your shoulder and
torso, but I want you to know, they mean nothing except how brave and selfless
you are. You keep trying to cover them and you don’t have to, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, thank you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another week passed before we discovered we
had neighbors. Our first meeting was a little tense, but it worked out in the
end. I was out by the garden well working on it when I heard dogs barking and
looking up, I saw a pack of Heelers circling Stacey where she was working in
the garden. She had her Glock in her hand and was aiming at one of the dogs
that seemed particularly aggressive. I grabbed my carbine and aimed at one of
the dogs as I walked towards where Stacey was being threatened. A shrill
whistle split the air and someone angrily shouted, “Do not shoot my dogs!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swung my bullpup towards the voice and
centered the sights on the chest of a young man mounted on horseback. “Then
call them the hell off! NOW!” I shouted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was armed with some sort of lever action
rifle that he had aimed at Stacey, but at my shout, he quickly started shifting
his aim back and forth between the two of us. “I don’t want any trouble! Just
don’t shoot my dogs!” He whistled again and all but one of the dogs ran beneath
the barbed wire fence and sat by the hoofs of his horse. I kept my carbine
pointed at him while Stacey was covering the dog that continued to bark and
snarl at her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get that animal away from my wife and under
control, or I will most definitely kill it!” I shouted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it!” The man said. “Ma’am? Go ahead,
shoot the dog!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacy glanced at him and then back to the
dog, “What? You want me to shoot your dog?!” The dog chose that moment to lunge
at her and she fired, but the bullet hit it in the back near the rear hips. The
animal yelped and then tried to drag itself back to its owner; the young man
fired one shot from his rifle and ended its suffering. He dismounted and led
his horse by its reins to the fence and tied it off.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, for scaring you, Ma’am, If I
would have known someone had moved in here, I wouldn’t have brought Gypsum.” He
pointed at the now dead dog. “I hoped as he got older, he would mellow out a
bit and calm down, but I guess not.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued to walk forward and stopped next
to Stacey. I was holding the carbine across my chest with the barrel pointed
down and my trigger finger lying beside the trigger guard. “We didn’t know
anyone lived close-by.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed east, back the way he had come
from and said, “Three miles back that way and about two miles off the road.
I’ve been living with my grandparents since the fall.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and pointed at the carcass of the
dog with the muzzle of carbine, “That’s a shame, it was a good-looking animal.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but there’s more to a cattle dog than
just looks, and he was definitely becoming a problem; I was afraid it might
come to this. Like I said, Ma’am, I’m truly sorry if you were scared.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then stepped next to me where
she leaned lightly against me, “Why do you have so many?” She pointed at the
dogs that were all still sitting where he had left them on the road.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I breed and train Heelers for cattle dogs.
That’s actually why I’m out here with them, Mister Morales up the road wants to
look them over while I put them through their paces and see if he wants to
trade for one, or two. I’m hoping he will because my grandparents need a few
things and I need fuel to go get what they need.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, there’s more people around than just
you and your family?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we just don’t get out much anymore.
Most people hang out on their own places and try to keep a low-profile, know
what I mean?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you had trouble out here?” Stacey
asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Once in a while, there’s a group out of
Cliff and another in Buckhorn that come out and collect taxes for the local
militia, but it’s really nothing more than a protection racket. If you don’t
‘donate,’ you have trouble, know what I mean?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are there enough people around to organize
and put an end to it?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe there’s enough, but we’re really
disorganized and it’s hard to get folks together and agree to do it. The
militias can be really vicious.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where do you need to go in order to find
what your grandparents need?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going into Silver and see if I can find
a battery for my grandad’s tractor and maybe find some diesel fuel. I’m hoping
I can siphon some out of abandoned vehicles.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what we’ve been doing,” I said.
“Maybe we can work together on it sometime, what do you think?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, yeah, I mean it would be a lot better
if I had someone to help watch my back.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Same here, tell you what, why don’t you
stop back in on your way home and we’ll talk about it?” I held my hand across
the fence and added, “My name’s Daniel Menendez and this is Stacy.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook hands with me as he said, “Terry
Martin.” He nodded to Stacey and said, “Mrs. Menendez.” Then back to me, he
said, “I’ll do that, I hope we can figure something out that works for both of
us.” He pointed at the body of his dog and said, “I’ll grab Gypsum on my way
back and haul him off, okay?” I nodded and he mounted his horse, waved one last
time and then called his dogs and rode away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he rode down the highway, Stacey slipped
her arm around my waist and I did the same to her shoulder as she looked up at
me, “You called me your wife.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I did, too soon?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I…no, it’s not too soon.” She turned in
my embrace and I put my other arm around her. She looked up again and said,
“Daniel Menendez?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a good name.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled up at me and said, “Would Mister
Menendez like to take his wife in the house and make love to her?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced back at the well pump I was
working on and said, “That pump’s not going anywhere so, yeah, let’s go do
that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “Good, because I’ve
been thinking all morning about what you did to me last night, and I’d really
like for you to do it again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I had done was something Debra had
taught me, I tilted her face up and kissed her, “Your wish is my command.” She
grabbed my wrist and started dragging me towards the house as she laughed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry Martin and I became pretty good
friends and eventually we worked together very often. Through him, I met his
grandparents, Jack and Maggie Sylvester, and Juan (Johnny) Morales. A lot of
the people in the area looked to Morales as a sort of representative of the
community and I could understand why. His family had been in the cattle
business for generations and he had graduated from UC Berkley with a degree in
Political Science. He had enrolled at Berkley because he felt the faculty there
better represented the beliefs he graduated from High School with, but after
listening to their lectures and investigating their claims himself, he did a
complete 180 and became a supporter of the Republican party. He started coming
by the house at least once a week and he would sit and talk with Stacey. He
seemed to be completely taken with her and their discussions often revolved
around political philosophy. Stacey had studied Political Science also when she
attended and they would sometimes get into spirited debates about the topic.
You probably wonder why I might be relaxed about his visiting her so much and
some times when I wasn’t home, but Mister Morales was 72 years old; I kind of
figured I was safe as far as a romantic rival went. Besides, his daughter
Miranda, always accompanied him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we hit the three-month mark of our time
in the Adobe, I started thinking it might be time to start considering bringing
Rich and Nadia on board like we had briefly discussed. There were construction
projects that I needed a hand with and Stacey simply wasn’t strong enough to
help. Another project I wanted to get started was a larger solar installation
and I knew Nadia, as an electrician, could be a tremendous help with that. Then
you add in they were both trained soldiers and yeah, it was time for some help.
The problem was getting a message to them without the powers-that-be finding
out I was involved. Terry became an integral part of the process.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry Martin slowed his truck down and
coasted to the guard shack as he rolled down his window. He watched as one of
the guards walked to the back of the truck and used a pen and clipboard to
write down the license plate of the truck while a second approached his window.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Sir, may I inquire what your
business here in Asylum will be?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, I kind of saved up some topics once I
heard about you folks, so I could take care of more than just one item. Let’s
see, uh, I heard you people are pretty free with information on how to do stuff
and me and some of my neighbors thought we might try our hand at putting
together a solar power system to provide electricity. Um, we are kind of
interested in prenatal vitamins if you have some to spare and we’ve been having
some problems with a couple of groups of armed men that are claiming they are
the local militia and we have to pay for the right to be free of them taking
all our stuff at once, by giving it to them over a longer period of time. Oh,
and we heard that sometimes you pay for information about subversive
organizations, is that true?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For the most part, but you will have to
speak with one of our officers concerning some of your inquiries.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, so where do I go and who do I talk
to?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man pointed up the road and said,
“Straight up this road you will see a paved turnout to the right, pull in there
and your vehicle will be checked for contraband. Any personal weapons must
remain in your vehicle while here, anywhere, here, understand?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You bet, looks like you folks are able to
protect me while I’m taking care of business.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard indicated for a man inside the
guard gate to open it and Terry watched as it slowly moved to his right. When
it was clear, he drove through and parked in the turnout where the truck was
gone over with a fine-tooth comb. Then he was sent on, with an escort, to what
was obviously a loading dock. They showed him where to park and one of the
guards escorted him inside a large office area where they handed him off to a
secretary behind a desk. She had him take a seat and wait until the Facilities
Superintendent had time to meet with him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided he would probably be waiting for
a long time, but in less than ten minutes, he was invited into the
superintendent’s office. “I was told your name is Terry Martin?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, and I was told you folks were
pretty free with advice and even training for people outside of Asylum.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were told correctly; we go out of our
way to be helpful to people who need it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your name is?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hate my first name, so most people call
me by my last, Marshall.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, what I’m looking for is some
expertise in choosing and installing solar systems. We have a sparse, loosely
knit community that stretches for miles and then some, so we were thinking
maybe small systems for each home, or farm. We were told you had a lady working
here that was pretty good at solar systems and battery back-ups, named Tooles,
and we should ask for her if possible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, yeah, Nadia, she’s one of the best, but
she’s pregnant and I don’t know if she would be willing to travel right now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, dang, I didn’t know that. How far along
is she?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think about five-and-a-half-months.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, well that’s not so bad and we won’t
need her to actually do any work, just sort of point and say get one of those
and ten of these, know what I mean?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She would need security and her husband
would probably want to tag along which means the infant they already have would
need to go; I don’t know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could I meet with her? I promise I won’t
try to talk her into…well, I might try, but it won’t be a high-pressure type
deal, mainly just, please, please, please?” He smiled and Morgan did as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,
I’ll have her speak with you, but like you said, if she says no…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then no it is, I promise.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, she’s in the tool crib for the
electrical crew; I’ll have her come out and meet with you in the receptionist
office, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, I appreciate it!” Terry looked out
the window and said, “Out there, right? That’s where you want me to wait?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, go have a seat and she’ll be out in a
few minutes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry waited patiently and finally, a woman
in a work uniform walked out and looked at him, “Are you Terry?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, I was hoping you would
consider…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m pregnant and I have an infant already,
if there’s a way I can help from right here, great, but I’m not hitting the
road for anything.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. My friends, who
recommended I speak to you, will probably be disappointed, but it is what it
is, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who are these friends of yours?” She asked
suspiciously.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The woman’s name is Stacey, and her
husband’s name is Daniel Menendez.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really, let’s take a walk, do you mind? My
doctor says I should get more exercise.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.” Terry held the door for her as
she exited the office and they began to walk away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stacey and Daniel, there’s a blast from the
near past.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess Dan told your husband if he found a
good place, he would let you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I’m having unforeseen difficulties
with this pregnancy, I need to be close to a medical facility and frequent
doctor visits. Here, it’s not a problem, out there? Different story.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, we have a trained mid-wife, but
I assume you may need something more, and quickly, if the need arises?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, unfortunately, but this visit of yours
could be rather fortuitous, can you get a message to Dan and deliver a package
for me?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, this walk is going to take us to a
few places. The first place, is Daniel’s old place of employment. I have one
word of advice, if we are stopped by anyone, or if anyone engages us in
conversation, you have never heard of Daniel or Stacey Menendez, alright?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.” Dan had told him the same
thing, but he only said he and the people of Asylum had a falling out. Terry
was beginning to wonder just how severe the falling out had been.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tooles led him deeper into the underground
tunnels and Terry began to get an appreciation of just how big it was. “How far
does this place go into the mountain?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re just now entering what we call, Phase
Two. All total, it was tunneled out to about 2600 feet straight in and it’s two
levels deep.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holy crap! Where did they put all the
spoil?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was used to level out areas both below,
and above, the actual site. We even have a small landing strip for aircraft
Topside and we’re starting to build housing areas up there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, where are we going right now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A place some of us used to call, the Trust,
a shortened version of, the Brain Trust. A lot of really smart people work
there and,” she glanced around them before saying, “Dan was Commanding Officer
in there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, Dan is pretty smart, or he was just in
charge of a bunch of smart people?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was probably smarter than anyone else in
here and an exceptional intelligence was one of the pre-requisites for everyone
to be hired to begin with.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, if he says he can do something or
figure it out, I guess I should pay attention?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yep.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She led him to a nondescript door and pushed a button beside it. A large
wire reinforced window allowed him to see inside where a number of people were
staring at computer screens. An attractive young woman in uniform looked up,
smiled and waved at Tooles and then came to the door. After she opened it, she
stepped out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, Nadia, what are you doing down our
way?” She glanced at Terry and looked him over as she waited for Tooles’ reply.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, Julia, I have someone you need to
meet.” She indicated Terry and said, “This is Terry Martin and the three of us
have a mutual acquaintance named, Dan Menendez.” She looked at Terry and said,
“Martin, this is Lieutenant Julia Ortiz, commanding officer of the Intelligence
Office.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry gave Julia just as intensive look
over as Julia gave him before he said, “So, your Julia? I kind of expected
someone…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Taller?” Ortiz asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Actually,” he said. “Someone older from the
way Dan described your abilities. I don’t know why I thought that; he said you
were young, petite, and pretty.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia turned red with embarrassment before
answering, “I’m afraid I’ll need something a little more tangible than just
your word, that you know our mutual friend.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, of course, he told me to remind you of
something he once told you, some advice he said he gave you because of your
job. You should trust no one, absolutely no one; he said for you to trust your
feelings, but verify, always verify.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia slowly nodded her head and then she
looked at Nadia who simply shrugged as she said, “Above my pay grade, Kiddo.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I assume he needs something?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he said he would love to have his old
laptop back; his personal one.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s asking for a lot, if someone was to
find out about it, I could find myself swinging in a breeze.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He said to tell you, don’t take any unnecessary
chances, so maybe we should forget about our little talk?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She studied Terry for a moment and then, “He
said that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned and looked at Nadia, “A couple of
weeks back, you asked me if I wanted to get in some target practice with you,
but I didn’t have the time. I suddenly discover I have the time today; would
you and your new friend like to join in on it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What time?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia looked at her wrist watch and said,
“How about an hour from now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia said, “Sure,” Then she looked at
Terry, “Ever fired a Henderson rifle?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Ma’am, never even heard of one.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re in for a treat.” She turned back to
Julia and said, “In an hour then.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia nodded and then entered a code into a
keypad next to the door and went back into the office. Terry watched, as a
large, young black man watched her until she entered an office in the back and
then looked through the window at him before returning to his study of a
computer screen. “I don’t think that guy likes me for some reason,” Terry said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s Julia’s boyfriend, don’t piss him
off.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right.” No way, Terry thought.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry and Nadia wandered around Topside and
finally met Julia at the rifle range. Julia had brought her AR and Nadia
brought her Henderson rifle. After a short period of conversation, Nadia handed
Terry her Henderson rifle and he started firing the bullpup on the 100-meter
range. He loved it, “I never dreamed one of these little short rifles could be
so accurate!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are well made,” Nadia said, “Henderson
puts a lot of skill into their manufacture.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This looks a lot like the rifle Dan has, is
his a Henderson rifle also?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, though his carbine is the weapon
Henderson based his version on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of them discussed weapons and
weather for a while and then Julia said she had other duties to get back to, so
she picked up her AR and started walking away. Terry noticed her shoulder bag
lying on a bench and started to call to her, Nadia stopped him. “I imagine you
need to be leaving soon, so I will promise you this, when I have had this,” she
said as she pointed at her belly. “My husband and I will come and look over
your solar power situation; sound good?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, we have a neighbor who would
love to put you up while you visit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, why don’t you take off and we’ll be
seeing you then.” She stood up from the bench she was sitting on and added,
“Don’t forget your bag, Mister Martin.” Then she walked away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry picked up the bag, slung it over his
shoulder and headed for where his truck was parked. He looked over the outside
of Asylum and wondered, what could possibly force someone to leave the comfort
and security this place represented? He purposely didn’t exam the inside of the
shoulder bag until he reached Silver City, but when he did, he was jealous. The
laptop inside wasn’t the greatest, but it wasn’t a slouch either, you could do
some serious work with it and he imagined that was exactly what Dan Menendez
was planning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was after dark when he pulled into the
drive at the Menendez home and parked at the gate. Slipping out of the truck,
he stood beside the open door and shouted, “Hello the house! Dan! It’s Terry!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched as he waited a few minutes and
just before he decided to shout again, or maybe honk the horn of his truck, I
heard Stacy’s voice, “Hi, Terry, back from Asylum already?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He almost jumped out of his skin and said,
“Damn, Stacey, give a guy a heart attack why don’t you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed softly and then called to the
house, “It’s him, Babe, should I bring him in?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, he can have dinner with us.” I
shouted as I watched Terry try to locate me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey opened the gate and waved Terry
through after he re-entered the truck. He drove up and parked where I always
told him to, which was away from the house, and then walked to the front door,
which Stacey opened for him. “Any luck with those prenatal vitamins?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, Stacey, but that lady, Nadia?” She
nodded and smiled. “She said those were pulling premium prices if they could
even be found.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held the door open
and refused to walk in until Stacey did first.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Terry, funny how stuff like
that, meant so little before the Fall and so much more now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve always done the Ladies First thing,
heck, my grandad would have my hide if I didn’t.” He closed the door and
dropped a 2x4 in the braces designed to hold it. “We need to pick up some
hardware the next time we’re in town, so you two don’t have to rely on this
stuff to keep out the unwanted.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the next room, I said, “That bar will
still be there after I get the door done properly. All door locks do is slow
down an honest person.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Seems like it sometimes.” Terry responded.
“Having dinner with the two of you sounds great, but I should get home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Naw,” I said. “I stopped by your place and
talked to your grandad; he’s not expecting you back until this time tomorrow at
the earliest. With his hearing and eyesight as bad as they are, it might not be
a good idea to show up unannounced after dark.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, there is that, for sure. Okay, you
talked me into it,” he said smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What’s for supper?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Beef Stroganoff,” Stacey answered. “And if
you’re really good and help with the dishes, how about a couple of after dinner
drinks made with rum?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, you’re talking my language!” Terry
laughed. He reached around pulled the shoulder bag Julia gave him off and held
it out to me, “From Julia Ortiz, boy, those people up there sure don’t want
anyone to know they’ve had anything to do with you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I can’t blame them though, I got
screwed pretty good and anyone that supported me…well, let’s just say I wasn’t
popular.” I took the computer to the table and retrieved it from the bag before
setting it up. “Good, the battery is fully charged. I’m going to have to set up
a way to charge it off the solar array.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can do that if you’ve never done it
before.” Terry said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, when I was in High School, I took
every Computer Science class they offered and that’s what I was studying at
WNMU when everything went to shit. Oh, sorry, Mrs. Menendez.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t worry about it, Terry, I’ve heard a
lot worse than that.” She laughed and added, “I’ve said worse than that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said. “I thought you were a dog breeder
and trainer?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am, I learned how to train and breed in
the FFA, do you know what that is?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From where she was busy at the stove, Stacey
said, “Future Farmers of America.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s right, but I was more interested in
computers and gaming. I always figured I’d get a job somewhere cool and make
some big money, so I could help out my grandparents.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Terry,” I said. “How old are you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be twenty-one this December.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh,” I commented. “I thought you were
older based on your attitudes and work ethics.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry shrugged. “You don’t get ahead if you
don’t grow up. I had a lot of help from my grandparents.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey turned around and asked, “They’re the
only family you talk about, do you have anyone else?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.” His answer was clipped and sharp. It
didn’t invite anymore questions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey shrugged, but said. “I was lucky, I
had four brothers and four sisters. God, we used to fight so much with each
other, but no one else was allowed to pick on any of us. One of my sisters,
Miriam? She was ten months older than me, we used to fight like cats and dogs,
but if someone picked on her, or me? Watch out, the crap would hit the fan.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry didn’t reply, but I said, “I was
raised in the foster care program in L.A. County, and never had any family.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know,” Stacey said, “That must have been
incredibly hard.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry stared at me and asked, “From what age
until when?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From birth until I reached eighteen. Then I
was cut loose and had to find my own way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,” Terry said. “At least I had my
grandparents to provide a home and love. Sometimes I start feeling like I got
screwed, but then I remember I always had them, you know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then said, “Family is very
important to me; I guess because of what I missed growing up, but sometimes it
seems no matter what we want, no matter how hard we…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey interrupted me, “Sometimes we are
looking in the wrong place, sometimes we miss what providence provides us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned around and looked at me and I
could tell she was feeling out of sorts. Maybe she thought I wasn’t recognizing
her desire to be with me. “You’re right,” I said. “Sometimes love can be right
in front of us and we completely miss it. I’m glad I found you, when I did.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry looked back and forth between us, as
Stacey blushed and smiled, but kept his questions to himself. I think he
realized more was being said than he realized.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey removed some plates from a cupboard
and said, “Daniel, why don’t you get cleaned up, dinner is almost ready.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, Babe.” I left the kitchen and spent a
bit of time getting cleaned up and returned to find Stacey speaking to Terry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She is pretty, she’s also highly
intelligent and she’s also very loyal to those she loves.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who?” I asked as I walked back into the
kitchen and sat down.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey looked at Terry and raised her
eyebrows until he said, “Julia Ortiz, she is definitely someone I would like to
have a conversation with.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I am assuming her and Walter Pix are
still a thing, so watch your step, I don’t think I would want to get on his bad
side.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I saw him and I think you’re right.”
He mumbled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The freeze-dried stroganoff was damn good,
especially after Stacey had doctored it with spices. We finished eating and
Terry and I helped clear the dishes and clean them as Stacy prepared some
drinks for us. When we were done, Terry joined Stacey at the table and I
climbed into the back of the trailer and started going through it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey,” Stacey said. “What are you looking
for?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some computer discs I had in an ammo can; I
need to find them so I can load the information they hold onto the computer.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The can you’re looking for is in the
bedroom. I put it there for safe-keeping.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked out of the back of the trailer and
asked, “What made you think I thought those discs needed to be kept safe?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe the fact they were wrapped with foam
padding and inside an ammo can?” She smiled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah,” I said. “You’re always a step ahead of
me.” I started climbing out as she stood up and said she would get them for me.
I rejoined Terry at the table and started looking through some of the computer
folders to insure they had the transcriptions on them as Terry watched.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s all that?” He asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Information gleaned from radio
transmissions and dark web postings. After the data was entered, we inserted it
into a word processing program so we could search for and correlate the data
into usable bites.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Simple and smart. Is the stuff related to
your unhappy departure from Asylum?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, someone started posting false info
that made it appear I was giving sensitive information to the bad guys with the
end result of screwing my whole life up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, the people in charge at Asylum found
out and you bailed before they could arrest you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was already under arrest. The Feds came
and presented a convincing case against me, I was arrested and was waiting to
be transported back to Maryland when some of my friends helped me escape.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From behind me, Stacey said, “Daniel has a
lot of friends that wouldn’t, couldn’t, believe what the Federals presented as
evidence to take him away. Unfortunately, those who were closest to him chose
to and turned their backs on him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The people closest to him?” He looked at me
and said, “He was lucky his wife stayed by his side.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced up at Stacey and she looked at me,
before answering, “I wasn’t Daniel’s wife then, Terry, I considered him a
friend and, wanted more than that, but he was with someone else, someone who
believed the Fed’s lies about him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry looked uncomfortable and then asked,
“So his real wife turned on him?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached out and wrapped my arm around
Stacey’s hips and pulled her close to me as I said, “The case the Feds laid out
was very damaging, Terry. There was a lot involved that gets a little too
personal for me to want to discuss, but yeah, Stacey wasn’t my wife then.” I
thought for a moment and realized I had never told Stacey how much she really
meant to me, how much I had come to feel for her. “She’s my wife now though;
she stayed by me when I was abandoned and vilified by those I loved and
trusted. How can a man not love someone who is willing to throw her whole life
away to rescue him when he needs it the most?” I locked eyes with her and said,
“I love you, Stacey, don’t ever doubt that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then pulled away as she
walked to a counter behind Terry; I could see her wiping at her eyes as she
said, “Are the two of you ready for another drink?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry brightened and said, “Sure!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Please.” She came back to the table
and gathered our glasses before returning to the counter and mixing the drinks.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So,” Terry said. “What are you hoping to do
with the computer?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Prove my innocence, hopefully. The problem
is, although I may be very good at pulling information together into a
relatable package, I don’t know how to discover and prove if that information
has been tampered with.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is stuff you found on the Dark Web?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, they posted information that could
only have come from me. It was as if they knew what I was doing before I could
have even known what I was going to do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not much on psychics and making
educated guesses consistently is pretty remote also. Mind if I take a look at
the information that was the most damaging?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, Terry, some of this is very sensitive
and could become problematic if it gets around to the wrong people; know what I
mean?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What I’m interested in doesn’t involve the
content of the message, but the timing and original source.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, what the hell, they can’t mistrust me
more than they already do.” I pushed the laptop across the table and allowed
him to start looking through the information. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused and looked up at me, “Which one of
these is the worst?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked around the table, clicked on the
computer’s screen, and then sat down as Stacey gave us fresh drinks and planted
herself on my thigh. Then she said, “Do you think you might be able to find
something?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry
shrugged and said, “Who knows? But a fresh set of eyes…” His fingers started
out rather slow, but gradually started speeding up until they were flashing
over the keyboard. Stacey looked at me and raised her eyebrows. I smiled and
shrugged. “Oh, hello.” Terry said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hang on,” He answered and typed a bit more
and then turned the laptop so I could see the screen. Where there had
originally been only one readout, there were now two on a split screen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What am I looking at?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This side of the screen,” he said. “Is the
original message you had in your folder. This one,” he pointed again. “Is the
original, original.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I started reading the two messages and
finally said, “They’re the same, so…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The messages are the same, but look up
here,” he said as he pointed with his two index fingers. “See the date and
time?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re different, by months.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yep.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But…” I kept staring at the two messages
and finally said, “So, all they did was change the date to make it look like I
said something earlier, than I actually did?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but they forgot, or maybe they just
didn’t care, that once it’s on the Dark Web, just like the Internet, it’s there
forever. I love doing this kind of stuff; it’s kind of like playing at
espionage, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him and said, “You found this so
fast; it only took you minutes to disprove a major lie that ruined my life.
Wait a minute, the computer isn’t even connected to the Dark Web, how can you
be getting anything new, like the original message if we’re not connected?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What you’re seeing, is data already on your
computer. This stuff was added to it, probably from a remote terminal, maybe
from a CD that was already prepared to be downloaded.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is there a way to figure that out?” Stacey
asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, how long it would take to discover it
would depend on how sophisticated they tried to hide it. Judging from what I’ve
seen so far, they probably used the quickest and simplest method, just like
they used the simplest method of trying to fool you with the false information.
All they did was change the recorded date of entry.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The simplest explanation is usually the
correct one,” I said as I nodded my head.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pretty much.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could they have hidden it better with a more
sophisticated method?” Stacey asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, but anything hidden can be found if
you’re adept at what you’re doing. That’s one of the reasons I became so
interested in Computer Forensics in my college classes. You’d be surprised how
much utter BS was on the Internet, but the thing is, I was training for
something that looks like I’ll never be able to use now. Talk about a useless
job skill. Guess I’m going to be a dog trainer from now until I die.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not looking like a useless skill to
me, Terry,” I said. “How would you like to go over all of this and find the
proof that its fake? There might be an actual job in it for you later on.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? I mean, that would be great!” Then
he paused and said, “Naw, I need to take care of my Grandparents, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey said, “Options, Terry, allow yourself
options. If Daniel is talking about what I think he is talking about, that job
could be a hell of an option. First off, I’ve never even heard of Computer
Forensics; that sounds a lot like part of what the Intelligence Office was, and
is, doing. If you accepted a job offer, you could bring your family with you.
They’d have: health care; food; security; everything; it’s worth thinking
about.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’d allow me to bring them to Asylum?”
He looked hopeful.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,” I said. “The people at Asylum
are more than just soldiers and workers; they have their families there also.
You’d have to agree to militia training, but, wait a minute, you train cattle
dogs, could you train guard dogs also? Maybe tracker dogs? Wow, Terry, I’m
seeing a lot of potential here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I think I could train guard and
tracker dogs. Sure, why not? I’d rather do the computer forensics though.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed at the computer and said, “There
it is, your first assignment. If you can disprove even a few of these attacks
on me and Asylum? I guarantee you’ll have a job.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I start now? I mean right now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey laughed and said, “I thought you
wanted to have a drink with us?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did, but I’d rather do this. Tomorrow,
I’ll go home and tell my grandparents what we’re doing and what might happen
because of it. Then I’ll continue with this stuff; it shouldn’t take long to
do.” He pushed the rum and, whatever, away and immersed himself in the
computer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey and I got up and poured his drink
into our glasses as we smiled and walked outside. Once we were out, we sat on a
rocker bench as Stacey said, “It would be really great if you could prove your
innocence.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and tilted my head back to look at
the stars, “Yeah.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t seem very excited by the
possibility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am, but I’m seeing problems ahead, Stace.
If we return to Asylum, what’s going to happen?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Probably, they’ll suck up to you, so they
can have you working for them again. You’re too valuable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but that’s not what I’m talking
about, Hon. You know how Debra, Danni, and I had the smell thing going?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hesitated before saying, “Because of the
contaminant, yeah, I remember.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s hard to explain, but I don’t know
what’s going to happen when we meet again.” I started getting nervous.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you still love them, Daniel, you
already told me that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But now there’s you, Stacey. When I said
earlier, I loved you, I meant that. I love you and I don’t want to lose you.
When everyone else turned on me…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everyone else didn’t turn on you; a lot of
people didn’t believe what the Feds said about you.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but the ones closest to me…” I
shrugged, and said, “It’s just that, aw hell, I can’t blame them for believing
the lies, I would have believed it if I didn’t know I was innocent.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think they’ll believe you? The
evidence?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think on some level they will, but I’m
not certain. I need to explain to you how this shit seems to affect people, so
you can understand.” I paused, and then said, “Once, after Sara sent that
picture to Debra and then the contaminant spill at the labs, I was trying to
get Debra to safety; have you heard the story?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some of it, bits and pieces.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When Debra regained consciousness, she kept
saying cruel and hurtful things to me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And you saved her anyway.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I started snapping back at her,
even though I tried not to. Later, she told me that one part of her mind was
trying to stop from saying the things she was saying, but she couldn’t stop it.
She wanted to say, ‘I love you,’ but her hate came out instead. I’m wondering
if the same thing was happening when you talked to Danni when she was throwing
my stuff away. What I was getting at is, the smell thing? It’s very powerful
and almost impossible to ignore. I don’t know how I’m going to react when I see
them again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, Danni just seemed to be in a
rage, I think if you would have walked around the corner at that moment, she
would have killed you with no hesitation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How was Debra acting?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged, and then said, “I want to lie
and say she was just as hateful, but she wasn’t. She just seemed really
confused and worried about how Danni was acting.” She wiped at her eyes and
added, “Tonight, for the first time, you said you loved me and now I feel like
my hold on you is slipping away. If they know you’re innocent, they’ll want you
back; how am I supposed to compete with two beautiful women that already have
your children? Children I know you miss terribly?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no competition, Stacey. It’s not
about who has what, or who’s beautiful, or, god, I don’t know. Do I want my
children back in my life? Yes, of course.” I sat there a moment and then
touched on something I had never mentioned to her, “Remember when you told me
you overheard Debra and Danni speaking about how they loved one another and
they had sex with each other?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” She was staring at her hands and I
knew she was folding in on herself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember you said they wanted each other,
but not if it meant losing me?” I was trying to tread carefully.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.” That answer was even quieter than the
first.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They had already decided to share me, and I
want you the same way I want them. I want you, Stace; I don’t want to give you
up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But the contaminant, I can’t compete with
that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The contaminant doesn’t cause love to
happen, Stacey, it intensifies the sexual attraction. I don’t love them more
than you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I wanted them to give me a family, I
want the same thing from you. Stacey, they may not even want me anymore. They
may have already found someone, or someones, to take my place. My kids could be
being raised by others already.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head and said, “I have a hard
time believing that. I mean, maybe Danni has, when I saw her, the hate for you
was intense, but maybe she has gotten over it. Maybe when the three of you see
each other again…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told you I wouldn’t lie to you, Stace. If
they come to me and say they were wrong and they want me back, it will be
extremely hard for me to say no. The one thing that might make me feel
different about returning is if they don’t want, me and you, as a package
deal.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I don’t think I can do that, I mean
the sex thing with them, I…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa, Honey, when I said package deal, I
didn’t mean you had to have sex with Debra and Danni. I meant that you and I
come into the relationship as husband and wife the same as they are my wives.
With equal stature, responsibilities and rights.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want to put you into a situation
where you have to choose between us, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then don’t, just be you, the woman I fell
in love with. You will be with me, one way or another.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s wait and see if they want to get back
together with you and then have this conversation, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stacey…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Okay, that’s what we will do.” I
was in over my head, that was the only thing I was sure of.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry was astounding. He not only found what
was needed to clear me, but he thinks he could actually get us on to the Dark
Web if he could find the necessary equipment and tools to calibrate it. He
wants to take a trip into Western New Mexico University and see if he can find
what we need in the computer lab there. In the meantime, he’s headed to Asylum
and will try to touch bases with Julia Ortiz and Nadia Morrison again. If he
can get with Julia, he will show her what we, he, found and try to convince her
of its authenticity. I’m not going to hold my breath, I can’t help but feel the
old yeah, but thing, is running rampant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry is back from Asylum and he looks a
little worse for wear, actually, a lot. Walter Pix caught him in a Men’s Room
and worked him over a lot more than would have been necessary even if Terry had
made a play for Julia. Pix never struck me as the jealous type, but maybe I was
wrong, he seems to have decided Julia is his and everyone else had better keep
their distance. The whole episode has me angry and wanting to pay visit to
Asylum and have a talk with Walter. The good news is, Julia says she is going
to look over what he brought and verify it; she told Terry she hopes it clears
me and through me, Stacey. So, do I.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as Terry felt up to it, we went into
WNMU and I followed him around the computer lab as he collected the items he
thought we needed to install a satellite dish at the Adobe. If this works the
way he hopes it will, we might be able to establish communication with Julia
and start searching the net for those responsible for what was done to me. I
could use some good news.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worked off and on at setting up the dish,
but life gets in the way. Terry’s grandfather had what we believe may have been
a minor stroke and is having difficulty taking care of his chores. That limits
the time we have to work on our computer projects because Terry is picking up
the slack for his grandparents. I shifted gears and started searching for
additional solar power gear I could salvage. I found an intact system on a
small twenty-acre property and I was able to dismantle the solar array, charge
controllers, inverters, and batteries in a manner that will allow me to
reinstall it with a minimum of actual electrical expertise. First though, I
need a shelter for the equipment. I drove the truck into town and found a
flatbed trailer, hooked it on to the truck and then went to a business that had
shipping containers for sale. It took me two days of hard work, but I got it on
the trailer and strapped down. Then, I rounded up cinder blocks, bags of
mortar, ready mix concrete, and rebar from a building supply company and pulled
it home to the Adobe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After digging a rectangular trench for the footing, I
started hand mixing the concrete for the footing and got it poured. While the
concrete was still wet, I placed the cinder blocks for the first course and
then let it dry. After that, I added a second course of blocks and when the
time came to sit the shipping container in place, Juan Morales sent some of his
people down with a large backhoe and we stacked the shipping container for what
I am calling the Solar Shed. I went searching again and located a portable arc
welder and fuel to run it. For material, I collected one-and-a-half-inch angle
iron, two-and-a-half-inch pipe and built the solar panel arrays. In all, it
took three weeks from start to finish and Stacey now has electricity in
abundance. I installed an electric stove and oven beside our wood burner in the
kitchen and we now have hot water for showers and laundry. Stacey was so
excited to have a hot bath, she said she didn’t need birthday or Christmas
gifts for the rest of her life. It felt especially good to see her so happy. My
next run into Silver City, I’m going to bring her back a washing machine and an
electric dryer; I bet she dances a jig when she sees it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever dug a grave by hand? It takes
a while. Juan Morales brought down a crew and some of them are building a
coffin while I dig. The grave site is down next to the grapevines; she spent so
much time trying to keep them thriving and they did. They keep trying to help,
but I won’t let them. It’s for me to do. It’s my job. When I’m done, I’m going
to frame up a form and pour a headstone out of concrete. It should last a good
long time. She deserves that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used Permagum to form the letters of the
headstone. Poured in the concrete and when it was set, Terry helped me place
it. Once it was in position, I stripped the form and removed the Permagum. It
left her name deeply embedded in the concrete.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Stacey
Marie Menendez</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Loving
Wife</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Proud
Warrior</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">D.O.B-D.O.D</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Psalm
144-1</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-30782291699288965082021-07-04T23:54:00.004-07:002022-12-31T20:24:44.309-08:00ASYLUM: Chapter 30<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up staying an additional ten days,
which meant Debra got back to Asylum before we did. It was worth it though.
After the Denver Rangers slapped down the ZPGers so hard, they decided to
leave, but Denver handled it differently than we did. At Asylum, we allowed
anyone who wanted to leave to go and we ended up paying a heavy price when they
came back and attacked us. Higgins refused to allow that to happen and
basically incarcerated all of the former leadership of the Denver Enclave. 3500
people left, or were invited to leave, and there were no tears lost from those
who stayed. Also, a detachment of Denver Rangers followed them and kept
meticulous records of where they went and who they contacted along the way.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the extra time we were there, I was
able to really get their Intelligence Office humming and Danni was able to
cement their education and Cadet programs. Stella Morrison, sorry, Stella
Taylor, is running the education portion and Stacy Menendez is the titular head
of the Cadets until the Denver people decide who will take her place. I helped
formulate a deal that encourages local farmers to move closer in around the
Enclave and they are going to develop new croplands in the vast areas around
the Airport and the Solar farms. I think they are well on their way to becoming
a true community now that the locals are included in the decision making. Yeah,
we did a good job and we’ve developed a strong alliance between Denver,
Holloman, and Asylum. Holloman has even moved a couple of wings of aircraft and
support personnel to Denver and there’s talk of the Marines sending a few of
their Super Cobras to Asylum; that’s a definite wow.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived back home, there was a
shitload of people waiting for us to arrive. Danni and I were standing up in
the back of the truck we were in and searching for Debra and Danni Lynn; Danni
saw them first and pointed them out to me. We started waving like crazy and
Debra finally saw us and started running through the crowd trying to keep pace
with us until we stopped. Danni got to her first and grabbed our daughter out
of Debra’s arms as Debra launched herself at me. I caught her and she wrapped
her legs around me and began to cry she was so happy to see us. Behind her,
Danni exclaimed, “Oh my god, what are you feeding Danni Lynn! She’s huge!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried Debra over to them and was stunned
by how big Danni Lynn had gotten. Yeah, it had only been a month since we last
saw her, but wow, that kid is definitely bigger, and she’s a lot more active
than she was before we left. The Colonel and Gilly joined us and watched us for
a few minutes before joining in the welcome. Then Dak and Felicia, and Rich and
Nadia. Nadia’s pregnancy, I swear, is already starting to show a bit. Packer
finally told us to go home, but be at his office at eight the next morning.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, Debra was shocked to see how
prominent the scar was on Danni’s brow. Danni is very pale skinned; I’ve said
that before, the scar is readily noticeable to those who have never seen it and
Danni is very self-conscious about it. Debra actually cried when she saw it and
I thought that was going to affect Danni pretty badly, but she just smiled and
said now they both had facial scars. Because the wound went untreated and the
swelling that was involved from the blow she received was extensive, it didn’t
heal well so the scar does stand out. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friends hung out at the apartment for a
while and then they headed out and left us to ourselves, which meant Danni got
to play with Danni Lynn and Debra got to play with me. Wow, that girl saved up
some major loving while we were gone.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m on my way to Holloman after only two
days home and both of the girls are still at Asylum.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shit. I miss my three ladies and Packer
thinks I will be gone at least three weeks. Debra was really upset and had some
words with Packer over it, but she finally calmed down and accepted my leaving.
The good thing is, she had her argument with Packer in private which gave him
the ability to be more resilient in the manner he handled it. He realizes now
that, though she was contaminated and can moderate her responses, there are
still times when she will blow. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t until the day before I left that
he finally sat me down and we discussed me and the other guy, the other me. At
first, I thought maybe he was regretting the ranks he had given me and was
considering revoking them and placing me down where I had less command
authority. If that would have been his decision, I would have accepted it as
graciously as I could; I realize most people find it a little, well in some
cases, a lot concerning. However; it wasn’t the case. He told me he had already
spoken with both Debra, Danni, and the rest of our friends about the situation
and decided it was not a problem he needed to worry about. He told me both of
my ladies were unconcerned and said they completely agreed that sometime in the
future, there would only be me, or I guess, an integrated me. Dak is the
closest we have to a psychologist and he told the Colonel he had no concerns
about my mental health, or my ability to lead in high-pressure situations.
Packer told me, after having our talk, he was confident I could perform well
and to continue with what I was doing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three weeks turned into four, four turned
into five and then six. Holloman had me straighten out their intelligence
correlation and get it running smoothly, then I went with them to settle a
dispute between two groups of survivors down by Fort Bliss, and then another
because the first went so well, and then another deeper into Texas. I think I
may have created the foundation that an even larger alliance can be built upon.
I hope so; it was emotionally draining and on more than one occasion,
dangerous. I have a new bullet wound in my lower left leg and a stitched up cut
that goes from my left shoulder to my left nipple. That’s what I get for not
wearing my plate carrier the way Danny and Debra demanded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both wounds are from separate incidents; the
bullet wound was an accidental discharge from a .22 rifle a twelve-year-old was
carrying at a farm where we stopped for water. The cut was a definite attempt
to kill me as I stepped out of an outhouse. Yeah, wear your plate carrier even
when you go to take a shit at eleven o’clock at night. Have you ever seen a
fourteen-inch Bowie knife from the receiving end? Don’t. He got me on his first
slash, but not where he was aiming, I dodged to my right and that’s how he
missed my neck. Then I dodged to my right again as I was still trying to figure
out what the hell was happening because he made a long sweep around, up, and
then down. I felt the blade hit somewhere on my MOLLE belt and skip off, so I
went for my P-89, but it was dangling upside down from my knee and then ended
up around my ankle. He had cut through both of the PALS straps that the holster
hung from. I wear my sidearm low because I have difficulty drawing it if it is
fully mounted to the belt. The only other weapon I had was the roofing hatchet
that belonged to Daniel Smith, yeah, I started carrying it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I returned to the farmhouse we were
staying at, I walked in and sat down at the kitchen table and said to the
farmer’s wife, “Are you handy with a needle and thread?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She actually used sewing me up as a lesson
for her fourteen-year-old daughter to learn how to sew up cattle that got hung
up in barbed wire fencing. After she asked to be allowed to, she let her put
the last three stitches in. The security guys with me went out with the farmer
and when they returned, one of the guys cleaned off my hatchet and gave it back
to me. The farmer, Louis Porter, told me he didn’t recognize the man, so he
didn’t think he was from around there and maybe he was just passing through.
Good, that meant it was probably not a planned attack by someone who wanted me
dead.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on our way back to Holloman at the
time and from there I was returned to Asylum. As you can imagine, I was very
eager to get home and instead of stopping, my security team and I drove
straight through and arrived at eleven o’clock at night. The night security squad
provided us with a crew cart and I sent my fire team home in it and walked home
by myself. It was really late and I didn’t know if Danni and Debra had duty the
next day, so I decided to try and slip in without waking anyone, like Danni
Lynn. Don’t ever, wake up the baby! Momma gets cranky.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eased open the door and stepped through to
find, well, Danni and Debra on the couch wearing nothing and totally oblivious
to what might be happening around them. There was a candle burning on the
coffee table and a couple of empty Bock bottles. I didn’t really know what to
do, I froze and then stepped back out the door and gently pulled it almost
closed. The thing has always made a rather loud clacking sound as the door
latches, so I left about an inch gap, set down my ALICE pack and then took off
my main MOLLE ruck before sitting down on the concrete bench outside.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few moments, I heard a voice softly
say, “Why is the door open?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moments later, I felt the air around me
disturbed as the door was opened, but then nothing. From inside, I heard Debra
say, “Oh my god!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t really know what to do, I was
exhausted and unbelievably sleepy. I continued to just sit there and wishing I
had a bottle of Bock to nurse.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and both of them were standing
there in bathrobes looking at me. I took a deep breath and sighed, “Hi, it’s
been a while, sorry, I should have called and let you know I was coming, but
the phone always wakes Danni Lynn and I know how upset the two of you get when
she gets woke up and I tried to be quiet when I came in so I wouldn’t wake the
two of you because you are probably working in the morning and maybe if I was
less concerned about waking people I wouldn’t be stumbling around trying to
figure out what to say and…” I was rattling on and talking faster as I started
running out of words; not a good combination. I took a deep breath and said, “I
think I’m supposed to be surprised, or maybe angry, but I’m not, angry that is,
I am surprised. I guess I shouldn’t be, I mean the two of you have been
together before and I knew it and I’ve been gone a long time and both of you
have really strong sex drives and…I guess I have no idea what I should be
saying, or feeling right now. I didn’t sleep last night, or today, and I’m feeling
really run down and numb…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra reached down and took my bullpup from
where it rested between my knees, “Honey, come inside, okay?” Then she picked
up my ALICE pack. Danni picked up my MOLLE ruck and stepped through the door
and out of sight followed by Debra. Moments later they were back and squatting
next to my knees.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said softly, “Babe, you need to come
in, come on, you’re obviously really tired.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and leaned forward, but I was just
too damn tired and my leg hurt where I had been shot and what I had seen really
took the wind out of my sails. I struggled a bit and finally both of them
grabbed my arms and helped pull me up. I started walking in and realized I was
limping; I really should have had the team drop me off, but hindsight is 20/20.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?” Debra said. “Why are you limping?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My leg hurts.” I walked through the door
and looked around; the Marlow chair was calling me, but I went into the kitchen
and sat at the dining table instead. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned over beside me and said, “When
was your last chance to bathe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, I don’t remember, four, maybe five
days?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to get him in the shower,” Debra
said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni agreed, “Yeah, I can’t smell his
scent, the body odor is…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My voice broke as I said, “You can’t smell
me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t smell me anymore, was I gone too
long? I…uh, maybe it might be better if I go stay in one of the squad bays
until we figure out what we should do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” Debra asked. “What do you mean?
No, you’re not going to the squad bays and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Debra and asked, “Can you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Smell you? Of course, but your B.O. is
really strong. Once you have a shower it will be okay, I promise.” She turned
to Danni and said, “Try again, he thinks you can’t smell him like we normally
do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned down next to my neck and
inhaled through her nose and said, “Yeah, it’s there, but wow, the B.O. is
really strong. Come on Daniel, let’s get you cleaned up.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was lying, I knew she was, “Can you
smell Debra?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t,” Debra said. “Daniel, please don’t.
Not until you’ve showered and rested, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Better to do it now, so I don’t have time
to start creating all kinds of possible scenarios.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned in close and said, “Okay, but
take a shower, it will help you think straighter, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then leaned over and started
removing my boots, but both of them crouched and each one started on a boot. “I
can take my boots off.” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let us do it,” Danni said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra pulled off the left boot and then slid
her hands up my pants leg for the top of my sock and stopped as she looked up
at me. “Daniel, is this a bandage on your leg?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why is there a bandage on your leg?” Danni
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled both feet back, stood up, and
pushed the chair back with the back of my knees. “I’m really tired and not in
the mood to be castigated so soon after getting back. The two of you are
forever picking at me because you say I deflect, well, what would you call what
you’re doing right now?” I limped away and into the bedroom where I quietly
opened a drawer and picked out fresh briefs, a pair of sweats and a tee-shirt.
Before I left the room though, I looked in on Danni Lynn where she was sleeping
in a bassinet. She was even bigger than I imagined she might be. I walked out
and into the bathroom where I started stripping down and then removed the
bandages on my leg and chest. I turned on the shower, got in and started
soaping up when I heard the bathroom door open and then close.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?” Danni.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to come in and scrub your back,
okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about it for a moment and then
relented, “Alright, but no bullshit about my wounds, I’m really not in the
mood.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door of the shower opened as I turned my
back to her and she crowded in behind me. “Soap?” I handed it to her and she
added, “Scrubber?” I pulled the ball of nylon lace from the hot water handle
and handed that to her over my left shoulder.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started scrubbing my back and suddenly
she stopped, “Wounds? As in more than one?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni? I said…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, you can’t just walk in with
bandages and talk of wounds without the women who love you getting a little
tense about it. Yeah, okay, you have questions about what was happening when
you came in, but we love you, and if you’re hurt, we hurt, come on, Babe, it’s
us, please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need to think and I’m tired, so it may be
a bit before I’m ready to get into that, okay? Just finish my back for now and
then we’ll see.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just finish, please.” She did without
talking again and then left. I finished and then dried off and dressed myself
except for the tee-shirt. I figured it was as good of a time as any. I walked
out of the bathroom and into the kitchen where the two of them were waiting.
Both of them stared at the long, stitched, slash, but said nothing as I went to
the fridge and removed a bottle of Bock and set it on the table. From a
cupboard I took out a glass and then turning to the two of them, I held it up
in a silent question. Both of them shook their heads no and I was a little
surprised that Danni didn’t ask for a glass. I knew Debra wouldn’t because she
was nursing and Danni Lynn didn’t seem to like her milk after she drank
alcohol. “I saw the empty bottles and figured…” I faded out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni pointed to the coffee table and said,
“Thomas and Timothy were over earlier and had a couple of beers before they
left.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down in a chair, rubbed my eyes and
then poured the Bock into a glass, “I really miss this stuff when I’m gone.”
Neither one commented and then I said, “Shit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both said, “What?” At the same time.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually chuckled because it was so
unusual to see both of them so nervous. “I forgot the first aid kit.” I started
to raise back up, but Debra was already on her way. She came back in and pulled
a chair over and sat next to me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Turn, so I can get a bandage on that.” I
did and she went to work, “What happened?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was stepping out of an outhouse and I was
ambushed.” I laughed and said, “I never imagined a plate carrier might do me
some good while I was in the head.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How deep?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t have a ruler to stick in it. We
were staying the night on a farm in Texas and I went out to use an outhouse the
farmer had set up for travelers and some guy was waiting for me when I stepped
out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where was your security?” Danni asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Eating dinner and it was damn good. One of
the guys got up to go with me and I told him to stay and eat. The bad thing is,
he sliced through both of the straps on my holster, so I need to take it by the
gear shop and see if they can fix it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni nodded and then stood behind me to
reach over and assist Debra by holding the gauze as she taped it in place.
“Very neat stitching,” Debra said. Then she looked up and said, “Sewing
thread?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but the farmer’s wife sterilized it
with alcohol before sewing it up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, okay, let’s look at the leg.” She
picked it up and placed it across her thighs, “This is a gunshot, what
happened?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Negligent discharge.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her head snapped up and she said, “One of
our guys…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, a twelve-year-old with his .22 rabbit
gun.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni groused, “Well, I hope his parents
tanned his hide for him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The father was going too, but the kid was
so upset he shot me I told the dad to let it go. I really felt sorry for the
kid.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Humpf,” I had the feeling Debra was looking
for some stiffer punishment, but didn’t say anything. “We’ll go to the clinic
and have Horne check both of these out in the morning.” She stood up and
started closing up the first aid kit.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned back to the table as Danni sat back
down and I looked her fully in the face and then said, “What the, your brow,
what happened?” When I left, the scar along her brow line had been very
prevalent. In the center of where she had been hit, the scar had been almost
three eighths of an inch wide and sort of sticking out. The doctors at Denver
said it was going to leave a bad scar, but it was too long from the actual
injury to pull it together good. Now, there was a thin, almost invisible line
that connected the two eyebrows together.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me weak smile and said, “Horne was
looking at it and said he might be able to fix it. Originally, he was a plastic
surgeon and it looks pretty good, don’t you think?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You almost can’t see it.” I reached out and
she leaned forward so I could trace it with a fingertip. “It’s very smooth.”
She nodded, but when I pulled my hand back, she kept leaning forward.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, about what you saw when you came
in,” she started hesitantly.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been thinking about it and since the
shower, things seem clearer.” I took a drink of the Bock and then continued as
Debra sat back down. “Question, and don’t get me wrong, there is no wrong
answer and there is no right answer. There’s just the answer, okay?” Danni
nodded and then I looked at Debra, and she nodded as well. “How long as this
been going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They glanced at each other and Debra said,
“About two weeks.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Every day, or night?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both nodded. “Okay, am I still in the
equation somewhere? What I mean is, if the two of you are convinced this is
what you want, am I still part of the relationship, or am I a third-wheel? The
odd guy out.” I held up my hand and added, “Look, I love you guys, I will
always love the two of you, but I need to know where I stand in this. I think I
understand in a way, both of you really, truly, care for one another, you’ve
had experience with each other before I ever came into the picture, so I’m sort
of a Johnny come lately. If you don’t think I fit in, can I at least still come
and visit Danni Lynn?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…” Debra started.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, please don’t try and make
yourselves fit me in somewhere if it’s not what you want. If you’re more
comfortable with just the two of you, tell me. I won’t cause an uproar, I won’t
do anything to try and sabotage things, just, let me be my daughter’s father
when I can; I’ll deal one way or the other with the rest of it, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned back in her chair and said, “It
would be that easy to walk away from us?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you don’t want me? I don’t want to be
where I’m not needed, where I’m not wanted. Would it be easy? Of course not,
but it might be easier than sticking around wondering if I’m here simply
because you don’t want to shit on me. The two of you are good people, you don’t
go around just, arbitrarily screwing people over. What I’m saying is, I want to
be here with the three of you, but not if it’s just a gesture, or some kind of
misplaced concept of owing me something.” I shook my head and then added, “I’m
not sure what I’m doing, or what I’m saying, when we got married, the three of
us, I was concerned that one or more of us would end up hurt and I didn’t want
that to happen. I, I’m out of my depth and, Debra, Danni, I’m not even sure how
I’m supposed to feel right now. On the one hand, did the two of you cheat on
me? That can’t be right because we are all three married to one another, at
least that’s the way it seems to me. I married the two of you because I loved
the two of you. Debra, you married Danni and I, because you love the two of us.
Danni? The same thing, you married Debra and I because you loved the two of us.
So, if the two of you have sex, how can that be cheating on me? If I have sex
with you, Danni, are we cheating on Debra? Of course not. Debra, if we have
sex, does that mean we’re cheating on Danni? Of course not. So, how can it be
cheating if the two of you want to have sex without me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned back towards me and said, “We
don’t want to have sex without you. We did what we did because we love each
other and we were missing you so bad.” She suddenly wiped at her eyes and then
continued. “We wanted each other, yes, and we will continue wanting each other,
but not if it means losing you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra stood up and dragged her chair around
beside me where she could be close and said. “Danni is right, we love you and
want you, and I agree with her, we want each other also, but not if it means we
can’t have you. We had this whole thing planned out, we were waiting for you to
come home so we could talk to you about it and see how you would feel about
Danni and I making love, we want the three of us, together. The problem is, you
came home early and saw what you saw and now we have to play catch up. This
isn’t what we planned,”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “We shouldn’t have started
without you knowing first, but we were so lonely and we missed you so badly and
it was the only way we could be with you. I know that sounds kind of lame, but
it’s true.” She stood up and then lowered herself down on my left leg.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra did the same and sat on my right thigh,
“I really believe that the three of us were meant to be, Daniel, and not just
you and me and you and Danni, but the three of us. How could it possibly be
anything else?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, the two of you have sort of planned
this out a little.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni sighed and said, “Daniel, the three of
us together, it’s too important not to.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and before I could stop him, he
said, “Well, hell, let’s get this show on the road.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Shut up!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gave her sexy throaty chuckle and
said, “Ooo, look whose come out to play!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni cracked up and started laughing, but
then sobered, “Daniel, so are you going to give it a try? Please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How can I not and say I love the two of
you? Yes, let’s see where it goes, but,” I said. “I’m not real sure how I’m
supposed to do this.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra leaned down and gave me a passionate
kiss before saying, “I bet we can figure it out without any help from anyone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Danni leaned in and kissed me, but then
she said, “Okay, we’re on, now for the last two things that have happened that
you need to know about.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, with a certain amount of dread,
“Okay.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“First, you know how when I came back from
the Battle of Las Cruces you could smell me and I could smell you?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but we couldn’t figure out why because
you weren’t contaminated.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra and I went and talked to Sara and she
tested me again; guess who is now testing positive?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and smiled, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But how? I mean…It’s been months and
months, so…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The only thing we’ve been able to come up
with is, I inspected the inside of the APCs and tanks we captured from Fort
Bliss. There must have been some residual contaminant inside of them where the
UV light from the sun couldn’t reach.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holy shit,” I said. “Something else for us
to worry about.” I started to run possibilities through my head, but instead
said, “Alright, that was the first, what’s number two?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni suddenly started blushing and said, “I
wanted tell you right from the get go, but I wanted you to decide to stay and
work on our three-way relationship before I told you and maybe caused you to
decide to remain for the wrong reasons. In about seven months, you’re going to
be a daddy for the second time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think my heart skipped a beat and then I
said, “You’re serious? Really, for sure?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Doctor Horne said there was no doubt;
I’m about as pregnant as you can get.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart soared the same way it did when
Debra gave me the good news. Two children! Yes!</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We figured out how to make two girls and a
guy work and between the two of them, we have discovered a multitude of
variations. We’ve only had one night when things didn’t go right and that was
quickly remedied. Danni wanted to try some of the stuff that Debra likes and it
didn’t go over very well. Sometimes, Debra really enjoys being restrained and
like I said, Danni wanted to try it. It went well until the final knot was tied
and then she completely flipped out and started struggling to get loose. We
released her and she ran from the bedroom and then started pacing back and
forth until finally she went to her knees in the living room and just cried.
Debra and I couldn’t even hug her tightly without her fighting to get loose and
it took a while for her to finally calm down. Apparently, she had a flashback
to the night her ex-boyfriend almost beat her death and killed her unborn
child. The remedy? Debra has learned she enjoys it when Danni takes a more
dominant role and Danni does too. It works for me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new normal began developing and things
began to run fairly smoothly. I still went by the Intel Office daily, but Julia
was rocking it. A lot of the time I think she was asking what I wanted done
just to kind of keep me in the loop. Morgan got permission from the planning
committee to start construction on the first houses above ground and they had a
lottery to see who would get them. They were going to be earth embanked with
rammed earth walls and thick sod roofs. Heating would be wood burning stoves
and the kitchen stoves were to be wood burning also. A solar array was
installed that could power a group of ten homes, but we have trouble gathering
the proper batteries to store electrical power with, so we have to limit power
consumption at night and periods of inclement weather. But like I said. It’s
becoming a new normal.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breast pumps, holy shit, they’re like gold.
Every mother that has a job, or wants a job has a breast pump on order. I
honestly can’t blame them either; the things are just too convenient to pass
on. Danni and Debra share one, but Danni Lynn has progressed to more solid food
and after Danni gave birth to John Daniel Monroe, Debra allowed herself to dry
out. Which reminds me, Debra and I have changed our last names again. We are
now, Debra and Daniel Monroe; we’ve taken Danni’s last name and all of our
children will also have the same last name. We are now the Monroe Clan. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had absolutely no connection to my last name
and neither did Debra to hers, so when her and Danni came and asked me what I
thought about the name of Monroe, I said sure, why not. We have to put up with
an occasional snide remark about two wives and one husband, but for the most
part everyone is understanding about it. There are a handful of others who have
formed multi-wife family units and I can understand why. The original makeup of
the gender population was skewed towards women from the very start and then you
add in the number of men who have been killed here and there and the shortage
of eligible men becomes apparent.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More people have moved to the area of Asylum
and there is constantly construction going on. We have a saw mill and we make
our own lumber, but it’s a small operation and can’t keep up with demand. Every
region is developing an ongoing primary industry and Asylum is no different.
Our primary export is rather unique; we export trained Light Infantry and they
are reported as some of the best troops available. Our Cadet School has become
famous throughout the Southwest and even farther North. The Grant County
Rangers and Militia are now comprised of five Battalions and is a force to be
reckoned with as some have discovered. Packer directly controls our one Ranger
Battalion and the four Militia battalions are commanded by people who have been
awarded the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I suppose we should be called a
regiment, but regiments are commanded by a General and Packer seems reluctant
to say, ‘Okay, I’m a General now.’ He wants the increase in rank to come from
someone higher than him. Felicia tried to do it as Governor, but he held off on
it. I think he’s being ridiculous. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep getting sent off to do things like
negotiate alliances and settle disputes where something a little more forceful
might be needed and I now have a standing security detail of a platoon. They
don’t always go with me in their entirety; I usually only take a squad, but the
entire platoon will if the situation deems it necessary. Packer allowed me to
choose the people I wanted and I picked what I considered the cream of the
crop. Rich Morrison is now a Lieutenant and commands my detail. Most of the
platoons in the Rangers and Militia have three squads, mine has four. The
reason is, when I leave and take a squad with me for security, there are still
three squads available to form a full platoon. There have been times I have
taken the entire platoon, but not very often. After I asked for volunteers, I
picked twelve from the platoon to form my security detail; the fourth squad
that always accompanies me. The only pre-requisite is they must be single. I
don’t want to upset my detail’s personal lives the way mine is. Stacy Menendez
is the Squad Leader and Tracker, Toby Tyler is one of my snipers and scout, and
the other ten are also extremely good at what they do. We have also integrated
weapon systems that the Science Department and Eugene Henderson have come up
with. Each four-man Fire team has two Riflemen, an Automatic Rifleman and a
Grenadier. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eugene devised a bullpup that has a
twenty-inch, heavy profile barrel and uses the same mags an AR 15 or M-4 uses.
They are chambered for 5-5-6, so the automatic rifleman can be resupplied by
the other members of the squad. In addition, one of the Grenadiers is trained
to use a rocket launcher that was also developed by Eugene. It sort of operates
the way the old Bazooka worked and everybody loves the things. They’re not very
accurate long range, but if you can get the impact close to what you want taken
out, it does a good job. My security detail has three trucks assigned to it and
one of the trucks has a longer, one-piece-barreled Bazooka mounted to it that
is more accurate and has a thermal sight attached. The fricking thing is too
heavy to be man portable. Eugene wants to design a grenade launcher that can be
mounted under a barrel, but not much sense in that until we can provide a
steady source of ammo for them. We’ll see.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that Bowie knife that the guy in
Texas used on me? I brought it home with me because it was really a beautiful
instrument. When I showed it to Danni and Debra, they both fell in love with it
and either wanted it, or wanted one like it. Well, I didn’t really care much
for it myself, but I figured, why not? I started checking around and found an
old guy named Nick Latimer who forged knives for a hobby. He was actually a
farrier, otherwise known as a horseshoer, but everyone I talked to said he
could really turn out some good knives. I looked him up and showed him the
Bowie and asked if he could make me another one. He looked it over and finally
said yes, but it would be expensive. I asked how much and he said a month’s
supply of long-term storage food. I laughed and told him, yeah, right, and
offered a week supply. He counter-offered and we finally settled on two weeks,
but I had to supply the steel. I said okay, what kind of steel did he need and
he told me he preferred working with old leaf springs from cars. I told him
okay, and I’d be back when I had some. Not long after that, I had to make a
trip down to the ruins of Silver City and I pulled the leaf springs from an
overturned truck. I took both sets of springs to him and he got all excited
because there was so much of it and said if I could locate a couple of
100-pound tanks of propane, he’d make the knife for free. Well, I knew where some were at a propane dealer and picked up five for him. I presented the
two knives to the girls and wow; did I get treated like a king! His wife even
made a leather sheathe for the knife he forged. Me? I just kept using the
hatchet I gave to Dan before, that is now mine. It is just too handy to have
around.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia Ortiz continued to run the Intel
Office whenever I was gone and I was gone, a lot. It seemed to me that she was
probably getting better at it than me, but every once in a while, she would
bring something to me that had her stumped. She provided the next hump in my
life, the next, ‘yeah, but.’</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I really hate to bug you because
you just got back, but I’ve got some stuff that is really causing me grief.”
Julia was standing outside the door of our apartment looking a bit bedraggled.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped away from the door and said, “Come
in, Julia.” She walked in and said hi to the girls and giggled over the kids a
bit and then turned serious.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve been getting these comments about
someone selling information to other communities around New Mexico and West
Texas and it’s starting to become a little concerning.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, what kind of comments?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On the surface, it’s mostly kind of mundane
stuff, but we keep getting mentioned and the comments about us are really
unkind. Stuff like, we cheat other communities, we charge too much for our
military help, we demand too high of payments and withhold help when we don’t
get what we want. Stuff like that, and it seems to coincide with when we visit
communities. Almost always, it’s right after you have been there negotiating an
alliance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” Both Danni and Debra sat up and
started paying attention. “Alright, where are the comments coming from? Radio?
Internet?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Both, and they seem to be coordinated.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Radio can always be difficult to narrow
down, but the internet traffic should be traceable. Where is the origin of the
rumors, or whatever?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve tried several times to chase it down,
but the point of origin keeps changing, it’s like, well, sort of like it’s
bouncing off of other sites and hiding from sight. Like it transmits from one
website and then changes to another when we track it down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some kind of malware maybe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but it gets confusing. I want to bring
in some help, but the person I want to bring in hasn’t been cleared for the
Intelligence Office.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Walter. He works in Tech Support,
remember?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You honestly think he can help?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, there’s been a few times I was having
trouble figuring things out and he was really helpful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started getting uncomfortable and said,
“You told Walter what you were working on? You know we have rules about anyone
outside of Intel knowing what we do in there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but I’m convinced he’s completely
trustworthy. This is his home, he wants to marry me someday, and there’s no way
he would endanger us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, Daniel, really, I do, but he’s just
too convenient, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed and finally conceded, hell, I
really like the kid myself. “Alright, bring him into the fold and get him up to
speed. I’ll take care of the transfer paperwork myself. In the meantime, have
you worked up a board on it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but it isn’t coming together; like I
said, it just isn’t making sense to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at the clock on the wall and said,
“Well, it’s kind of late right now, how about I come by in the morning and
I’ll…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I get you to take a look at it now?
Just a quick glance and see if anything jumps out at you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is really laying heavy on you, isn’t
it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, you know how in the past you’ve said
something just felt wrong to you and you would keep digging and digging and
until you finally saw the light? You would just get a feeling and know you
needed to pay attention, but it wasn’t clear? That’s how I’m feeling.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just looked at her for a moment and then
said to the girls, “I’ll be back in a few minutes, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni nodded and Debra said, “Don’t forget,
Nadia, Rich, Tomas and Timothy are dropping by in about an hour.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, I’m just going to take a quick
look.” They both smiled and I followed Julia out the front door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, just a quick look.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one o’clock in the morning when I
finally went home. I sent Julia home at eleven and then started relining the
corkboard. When I was finished, I sat down in my office chair and just stared
at the board while occasionally standing up and reattaching a line to a different
point. I could see, the same as Julia, that something was missing, but I was
having trouble working it out. Finally, I added one more point of reference and
started re-attaching the colored lines. When I was done, everything made sense
from one certain perspective. I left the board as is and went home knowing I
had somehow just screwed myself.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got the cold shoulder from both of the
girls the next morning because I failed to show up for the get together with
our friends, but I think they both realized after a while that I was walking on
a razor’s edge. I think that was the reason they left early to drop the kids
off at the day care center and then to work. I showered, dressed and then went
straight over to the Intel Office to stare at the corkboard again while I
waited for Julia to come in. When she arrived, I told her, “I added a reference
point last night after you left.” I showed her the board and she began to go
over it for herself. When she finished, she turned around and looked at me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the fuck?” The fact she used the word
she did, indicated how upset she was; Julia never curses.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, according to that,” I pointed at the
corkboard. “We have a major leak right here in this office.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t believe it, there is not one person
in this office I don’t completely trust, no one! We need to go back over this
and re-examine the whole thing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept looking at her and finally said, “You
do realize who this chart is indicting, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took a deep breath and released it, “Of
course, I do, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door to my office opened and Major
Williams, along with three armed men I didn’t recognize stepped in, “Major
Monroe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, this wasn’t a friendly visit, “Major
Williams?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the strange men pulled their weapons
and pointed them at my face as the third walked around them and behind me where
he pulled my hands behind me and cuffed them.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, these men are Federal Marshals from
the United States Federal Government.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man behind me, the Marshal behind me
said, “You are under arrest for sedition and treason. You have the right to
remain silent. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you in a court
of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney,
one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to
you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia’s eyes were wide open as she said,
“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Williams and said, “What the
hell, Williams? What is going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man behind me asked, “Do you understand
your rights?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked back at him and said, “Of course I
do!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you wish to make a statement?” He asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I said. “Go fuck yourself!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the wrong thing to say. How did I
know that? The elbow strike to my right ear wasn’t very subtle. Williams
stepped forward and said, “That’s enough of that shit, right now! If you so
much as…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy behind me slammed me down on the
floor and started punching me in the kidneys as I tried to block his blows with
my cuffed hands, but I wasn’t being very successful. One of the other two
pushed Williams away and then they dragged me to my feet and started pulling me
out the door of my office and then out of Intel all together. They literally
threw me into a cart and the man who climbed into the back seat with me knelt
on my throat to keep me under control. I couldn’t see outside the cart, but I
knew they were traveling at an unsafe speed as they raced through the interior
of Asylum and then out into the open air. They made a hard-left turn onto the
road leading to the highway as one of the men in front turned around and
stabbed a needle into my neck beside the knee of the man bearing down on it. I
immediately started feeling hot flashes and as the man kneeling on me rose off
of my neck, I started blacking out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Noise, loud noise that was getting, louder.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get…fucking…him…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What did you say?” I was confused.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Hey, Hey! He’s waking up! Daniel,
just lie still and until we get these cuffs off of you, okay? Daniel, did you
hear me? Can you hear me?!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I mean yeah, I… what did you say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same woman’s voice, “Whatever they
injected him with, has him all screwed up. WHAT DID YOU INJECT HIM WITH!”
Everything was confusing except the woman’s voice, so I concentrated on it.
“Thomas! That fucker with the smirk on his face, ask him what they injected
into Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Needle, they shot me with a needle, I mean
they needled me with a, uh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Easy, Dan, easy, you’re going to be okay,
they say it was just a sedative.” Her voice blurred out and then back again.
“…kill you very slowly, do you understand? She will make it last a long fucking
time, so you better give us those keys, right FUCKING NOW!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started gagging and choking as vomit started
projecting out of my mouth, then, I couldn’t breathe. I started to struggle as
I was turned on my side and I felt fingers digging in my mouth. “Open your
mouth, Daniel, come on, open your mouth, DAMN IT, OPEN YOUR MOUTH!” I coughed,
spit, and coughed again. “There you go, that’s it, almost…there! Okay, you’re
okay, I’ve got you, you’re going to be okay. I don’t care if you have to cut
their damn clothes off! Find the fricking handcuff key! Daniel, how are you
doing? Can you breathe okay? Uh, oh, here comes his wife and you know what? You
three guys? Your shit just officially got weak, yeah motherfuckers, I’ve seen
that look before.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shayla?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes! It’s me, Dan, do you need water to
rinse your mouth?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I, I, uh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How is he? Is he hurt?” Scent, roses,
Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Honey?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t kill, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No promises.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, intel, okay?” I heaved again and bile
spewed out of my mouth as Shayla rolled me to my side. I finally finished and
realized someone was screaming, in pain, real pain. “Are you done?” Shayla
asked as the screaming reached a fevered pitch and then died out. “Damn,” she
said. “That was unfortunate.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is he dead? Did she kill him?” I wanted to
have a talk with those guys.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Naw, he fainted.” She was quiet for a
moment and then said, “Oh, crap, better him than me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to focus and finally said, “What
happened? My vision is really sucking.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, I’ll let Debbie explain, but at least
she has the key to the handcuffs now.” She rolled me to my side towards her and
my face was buried in her camo smock. I felt someone fiddling with my wrists
and then my hands were free. Shayla released me and another set of arms
enveloped me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got you, Honey, and there’s a crash
cart coming to take you to the clinic.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t kill him, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I didn’t kill him, I promise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, we need to talk to them, but I need
to sleep.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the squeaking that started waking me
up. I finally stopped trying to sleep and opened my eyes. Danni was sitting in
a rocker with John nursing contentedly as she slowly rocked the chair back and
forth. Her eyes were closed and her head was resting against the back of the
chair.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone from behind the curtain around the
bed said, “Knock, knock?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni was startled and she said, “One moment
please,” as she spread a baby blanket over John and her breast, “Okay, you can
come in, Colonel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, Danni, how’s the patient…oh, well look
who’s decided to make an appearance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked at me and started to get up,
“Do you need something?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Relax, Hon, I just need some water.” I
reached over for a glass and pitcher, but Packer beat me to it. He poured the
water and then gave it to me to sip on. “How long have I been out of it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni responded, “Five, almost six hours;
the assholes gave you too much.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I remember being sick?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Shayla said you were choking and she
had to clear your airway. After you went back under, she had to insert an
airway tube so you could breathe. Whatever they injected must have been similar
to the last stuff you had an allergic reaction to, or it’s something else we
need to worry about.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wonderful; my throat does feel a little
sore.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I bet it’s not as sore as her fingers,”
Packer said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She had to dig in your mouth to clear your
throat; you bit her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, shit, how bad?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni replied, “Not bad, one stitch in one
finger, the other was bleeding, but not bad. Doctor Horne sent her home with
some antibiotics.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christ, tell her I’m sorry if you see her
before I do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra and I already did, Babe, and we
thanked her too. She’s coming over with a friend of hers for dinner tomorrow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I can tell her myself.” I looked at
Packer and said, “Those three guys, what the hell was going on? Were they
really Marshals?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, they weren’t, and the shit’s going to
hit the fan over that. What they were though, is bounty hunters.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re kidding me? Someone put a bounty on
me?” Why? I mean, do I have to start watching my back all the time?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, Williams and a couple of others are
interrogating them still, but their talking as fast as they can.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why? I sort of had the idea they were
refusing to help.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They were, until Debbie got there, then
they changed their tune.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni chuckled and said, “Real fast.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer shivered and said, “I hope that girl
never gets that pissed at me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Again, why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shayla’s people had all three tied with
their hands behind their backs. Debbie walked up behind one of them and tied
his ankle off to a cart, then tied the other leg off to another cart. Then
she got in one and went for a short drive.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ow,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer shook his head and said, “Then, she
pulled out her combat knife, sliced open his pants, grabbed a handful of his
junk, but before she could do anything, he fainted.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What was she going to do?” I asked as I
cringed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess we’ll never know for sure,” Packer
said. “I got there and told her to save it for later when we interrogated them.
That’s why they’re talking so hard and fast; Debbie is just sitting in the room
working the edge of that big Bowie with a whetstone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They deserve it,” Danni said. “They weren’t
being co-operative and they made a couple of remarks to Debra about what they’d
like to do with her. It didn’t go too well for them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s crazy, why would anyone…I wonder if
they were contaminated?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni shrugged, “Who cares at this point? If
they were contaminated, they can’t control themselves, so screw them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anyway,” Packer said. “Debbie asked me to
check in on you; she’s really worried and wants to be here, but she knows Danni
is and she wants in on the interrogation also.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Tell her I’m awake and
not feeling too bad; tell her I love her, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will, but I was talking to Julia and
she’s really concerned about what the two of you were working on when those
guys showed up. She showed me the corkboard you put together and what it seems
to imply.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’m kind of upset about that myself,”
I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni interrupted and asked, “How is
Williams holding up? When I saw him earlier, he was stressing about how those
guys screwed with him in order to get to Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer shook his head, “Not very well.
Williams is a real stickler for following protocols and when something out of
the ordinary occurs it can really throw him, so he reverts to default settings.
When they showed up with official paperwork and said they were there for you,
it completely disoriented him and he fell back on past procedures that were in
place before the shit hit the fan. It’s one of the reasons I keep him mostly
concerned with what’s going on inside the hole and not the greater exterior.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’ve noticed that about him,” I said.
“But he’s damn good otherwise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not really,” Danni said, but she didn’t
offer more.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her and asked, “What do you
mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer answered, “Williams has trouble thinking
outside the box. I knew that about him when I gave him his last promotion and
was a little concerned about his ability to stay with the program, but I did it
anyway to keep things copacetic with the ex-INSEC guys. Unfortunately, I pulled
the same bureaucratic bull shit I always bitched about; I advanced him to an
area of responsibility he couldn’t handle and then left him there. I don’t know
if the two of you have noticed, but all of my recent promotions are
provisional; the people know upfront that if they fall short, they’ll return to
their previous rank in order to improve before being considered again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At least you’re giving the promise they can
try again with a little more experience under their belt,” I said. I laid there
a moment and then asked, “You know you can be honest with me, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you have any regrets about the promotions
you’ve given me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni released a heavy sigh and said, “I saw
that coming.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer laughed and said, “Dan, remember when
I said I could see you running the Rangers and the Militia someday?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing has changed, so forget that
nonsense. Alright, back to that damn corkboard; especially with this supposed
bounty on you, what do you think is going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It seems pretty obvious; someone wants me
out of the picture.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked back and forth between us and
then asked, “What are you talking about?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Chatter over the radio channels, and the
internet.” Packer said. “Someone is trying to undercut us as a driving force
for rebuilding by attacking Daniel’s reputation as a mediator.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why would someone do that?” She asked. “He
works so hard to make every agreement mutually beneficial.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s pretty obvious if you’re interested in
power games and not the people,” Packer said. “Asylum is quickly becoming a
powerhouse in the American Southwest and farther. Even Denver has basically
been following our lead. We have alliances with groups in Arizona, Texas,
Colorado, and now Utah has contacted us and wants to talk about working with
us. Remember the ZPG Enclaves in Kansas?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“People around there have sent feelers
wanting advice on ending the ZPGer control of the area.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, no, you’re not sending Daniel to
Kansas, are you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not on the short list at the moment,
so no.” He smiled, but she didn’t.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That sounded suspiciously like avoiding the
question.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer smiled, but I noticed he didn’t deny
her statement. No, Kansas is out of the question, period. “Sir, after looking
over the information that Julia has gathered together, I honestly believe I
need to spend some time here and get to the bottom of this. Someone is working
towards discrediting me and through me, discrediting Asylum. I don’t know why
they would want to, but that’s just another reason to start digging.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know and that’s why I’m pulling strings
to get you all the help you need. I’ve already contacted Holloman and Denver
and they have agreed to put their Intel offices on this also. You can expect
regular updates and share anything you gather with them as well; sound good?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Most definitely, Colonel; both Holloman and
Denver have greater radio capabilities than we do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, Horne says if you have a good night,
he will probably release you in the morning. Don’t push it, but if you want, go
gangbusters on this, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, count on it.” Packer smiled at
Danni and then left as we sat quietly for a minute absorbed with our own
thoughts.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, these three guys, even if they are
contaminated, this whole episode just seems wrong, you know what I mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do. I’m wondering if they are a
distraction?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, you’re thinking straight and that
makes me feel better.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go home, Hon, and get some rest, okay? I
know this shit has got you wound up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat there a moment and finally said,
“I’m more concerned with Debra, she was there and saw how you were reacting to
the injection; when I spoke to her she seemed really upset; unusually upset. If
Packer hadn’t shown up, I guarantee she would have castrated that guy before
she killed him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but she knows for a fact we need to
interrogate them. The old saying, ‘dead men tell no tales’ is well-known for a
reason.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up and handed me John as she
cleaned her breast, closed up the flap of her nursing bra and then closed her
shirt and buttoned it. When she was done, she leaned over and gave me a warm
kiss and said, “Okay, I’m going home. John needs to be changed and put down for
the night and I’ll probably have to give Danni Lynn a bath before she goes down
too. If Debra comes home, do you want me to send her by here before she goes to
bed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“With what’s happened, she’s probably wore
out. Tell her I’m going to be sleeping and maybe she’ll crash and get some rest
herself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned over and kissed me again, “I love
you and I’ll see you in the morning.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You bet.” She turned to walk away and I
brushed her ass with my fingertips. She kind of wiggled at me and blew me
another kiss as she walked away and out of sight. After she was gone, I felt
the smile I was wearing disappear as I stared at the wall. Someday, someone was
going to get lucky and remove me from the equation. What was going to happen to
my family? Who would put their life on the line to protect them? I didn’t have
any answers and that worried me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke up in the middle of the night and
laid in the bed unmoving. In the dim light available, I could see someone was
sitting in the chair next to the bed and it took me a moment to realize it was
Debra; she had one hand over her mouth and the other covered her eyes, judging
from the way her shoulders were moving, she was crying. “Hey, what’s wrong?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wiped her eyes and said, “I’m sorry, did
I wake you up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think so, but I’m glad I did,
what’s wrong?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of answering, she stood up and then
crawled onto the bed and laid her head on my shoulder. “I need you; how can I
live without you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Talk to me, Babe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been counting how many times I’ve sat
next to your bed and wondered if you were going to be alive in the morning.
It’s hard, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, actually I do. It probably sounds
selfish, but I prefer to wake up to you than have you wake up to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt her head bob up and down, “Yeah, it’s
getting old and I don’t like it. Packer wouldn’t let me kill those guys and now
I have to worry if somehow, they’ll get loose and come for you again. I’m
afraid to leave you alone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at the clock on the wall, 2:30 am.
I picked up the bed remote, pushed the nurse call button, and then laid it by
my hip. Moments later, Mary Cho walked in and saw Debra lying next to me,
“Mary, Debra is really wired; can you give her something to help her sleep?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra started sitting up and said, “No, I
have to stay awake, I have to protect you!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, you’re wore out and I’m wide awake
now. You sleep and I’ll watch over both of us, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She yawned and asked, “Are you sure? You
won’t fall asleep?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary said, “Debbie, I have the doors locked
and no one can get in unless I buzz them in. Go to sleep and I’ll watch over
both of you; that’s why I’m here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra reached and pulled her Glock from its
holster before she held it out to Mary, “Do you know how to use this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
I do, but I don’t need it; I have my own.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked surprised, “You do?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I do, when I’m here all alone
and this place starts making creepy noises? You better believe I have a gun.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Debra conceded. She reached across
me and placed the sidearm on the table next to me. “There, now we both can
reach it.” She closed her eyes and was instantly asleep. I glanced up at Mary
and shrugged as she smiled.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You get some sleep too, Daniel, when
morning comes, Horne will come and release you if you’re good to go, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Mary.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I woke in the morning, Debra was
already gone and I impatiently waited for Horne to appear. By 9:00 am he
released me and I walked to the apartment, showered, dressed and went to the Intel
Office. The first thing Julia did was place a plate on my desk with a breakfast
wrap on it and coffee.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni came by when I unlocked this morning
and left this for you. She said for me to sit and stare at you until you ate
it.” She pulled a chair over and sat down and then, sure as shit, she stared at
me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia, she was kidding, you don’t have to
stare at me while I eat.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, actually she wasn’t; she said to make
sure you ate, so the quicker you do, the sooner I can get back to work.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Geez, there’s officially three of you.” I
smiled to remove any hint of disapproval and she smiled in return, but kept
staring at me anyway. “Alright,” I said. “But I’m going to run your ass off
today.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least she smiled when she said, “I’m
afraid of Debra and Danni. You? Not so much.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and started eating, the
sooner done, the better. When I finished, Julia brought me a fresh cup of
coffee and we once again took up our study of the corkboard. “I added some more
points to the board, Major, and it seems to be headed into a definite
conclusion of you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know,” I said. “Whoever is behind this is
really comprehensive.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but how are they knowing what you are
doing? I mean, look, see here? Remember when you told me to look for Hispanic
surnames at UTEP when we were looking for Mary Stevens? This internet blip was
the very same day! How could they be that close to what you are deciding to do?
It’s almost like they know what you are going to do before you do it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Parker, or Spencer, may have been letting
someone… no,” I pointed to a different junction on the corkboard and said,
“That was after Parker and Spencer, so, no, it wasn’t them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia went quiet as I studied the board and
finally, I turned and looked at her, “What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged and then said, “I found another
hit last night while I was here late.” She stood up, approached the board,
attached a printed notation with a colored pin. She then tied a corresponding
colored cord and stretched it to where my name provided a center to a spider
web. I read her note and then sat down behind my desk.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we really need to find out what’s up,
you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pin indicated the mission to Denver of
Debra, Danni, Dan, and the rest of Thomas’ squad. The one when Dan was killed,
and it was dated three days before they were ambushed in the rail yard. The
printed note read, <i>“Info provided by CO Asylum Intel Office.”</i></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “Someone is trying to
implicate me in their activities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and they’re doing a good job. If I
didn’t know you, I’d be taking this to Packer and Felicia Ortiz without you,
knowing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I, wasn’t me, I’d be encouraging you to.
Who else knows about this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just you and me, I haven’t discussed it
with the others.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, run off a copy of everything you
have and give it to me. Take that one,” I pointed at the folder she had. “And
put it somewhere safe as a backup.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll put it…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t tell me, put it somewhere safe where
you can retrieve it if we need it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I completely trust you, there is no
way you would have done what we are seeing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia, this is important for you to remember,
when it comes to this office and what we do here, trust no one. What we do is
outside of caring for someone. Yes, use your instincts. Yes, it’s okay to
trust, but verify, always. Understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, Daniel, if I go by that, then you are
guilty and I should go to the Colonel.” She was looking very uncomfortable.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re right, and the Colonel’s safe might
be a good place to store your copy. Better yet, make two copies of your files;
one for you to secure somewhere, one for Colonel Packer, and this one for me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? But…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have to keep this quiet because we don’t
want whoever is behind it to know we are investigating, but we also need to be
upfront with those that need to know. I’m trying to cover my ass here, Julia.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, okay.” She was looking dubious and
unsure of herself.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Ortiz, carry out your orders.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” She saluted, picked up the
folder and walked out of my office. I stood back up and walked to the corkboard
and continued to study it deeper.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I locked up the office at 5:00 o’clock and
walked home. Danni and Debra were also arriving with the kids they had picked
up at the day care center. “Hey, Lovely Ladies! Okay, a round of kisses,
please.” It was becoming a family norm and everybody either kissed me, or held
out a child to be kissed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hon,” Debra asked, “How did it go at work,
are you feeling okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’m good to go.” I unlocked the door
and stepped aside as the girls carried the children in. Then I added, “I might
go back and do some more work after dinner, we’re a little behind with me being
gone again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Danni said. “You’re home for the
evening.” Short and to the point.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra cut me off, “Danni’s right, you are
home for the evening. After last night, both of us want to shower some special
attention on you; we talked about it on the way home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, Debra, you know how important this
crap can be sometimes, how about I promise to be home by…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them, at the same time said, “Dan?”
Danni was starting to call me Dan like Debra did when she was pissed at me.
“Okay,” I said. “I’m home for the evening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” Debra said. “Because we have a
surprise for you; don’t go into the bedroom until we say so.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to need fresh clothes after my shower.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have two wives,” Debra quickly said.
“I’m sure one of us can get them for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we had dinner, Debra put on some music
and I danced with both of them off and on until bedtime. Danni is almost as
good of a dancer as Debra and frankly, I’ve come to really enjoy dancing with
them. I showered and finally walked out of the bathroom and knocked on the
bedroom door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “Wait! Just a minute!” So, I
did.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Danni said, “Okay, Babe, you can come
in.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door and stood transfixed for a
moment before saying, “What the hell?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of us have been sharing a ¾ size
bed for quite some time, but where that bed had been, was a bed that was huge.
It took up a large portion of the bedroom. Debra and Danni were both kneeling
in the middle of it wearing smiles and nothing else. On each side of the bed
was a bassinet for the kids to sleep.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s King sized!” Debra stated. “Now we
have more room to sleep and play!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow,” I said. “That’s a beautiful sight.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is, isn’t it!” Danni said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It certainly is,” I said as I started
undressing. “The two of you together like that, waiting for me? There can’t
possibly be anything more beautiful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra laughed and said, “Danny, it’s a new
bed, silly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped crawling across the surface
towards them and looked around in comical surprise, “Oh, yeah, how long have we
had it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni slapped my shoulder and said,
“Daniel!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “If you wanted to
surprise me with a new bed, you shouldn’t have parked two very naked and sexy
ladies in the middle of it; you know I only have eyes for the two of you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra purred and said, “Oooo, that’s going
to earn you a very satisfying evening, come here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia did bring Walter on-board and he was
an interesting addition to the office, but mostly as a tech rather than
analyst. His analytical abilities were limited to say the least. He seemed more
than capable when it came to fixing things, maximizing program capabilities and
that type of work, but he seemed to stumble, a lot, when it came to seeing
connections in information. Sometimes I felt as though he was being purposely
obtuse. I mean, when we would be socializing after work, he was actually very
sharp and witty, but he seemed to switch off in the office unless it was a
hardware or software related problem. He was worth having around though because
he could rectify problems much quicker than anyone else. Hell, I was dead in
the water with just about anything involving computers outside of correlating information
and research.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would touch bases with Packer every once
in a while, concerning the traffic related to me, but Packer didn’t seem to
concerned about it; he just encouraged me to keep digging at it until we got to
the bottom. It seemed as though every time we started getting close to making a
breakthrough, whoever it was would change channels on us and we’d have to start
over again. It was like watching a movie on TV and having someone change the
channel on you every time it got to the same point in the plot. I had this
feeling that we were missing something really obvious.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, one of the most exciting things that
could happen, did. We received a communication in the clear from the Federal
Government. The government of the United States! The Communications Room notified
Packer and Felicia Ortiz and they spent at least an hour talking back and forth
with them. Don’t get me wrong, they were both suspicious of the people claiming
to be connected to the government, and were reluctant to reveal our
associations with the other groups we were allied with, but they made plans for
a sort of diplomatic visit to take place. The one thing we established was the
President was named Seymore and had been the junior Senator from Ohio. If a
junior senator was President, there must not be very much government left.
Apparently, they are sending a delegation with a military escort to sit down
with us to discuss possibilities. One thing they do have is a strong military
presence involving all four of the branches. With the presence is the ability
to react swiftly; the diplomatic mission will arrive in two days from Maryland.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately set the Intel crew the task of
chasing down rumors and evidence of my participation in subverting Asylum’s
actions. I had a growing feeling of unease; this crap about me and the sudden
appearance of the Federal Government had me nervous. We started finding more
references, but in the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t a lot. What we were
able to come up with, was seriously damaging. I wanted to talk to Danni and
Debra about what was going on, but was it necessary to cause them to worry
also? And the notation about the ambush in Denver, how do I tell Danni about
that? God, even Debra was almost killed. I knew one thing for sure, if the
information gathered had been about someone else, I would be extremely
suspicious of them, even if they were a friend I knew well.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the day before the Feds were supposed to
arrive, we started making some headway and just as a picture began to develop
of where the fake info was originating from, the computer system went down.
Walter worked on it frantically, but no matter what he tried, he couldn’t get
it up and running correctly. When we contacted Denver and Holloman to find out
if they were having the same problems, they immediately shut down their
connections with us to avoid what was probably malware from infecting their own
systems. We were completely in the dark and dead in the water. I told Walter to
keep working on it and sent everyone else home for the day.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next afternoon, I received a phone call
and was informed that all of the department heads were to meet at four o’clock
in the Bunker Ready Room to be addressed by both Felicia and Packer. I knew the
envoys from the government had arrived and even how they had done so. Two
C-130s had landed at the Grant County Airport and unloaded their people and
vehicles which they then drove to Asylum. They had two vehicles of civilians
and four of military for a total of seventy personnel. They obviously seemed
capable of projecting power if they needed to.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After delivering the children to the Day
Care Center, Debra, Danni, and I went to the Ready Room and waited for the
meeting. Danni was there as head of the Cadet Program, Debra because of her
duties with the SST, and me because I was CO of the Intelligence Office. The
closer we walked to the meeting, the fewer of our own people were present until
finally, the only security personnel were outsiders. I didn’t like that at all,
I mean, you allow outsiders to completely control your security? What was
Felicia and Colonel Packer thinking?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of us sat together, several of our
friends joined us and the discussion was rather animated. We were all wondering
what it was going to be like with the Feds running things again until Felicia
called the meeting together. As she was making her opening remarks, Major
Williams leaned down from behind me and said, “Dan? The Colonel wants you to
join him in the back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m afraid so, he has some questions that need
to be addressed right away, before he takes the podium himself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and gave both the girls a quick
kiss and then followed him out the double doors of the entrance and then around
the back way through the old Family Barracks. When we approached the hall that
led to the room I had been in when Packer had me held for three days, two of
the new security personnel stepped out and pointed their weapons at me. I
turned to Williams and said, “What the fuck, Williams?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Colonel, well, actually, General
Packer, has ordered me to place you in confinement until he can come and speak
with you because there are questions both he and the Federal Security Forces
have for you. Don’t worry, okay? It’s more a formality than anything else.” He
looked uncomfortable, but then added, “I need your sidearm, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, reached to the buckle of my belt,
released it, and then I handed it to him. “Keep that close,” I said. “I’ll be
wanting it back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,” he said, but I had feeling I
wouldn’t be getting it returned to me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Same cell as last time?” I asked. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and I continued to walk to the
corner and turn to the right. From there I walked to end of the hall and waited
as the door was opened and I stepped inside. The door was closed with a solid
thud as I examined the inside of the holding room. It hadn’t changed since the
last time I had been there a year before. In fact, it didn’t even look as
though it had been dusted. I sat on the edge of the cot and waited.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t know how long I sat waiting,
I’m fairly sure it wasn’t as long as it felt like, but long enough for me to
start getting angry. Finally, Packer stepped in front of the window and stared
at me. I stood up and walked close to the window before I said, “I’m not going
to be released, am I?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head, “No, I’m afraid not. I
wish I could say otherwise, but, no.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You realize, that getting me out of the way
is going to make it easier to do whatever they want here, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The case they presented is formidable,
Daniel. The evidence? There’s a lot. I can’t help but think maybe they have
been watching you for a while, they even know about the other guy, the other
you. Why didn’t you tell me your other personality could do things without your
knowledge?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He
can’t, Jerry, he can’t do anything without me knowing about it.” My stomach
began to twist in knots.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, apparently, you’re wrong. Like I
said, the evidence they presented is really…” He faded away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, is this one of those chess moves Higgins
talked about? I get sacrificed for a better position later?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t, Daniel, I’m not taking any pleasure
in what is happening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at him and finally said, “No,
General, I suppose you’re not. What’s it going to be? I doubt life in prison is
on the table, firing squad, or hanging?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, absolutely not and I promise you that.
By their own evidence they would have a hard time getting the death penalty.
Your...” He paused and then hurried on. “Your mental illness will exempt you
from that right off the top.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yay, so I get to spend the rest of my life
in an asylum?” I laughed, I actually laughed at the play on words.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer exhaled heavily and said, “As a
matter of fact, yes. They told me you would receive psychiatric treatment and
if you come out of it, possibly a release.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And you believed that? Do you really think
there is a mental health facility out there for me? It’s not there, Packer and
you know it. You…know…it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I would never…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will I be allowed to see the girls before
they take me away?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, if they wanted to see you, but after
they found out about…” He trailed off again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The information you, your other self, sent
to the Denver Enclave that resulted in the death of Daniel Smith and the other
five people killed, Danni was horrified. Debra, well, I guess she is trying to
be supportive of Danni as she works through the knowledge that the father of
her child is responsible for her husband’s death.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not, Jerry, I’m not! Dan was my
brother; I would have never done anything that might harm him! My, God! They
think I tried to have them killed the same way, but failed? Is that what you
and the two women I love, think of me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t you, Daniel, we know that. It was
the other guy, the one you thought you could control.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can control him! Why won’t you believe
me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked away and said, “Some of them are
returning to Maryland tomorrow and they’re taking you with them.” A simple
statement of fact. “I’m sorry, I really am; goodbye Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned and started walking away as I
shouted after him, “It wasn’t me, Jerry! Tell the girls, it wasn’t me!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, but, been there, done that.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called him and he came, we talked awhile
and he convinced me that what I knew, about him and I, was correct. Simply put,
the direct problem was, I was screwed. The two people I loved the most no
longer wanted to see me. They were through with me. Okay, time to start over,
I’ve done it before, but this time would be different. This time, there would
be no one to betray me. First thing, how the hell do I get out of the
predicament I’m in?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried the door, of course, it was locked;
no surprise there. I looked at the ceiling vent for the AC, it was out of my
reach, but maybe if I pulled the table over under it? It was bolted to the
floor, so was the single chair. I sat down on the bed and tried to think of
something, but there was nothing, no way to change my circumstances at all.
Okay, maybe not here and now, but there was tomorrow, and the next day, and the
next. Sooner, or later, someone would screw up, and I’d be ready. I laid down
and closed my eyes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-90892206874662462902021-06-27T23:06:00.001-07:002021-06-27T23:40:44.764-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 29<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day at Morning Formation, I thought
Julia Ortiz was going to faint when Packer announced she was being advanced to
the rank of Militia Lieutenant and would be assuming command of the
Intelligence Office while I was in Denver. He promoted several other
individuals and then announced first Debra, and then Danni would be assigned
the ranks of Captain and why this was so. The final announcement was my own
promotion and again, why it was being done.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later in the day, the girls, myself and our
closest friends gathered in the small chapel located in the Workers’ Barracks
and after a short history lesson concerning the Council of Nicaea, and why a
man, or even a woman, might have multiple spouses, she performed a very nice
ceremony and pronounced us married. We hadn’t really told anyone the situation
before, but everyone already knew something of the like was coming; they just
hadn’t figured out what it would look like. Every one of our friends were happy
for us. Dak made a general announcement that he had always known I was crazy;
why else would I be willing to accept having two wives and Felicia once again
punched him in the arm. The man must have a perpetual bruise from the pounding
he takes. Like I said, Gilly put together a very nice ceremony and it went
smoothly, heck, I didn’t even screw up my vows this time. I guess practice
makes perfect.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day, Danni and I left with the
replacement platoons going to Denver after a tearful leave-taking with Debra
and Danni Lynn. God, it was hard to once again be separated and I began to
think Danni wasn’t going to give Danni Lynn back to Debra so we could leave;
she cried so hard, and then wept off and on for at least a hundred miles.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a total of seven trucks in our
convoy. Ten passengers in six of them with two drivers each and then the
seventh with two drivers and Danni and I. We squeezed in with all of the main
Rucks that the members of the two platoons were bringing with them. As we were
passing the railyard in Denver, Danni raised up and turned so she could study
it as we passed. I did also and said, “Let’s get settled in, and then we’ll put
together a team and go search for Dan and the others, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded as she turned around and resumed
her seat, “Please, they all deserve to be brought home and given the proper
honors they deserve.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Denver Enclave is huge, as in, huge. I
always thought Asylum was large because it’s so big and underground, but Denver
just keeps on going and going. There are literally miles of tunnels that have
been converted to resident and storage areas. I firmly believe the entire
current population of the city of Denver could be kept inside for shelter if
needed. I was talking to the Facilities people and they told me some
interesting information about DIA, or Denver International Airport.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First is power, and I wished Nadia could
have been with us to soak it in. They have very large areas above ground
dedicated to photovoltaic panels that generate a great amount of power, and
below ground they have huge battery banks that store the collected power. Even
with all the power they generate from the sun, it is nowhere near what is
required to power the entire complex. Occasionally, during peak hours of
consumption, several small nuclear reactors, similar to what is installed on
naval vessels, supplies what is needed. At Asylum, we constantly worry about
allowing our diesel fuel levels to get low. All of our power is generated by
diesel powered Generators and someday they are going to wear out. Solar power generation
might be the way to go for critical infrastructure. A nuclear plant like
Denver’s might be even better, but what about disposing of the spent fuel in a
safe manner? I asked the electricians how an airport could get permission to
have their own nuclear plant and they said the people that built a lot of the
facility didn’t ask permission, they just did it and no one was the wiser. I
guess, from talking to them, that seemed to happen a lot when the airport was
under construction. I remember reading that the whole project ran billions of
dollars over budget and after seeing what I’ve seen, I can believe it. There
are literally miles of drivable tunnels, some so large, two tractor trailer
rigs could pass by each other.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jet fuel storage; once constructed, the
amount of fuel available was far more than could be used under normal
operations, but very nice if you were planning the end of the world as we know
it. Some of the workers at DIA said they never could figure out why so many
strange things happened during construction, like the building of entire
multi-story buildings incorrectly and instead of fixing the mistakes, they were
buried. Well, now you know why. The ZPGers used the people’s readiness to
believe people screw up, to cover up the hidden things they were doing right
under everyone’s noses. Much like they had covered up things at Asylum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All-in-all, the first day was fascinating.
The second day was taken up with preliminary meetings with different people on
different topics. I didn’t see Danni from early morning until late in the
evening and she was exhausted to boot.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I informed Lt. Colonel Rickett that I, and
Danni, were going to lead a recovery party to find the remains of the people we
had lost earlier in Denver and he said it was a waste of time. He wasn’t very
forthcoming until I informed him that, number one, we at Asylum were reluctant
to leave our dead unburied and un-honored. Second, one of the men out there was
my wife’s deceased husband and the rest had been our friends. We were not going
to leave them there. He got a little miffed, but agreed to it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni led the squad that left to search for
the remains, and I of course, accompanied her. Surprisingly, Lieutenant Taylor
also came with several of his own men. I kept a close eye on him when he was
near Danni at first, until I decided he had no attraction to her scent nor any
ill will from their previous interactions. I was right about the ill will, but
not so much about the scent.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had already arrived at the rail yard and
more than once I had reminded Danni to slow down and not run. She was slightly
ahead of Taylor and I, and I was about to tell her once again to slow down when
Taylor said, “How do you do it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni! Slow down.” I turned to him and
said, “Do what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ignore her scent. I never noticed it
before, maybe because Lieutenant Tarn’s was so strong.” He looked at me quickly
and said, “I don’t mean any disrespect, I promise you that. It’s just,” he
hesitated and then said, “Stella, she tries to please me with perfumes, but
it’s just not the same, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can smell Danni’s scent?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” then he glanced at me and added,
“Can’t you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I can, but the scent is a more recent
development. She smelled normal until, well until she committed to me and then
I was almost killed. When I came out of the coma, her scent had changed to what
it is now and I could detect it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Has she been tested for exposure to the
contaminate?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, a long time ago, and she was
negative.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then how? How can you smell her scent? I
thought both parties had to be exposed for it to happen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Another of those strange things that
happen, I guess. We’ve established there seems to be an emotional connection in
addition to being contaminated. Debra and I were already in love when we were
exposed and it seemed to heighten our response to one another. Danni was our
very good friend when her husband was killed here and she moved in with us for
an extended period of time after his death. Things happened and here we are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenants Tarn and Monroe, I’m sorry,
Captains Tarn and Monroe seem to be very self-assured, confident, capable and
independent, how did you convince your wife to, uh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged and said, “I didn’t, it was
Debra’s idea from the start. She convinced the two of us, but to be honest, it
was… a bad time for me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni slowed ahead of us and looked back
over her shoulder before giving me a weak smile and then continued forward.
Taylor was quiet and finally said in a low tone, “Can she hear us?” Danni stopped
and allowed us to join her before walking with us.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Lieutenant, I could hear you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My apologies, Captain, as I told your
husband, I assure you I meant no disrespect.” Taylor was very fair skinned and
his ears and cheeks were turning a fiery red.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Relax, Lieutenant, let me satisfy your
curiosity.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took a deep breath and exhaled, but
before she could start, I said, “I’m going to take point for a few minutes,
Honey, take a breather.” She nodded and turned back to Taylor as I jogged ahead
and down between the railroad cars we were passing thru. She hadn’t noticed,
but there was what appeared to be a bundle of rags lying partially under one of
the boxcars ahead. I wanted to get there before she did. The closer I got, the
surer I was of what, no, who it might be.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OCP cammies, Marine RAT boots. One of the
arms was gone at the elbow, the other was completely gone. Both legs had been
gnawed on and the head was gone, just gone. On the front of his tactical combat
shirt was a Velcro patch that clearly read SMITH. I stripped it off and put it
in my pocket. I stood up and looked back at the rest of the group as James
Carly joined me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn, are you going to let Danni see this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d rather not, I want to be positive first
anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carly pointed down and said, “There’s a dog
tag threaded into the boot laces on the right foot.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using my Air Crewman’s Knife, I sliced
through the lace and pulled off the tag, Smith, Daniel, ect. I didn’t read any
further, “Do you have a body bag?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” He turned his back to me and I
could see it beneath the flap of his ALICE Pack. I pulled it free and handed it
to him.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Open it up and we’ll get him inside.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one last way to be absolutely sure
it was Dan. I rolled the desiccated body over and used my knife to cut open his
shirt and expose the back. The skin was discolored, dried and shrunken, but I
could still make out the large tattoo, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who
trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” There was no doubt,
what-so-ever, it was Dan. I looked back at them again in time to see Taylor
step away from Danni and to her right, making her turn to continue talking to
him. He had seen what we were doing and was giving us time to finish. Carly had
the bag unzipped and we quickly slid the remains in and rezipped it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir? There’s another body just the other
side of the boxcar behind you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around and looked, hoping it was
another of ours. The ragged looking clothing was a solid OD green, “Not one of
us, and it appears all the gear and weapons are gone,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, but see the gunny sack?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked where he pointed and yes, there was
a sack. “Can you get it and check it? I need to go talk to my wife.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, of course.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked back and as I neared, I said to the
other members of the recovery team, “Guys, go down there and give Carly a
hand.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni turned around and looked, saw the body
bag and started to walk around me, “No, Honey, we’ve already taken care of his
remains.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need to make sure it’s him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I held out the name tag and placed it in
her hand and then the dog tag as I said, “Threaded into the laces of the right
boot.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then said, “One last way to
be sure, on his back…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I checked; the tattoo is there.” I pulled
her to me and she sighed as she let me hold her for a moment and then she
straightened up.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s still two more of us out here, and
then three at the rally point, let’s go find them.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked away as Taylor stepped forward
and said, “That’s a strong woman.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said. “That’s a Ranger.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and we followed her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a long day, but when we finished, we
had six body bags to return to Asylum for burial. The gunnysack that Carly
noticed contained Dan’s personal gear, including his Glock 17. There was no
sign of his Carbine; it was simply gone.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That evening we sat at the table in the
suite we were assigned and went through the burlap bag his gear had been found
in. Danni cleaned and oiled the Glock, then stripped the magazines of ammo and
cleaned and oiled them as well. She reloaded the mags with fresh ammo, but put
what she had removed in a bag so we could use it for practice later. “It would
have been nice if we could have found his Carbine,” she said. “There’s been
times at the end of a long day’s ruck that I wished my rifle weighed six pounds
instead of eleven.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but I can’t see you switching to a
poodle round this late in the game.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at me and gave me genuine
smile; the first of the day. The comment had been something she and Dan had
bantered back and forth about for as long as I knew them. He preferred 5-5-6
and she liked 7-6-2. She always said he’s carbine was only good for shooting
poodles. She knew the 5-5-6 was effective, she just liked teasing him about it.
She continued going through his equipment and finally, late in the evening, we
went to bed. We didn’t make love the way we normally would have and that was okay,
I think it may have been a form of grieving for his loss.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke early in the morning and glanced at
the clock on the wall of the suite; 3:35 am and Danni wasn’t in bed beside me.
I kicked off the covers and dressed in a bathrobe as I went looking for her.
The bathroom door was closed and I could hear an intermittent brushing sound
coming from within. Turning the knob, I discovered it wasn’t locked and pushed
the door open. Inside, I could see Danni kneeling beside and over the bathtub
as she vigorously scrubbed at something.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni? What are you doing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She jumped as if she had been caught doing
something wrong, but then returned to the scrubbing motion, “I need to clean
this, Dan would have wanted you to have it. He always told me that if anything
happened to him, he wanted you to have his gear.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hon, it’s 3:30 in the morning and you need
to rest; if it needs to be cleaned, we’ll send it out to the facility cleaners,
come on, let’s go back to bed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No! I need to do this!” She stopped and
took a breath, and said softer, “It’s for me to do, for him, now for you.” She
held up what she was scrubbing so I could see it; it was Dan’s minimalist plate
carrier. I had always admired its simplicity and I also knew it had been
stained with his blood. She was using a bottle of shampoo and a toothbrush to
try and remove the stain.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left the bathroom and entered the
kitchenette. Under the sink I had seen a larger nylon brush earlier and I
carried it back to the bathroom where I kneeled down next to Danni and said,
“Here, let me give it a go.” Seeing the larger brush, she snatched it from my
hand and began to scrub with a vengeance. “Danni, please let me help? He was
more than a friend; he was my brother too.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sighed heavily and then said to me, “I
know, Daniel, but this is for me to do; I have to do it, please let me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled her head to me and kissed her ear
before saying, “Okay, but there’s plenty of time to get it done. You can work
on it this afternoon after we’re done with our meetings, Okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head and said, “No, you need
it. These people, Daniel, so many of them hate you. They hide it from you, but
I can see it in their eyes after you walk by. I want you to wear it every time
you leave here, even if it’s for a meeting with someone you trust, understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They don’t see me; they only see you
because of how much they hate you. I have seen the way they look at you when
they think no one notices, so I’m cleaning this for you to wear, no matter
where you go, okay? Promise me, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, Hon, I promise.” She worked
diligently at it and I sat beside her the whole time. When she finally was
satisfied with the result, she held it up for me to exam and frankly, the blood
stains were faded, but still there faintly, otherwise, it looked almost new.
“Well done, Honey, you did a good job on it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Try it on,” she said. “I bet we won’t even
have to adjust it; you two were so close to the same size.” I put it on over
the bathrobe and Danni chuckled, laughed, and then said, “Well, I guess it
wasn’t intended to be worn over a bathrobe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Should I take it off? The bathrobe, I
mean?” And then I wiggled my eyebrows at her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As tempting as that sounds, I can only
imagine what the mag pouches would do to my boobs. Nope, take it off and then
we’ll go take care of each other, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Deal.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning, we went down to their
cafeteria, had breakfast and we were still eating when Major Higgins walked in
and then joined us. He had a cup of tea and was eating a scone. I’ve had them
before and consider them a waste of time. I suppose if you’re raised with them
though, they’re probably okay.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major, Captain, after we’re done here, we
have some arrangements to make,” he said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was heading over to the Intelligence
Office and Captain Monroe was going to go over a few things with your Education
Committee.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That can wait, we have more important
things to take care of,” he answered. I thought of how the Colonel had said
Higgins liked to steamroll people and started to object, but he added, “I have
ordered six aluminum caskets for your deceased to be transported in and I
located six American flags to cover them. Being British, I’m not very sure of
your procedures and I want your input on how to proceed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni nodded and said, “I can help you
there, Major, on one of my deployments I had to wait things out in Bahgram and
I was assigned to the detail that shipped bodies home. I know how we do it,
Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, I didn’t want to appear disrespectful
of your ways.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, as soon as we finish here, I’ll
go with you to organize things.” She looked at me and said, “You’re eager to
get back to the Intelligence Office, so I’ll meet you here for supper at say,
six o’clock?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds good, Danni, I’ll see you then.” I
gave her a quick kiss and walked quickly away as they resumed their discussion.
As I walked through the doors of the cafeteria, I was joined by two of Higgins’
men.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Tarn, we’ve been assigned to escort
you to Intel.” The man who spoke was obviously American.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slowed, but kept walking, “Why?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s wait until it’s a little less
crowded, Sir, and we’ll explain.” I have to admit, they did a good job of
parting the crowded corridors leading to the cafeteria.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know,” I said. “But it seems to me
they need a couple more mess halls around here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir,” the first man to speak said.
“There’s two more in addition to this one, plus another that’s strictly for the
former upper crust of the facility.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw, so the egalitarian leadership got just
a little better equal access than the normal folks, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “Yes, Sir, but the
service there isn’t quite as professional as it once was.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked a little farther along and finally
I said, “Going to keep me hanging, huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, I was checking out the girl in the
tight jeans and red blouse.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh? I missed her. Was she hot?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That wasn’t the reason I was checking her
out, Sir, she was definitely checking you out and I don’t think she cares much
for you either.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh.” We walked on and I noticed he kept looking
into the convex mirrors at each intersection. They were normally used to
safeguard people, or vehicles, from colliding into each other as they showed
what was coming in the cross traffic. They could also indicate who was
following. “Okay, I see her, about twenty yards back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir. I don’t think we need to worry
about her too much, but she obviously wants to keep track of where you are
going.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Concealed weapon maybe?” I asked as I
glanced down at the plate carrier Danni insisted, I wear.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Her clothing is too tight.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,” I responded. We made a
right-hand turn and started down another tunnel.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced back and then started watching
the next mirror coming up, “Yeah, she continued on straight.” But he continued
watching the upcoming mirror and then said, “There you are! Yeah, she handed us
off to someone else.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re getting better at this, but we’re
getting better at their better.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed, I was starting to really like the
guy, “Where are you from?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Minnesota, it took me years to lose the
accent. California, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Born and raised,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, that nonregional accent will set you
off every time.” He took my elbow and guided me around a corner, “Let’s go this
way, it will totally fuck with him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re talking about the guy in the
facilities coveralls, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought so.” I allowed him to direct me
while asking, “What about your friend? Where’s he from?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Arizona, but you’d think he was from Texas
the way he talks.” He opened a door, escorted me in and then shut it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What branches of the service were the two
of you in?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The talkative one said, “Seals.” The other
guy said, “Rangers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rangers? You’d get along pretty good with
our Colonel.” I waited, but he didn’t reply.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” the Seal said. “Let’s go,” as he
opened the door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the rest of the day in their
Intelligence Office, well what would someday be their Intel Office, and we made
some headway. One of the things I learned was they had greater problems with
the ZPGers than we did at Asylum. There was significantly more of them and they
were a constant threat. The African Special Deployment Detachment officially
changed their name while we were there; they are now called the Colorado
Rangers and the Colorado Militia was fast being organized. They’ve decided to
organize themselves much the way we have in Asylum. The Denver Enclave has an
exemplary communications network and they are doing the same as us also;
everything gets entered into a data base and then they will be sharing info
with us, and Holloman, as we will with them.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, what was supposed to be the last
three days were spent wandering the facility with one of the maintenance guys
for a guide. I checked out the nuke plants, their battery banks, inverters, and
charge controllers for the solar arrays; Nadia would have been in hog heaven.
We were scheduled for another two platoons to arrive from Asylum to replace the
two that were being sent home, at which time we would load up a shit load of
ammo and weapons we were being given for payment for our services. Packer was
going to get some of the PKM machineguns he wanted to have. Me, last day, so I
wanted to tour the water storage tanks for the Fire Sprinkler systems.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My escort’s name was Frank Genova and that’s
about as far as I got to know him. He was driving us down a long ass tunnel
when in the headlights of the cart we were in, we saw a group of workers coming
our way and shining lights in our eyes. “What the hell are these yahoos do…”
That was as far as he got before he was hit in the face by at least one bullet.
When I saw him hit, I immediately bailed from the cart as it began to coast to
a stop. I rolled up against a good old concrete wall, then jumped up and ran
quickly around a corner and out of the direct line of fire. I had my bullpup
with me, so that was good, but I only had a total of five 30 round mags for it.
Once out of the line of fire, I stuck the barrel of the bullpup around the
corner and blindly dumped half a magazine in the General direction of the those
who had ambushed us. I think I may have hit one or two from the screams I
heard, but they probably weren’t serious. I clicked on my strobe light and
started aiming for headlamps. Denver doesn’t keep all the lights on everywhere
because if they did, they would run out of power rather quickly, so most
workers keep headlamps or flashlights with them all the time. Without the flash
lights, it gets really dark in those long corridors really quick.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were seven men in the team sent to
kill me and none of them really understood how to accomplish their task and
like I said, those headlamps were perfect aiming points. Add in the effects of
the strobe and it wasn’t much of a fight. When the last one was down, I turned
on my own headlamp and checked out my escort, he was dead. Then I looked over
the men sent to kill me. Every single one was equipped with a Glock
nine-millimeter hand gun, but several were also supplied with stocks for the
Glocks like the one Debra had for hers. I picked up two of the handguns and all
four of the stocks. The men equipped with the stocks also had over-the-shoulder
bandoleers that held three of the thirty-three round Glock stick mags plus one
in their weapons, I gathered those also. Then every loose or inserted 17 round
mag the others had. I dropped all of it in a five-gallon bucket, placed the
body of Frank in the rear seat and headed back to the main area of DIA in the
electric cart.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a full-blown insurrection in
process.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a good deal of time searching for
Danni. The Denver Rangers didn’t know where she was and the Asylum Rangers
didn’t either. The rooms the Education Committee occupied were officially
behind “enemy lines” and that was where Danni was supposed to be have been when
everything went down, so several of our Rangers went with me on more than one
occasion to try and reach her. We kept being turned back.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was bad the first day, but by evening
things were looking up. The men under Rickett’s command, were spread through
the facility and it took time to draw them together and then begin taking back
areas the ZPG revolutionaries had taken. Once again, red armbands dictated who
was shot and who was allowed to pass back into the areas controlled by our
people. The Ranger Company from Asylum played a major role in consolidating and
helping to bring Rickett’s people back together and when our two replacement
platoons arrived, they provided the force to turn the tide.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the two platoons of Asylum Rangers
arrived, they were immediately pressed into the effort and we began to push the
red armbands into areas that continued getting smaller through the day and into
the night. As they had at Asylum, the socialist/progressivist/communist,
whatever they called themselves, were long on fervor, but not so much on
ability. They suffered tremendous losses and we, in exchange, suffered few.
They really did not know how to play soldier and they were facing one force
that were all top tier operators and another that was about as well trained as
humanly possible. On more than one occasion, I’ve heard combat veterans of the
Asylum Rangers state unequivocally that our Rangers and Militia were some of
the best troops they ever served with.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finally broke through to the area
where the Education Committee Office was; we found a body outside the door. We
had to force the door open and I was the first person through into the office
as I searched for my wife. She wasn’t there, but most of her gear and rifle
were. There were three dead bodies in the room and more blood splattered about
than I wanted to see, but like I said, no Danni. I started to panic; Danni
would be a major coup if she was a prisoner, and as one of the hated Asylum
Inmates, as we were referred to, her capture could be considered a propaganda
victory and her death by execution an even greater coup.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to one of Rickett’s men, I said,
“Get someone down here from Facilities and make sure they bring master keys
with them!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The door to the office is already open,
what good is a master key going to be now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With exasperation, I said, “So we don’t have
to pry any more doors open, damn it!” I pointed to the man lying in the middle
of a large pool of blood, “See that! He bled out from a slashed femoral artery!
My wife, Captain Monroe, teaches that technique! This woman,” I said, “Two
stabs in the left armpit, but that’s not what killed her, see the wound next to
her neck in her right shoulder and the amount of blood? Subclavian artery!” I
crouched next to the last body in the room and pulled his upper lip up and
exposed the broken upper front teeth, “See that?” I rolled him on his side and
indicated what appeared to be a knife wound in the center of his neck and the
base of his skull, “That was caused by a long blade shoved through his mouth
and out the back of his neck that severed the spinal column; he was dead before
he hit the floor. Again, another of the techniques my wife teaches!” I started
walking back to the front door and through it where I started studying the
concrete floor and the final body; his throat had been viciously slashed. “She
caught him here, tackled him from behind and cut his throat. She was alive when
she left here and we need to find where she is!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started walking slowly down the tunnel
while a couple of my guys from Asylum started the other way, “Major! Over
here!” I turned back and looked at what he was pointing to, a bloody boot
print. “Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked back to the body outside the door,
stepped in the thick coagulating blood, and then returned and stepped next to
the exposed boot print. Though smaller, the lug pattern was the same as mine,
“Marine Corps RAT boots. It’s the preferred boot of my wife and the reason I
wear them.” I pointed down the tunnel and said, “She went that way.” Turning to
one of the men, I said, “Get Danni’s rifle and plate carrier for me, please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” He hurried back into the office.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir? We have a significant trail of blood
droplets.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rushed forward and checked, it didn’t seem
to be from a dangerous wound, but more than I wanted to see. We started
following and at the next side tunnel, there was a small bloody hand print on
the concrete wall. The blood droplets turned and followed the new tunnel and of
all the times for it to happen, the fricking lights went out! I felt the front
of Dan’s plate carrier until I found the grenade pouch that held my headlamp.
Reversing my cap, I placed the light over it and switched it on. Adjusting the
beam and centering it better, I started following the droplets again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to a set of stairs next to the trail
she was leaving and pointed up it, “Someone check for a blood trail on the
steps.” I continued forward as one of the men pointed down.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beneath the stairs there was an electrical
transformer, “Sir, I think she took a break here, or hid here. There’s blood
smudges on the wall and on the top and side of the transformer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked past and could see the blood trail
continuing. Like I said, it wasn’t a lot of blood we were seeing, but enough to
start becoming concerning if we didn’t find her soon. “Let’s keep going.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
passed several doors that she had obviously tried to open and left bloody
smudges on, but were locked when we tried them ourselves. We kept going and
finally the man in front of me walked past a door and stopped, “No more blood,
Sir, nothing going on from here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried the door knob and it turned. Looking
at the signage it read, “Electrical Utility Room”. I gently pulled the door
open and as I shined my headlamp in, I saw the feet, legs and then torso of a
man’s body crumpled against a row of electrical conduits rising up and into
panels. He was wearing a red armband and had a bandoleer of magazines slung
over one shoulder. But no weapon. I leaned in slightly and continued looking
past him to the end of the room, nothing. Then I repeated what I had done, but
in the opposite direction. She was sitting on the floor in a corner, her back
against the wall and leaning on the wall to her right. Her eyes were closed and
the center of her face looked like she was wearing a mask of dried blood. Some
sort of AK was lying across her thighs and was grasped loosely by both hands.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t say anything, I dimmed my headlamp
and then quickly walked to her, and knelt by her legs as I reached out and
flipped the safety lever to safe. I removed the weapon from her loose grip and
held it out behind me, one of the men took it. “Danni? Hon, can you hear me?”
No response. “Honey, come on, open your eyes.” Again, nothing. I pressed my
fingers into the side of her neck and found her pulse. Turning to the guys with
me, I said, “Can you raise anyone on your radios?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the men stepped outside and I could
hear him making the call. I heard him give the number of the room and then he
stepped back inside, “Crash cart on the way, Major.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted the sling of my bull pup off and
handed it to the same man I had the AK and then scooped her up as I said,
“Let’s take her outside.” Outside of the room, I laid her down and then removed
the insert from my IFAK. The wound on her forehead didn’t look good, in fact it
looked nasty. The cut spanned both eyebrows and was badly swollen causing the
edges of the wound to gape open. I squeezed Triple Antibiotic gel into the open
wound and then covered it with a pad of gauze. I used more gauze to wrap around
her head to hold the pad in place.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was finished, I slid my hand under
the back of her head and said, “Danni? Can you hear me? Honey, I’ve got you, we
found you and you’re going to be okay. We have you and you’re safe.” There was
still no response and I continued to worry.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was unconscious for thirty-six hours and
they kept her in an infirmary dedicated to the use of the Rangers of Asylum and
Denver. I was really tired and was resting my head on the edge of her bed and I
guess I finally fell asleep. I woke to whispering voices around me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here’s the Tylenol you asked for and
another cup of ice chips. There’s water in the pitcher and if you need anything
else, just press the call button.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jerked awake and said, “What? Excuse me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard Danni say, “Well, I guess we don’t
have to whisper any longer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni! You’re awake!” I stood up and leaned
over the bed to look at her. Both of her eyes were almost solid black and her
forehead was still swollen, but not as much. “Are you okay? Do you need
anything? Are you hurting anywhere? Just tell me what you need and I’ll get it
or do it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, no, and yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m okay, sort of. No, I don’t need
anything, but something to eat wouldn’t be a bad thing, and Yes, my forehead
still hurts, but not as bad as before.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rubbed at my eyes and tried to come fully
awake, “Uh, okay, I guess you’re not suffering any brain trauma.” She laughed
and then grimaced. “You must have a headache though.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, a really good one, but it’s not as
bad as it was. The nurse told me you’ve been here the whole time and just fell
asleep a short time ago. Why didn’t you go to our room and get some sleep?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because I wanted to be here when you woke
up! Hon, I was scared shitless…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That you would have to explain to Debra how
you allowed me to get hurt?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? No, because I was worried about you
and…well, maybe a little.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and reaching up, she caressed my
face, “And you think that somehow you should have been more on your toes and
you failed at protecting me, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned down and rubbed the side of my face
gently against hers, “Yes, I should have…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop it, now you sound like me and Debra.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m used to you guys standing by my bed,
not me standing by yours; I don’t like it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sucks, doesn’t it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choked up and my voice broke, “Yeah, it
does.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached up and held my face to hers,
“Don’t feel bad, when I woke up and saw you there, it meant everything to me.
It’s all I needed, honestly. You love me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “I know, it’s how I feel when I
wake up to yours or Debra’s face.” I straightened up and sat back down, “Okay,
so what happened? Why didn’t you shoot those assholes instead of using your
K-Bar?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I remember walking into the conference room
and they had some papers spread out on the table, oh, have you seen Stella?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, did she have something to do with
this?” I started getting pissed, very pissed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t think so, in fact, I think they
expected her to be there so they could get their hands on both of us.” Danni
started looking around the bed, moving and lifting the sheets. “Where’s that
damn controller for the bed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached out and picked it up after she
exposed it, “Here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She raised her upper torso to a more upright
position and sighed, “Okay, so they asked me to look over their new outline and
the next thing I know, I’m waking up sort of face down on the floor. My ears
were ringing really loud, my forehead was hurting and I was looking into a
puddle of blood. My right arm was pinned under me and I guess I must have
groaned because I heard the bitch say, she’s waking up. I heard a guy say,
good, I want her squirming while we fuck her, and the woman said something
about him being a pig. I felt someone grab my ankles and start dragging me
clear of the wall and that’s when I was able to get my hand on my K-Bar’s hilt.
When he turned me over, I shoved the blade straight into his grinning mouth.”
She laughed and added, “The look on his face was priceless.” I realized there
was definitely different facets to Danni’s personality. “I shoved him off of
me, got up and grabbed the bitch as she tried to run, I stabbed her twice in
the left armpit and then in the side of her neck and shoulder. Then, a guy
grabbed me from behind and was telling the fourth person to shoot me, but that
guy was headed for the door. I twisted in his grip and dropped to one knee as I
shoved my knife into his inner thigh, twisted it and ripped it out. I was going
to try and slash it, but when I pulled out the blade blood started spurting out,
so I knew he was going to be dead in no time at all. I reached for my sidearm,
but the holster was empty, so I went over the table and caught the last guy as
he was going out the door and took him down from behind. I put my knee in his
back, reached over his head and sank my fingers into his eye sockets then
jerked his head back while I cut his throat. I rolled off of him and laid there
for a minute trying to keep from throwing up. When I finally started feeling
better, I took his sidearm and realized it was actually mine that he had. I
holstered it and tried to go back in the office and get my plate carrier and
rifle, but the god damned door had shut and locked. I couldn’t get in and I
could hear a shitload of shooting going on somewhere. I figured it might be
smart to find someplace to hide until I started feeling better and that’s what
I did.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There was another guy in the electrical
room with you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, I guess he saw me go in and
figured he’d take me out. What a dumbass. I put two in his chest and one in his
head as he stepped in and then took his weapon. Then, I woke up here with you
by my side and decided I really love having you around.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love being around.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, seeing as how you are here and the
nurse says you’ve been here the whole time, I guess we have a handle on the
revolt, or whatever it’s being called?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pretty much, but there’s still some
holdouts here and there. They’ve been broadcasting on an internal radio system
and inciting people to take up the cause for liberation, as they call it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know, eventually we’re going to have to
put our foot down on this bull shit. These people are going to keep at it until
they get their way.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Or dead,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is that,” She replied.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Kind of a simple answer to a complex
question; I shouldn’t go there, but after a while, it does get old.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie explained your Occam’s Razor to me;
the simplest answer is usually the correct one? These are not good people who
have been led astray with lofty ideals. They’re mass murderers who would do it
again in a heartbeat. Fuck ‘em.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded in agreement, “Yeah, but if you get
right down to it, we’re good people and good people don’t do that shit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” She asked. “When I see a
rattlesnake it the woods? I walk on by and leave it alone. When I see one in
the main tunnel back home? He’s on my turf and the son-of-a-bitch dies, why
wait until it bites someone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I feel where you’re are coming from, Hon,
but I’m not sure others will see it the way we do.” I started to continue, but
there was a knock at the open door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “Come in,” and Lieutenant
Colonel Rickett appeared. “Colonel Rickett?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and smiled, “It pleases me no end
to see you awake, Captain Monroe. How are you feeling?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not really on top of things, Colonel, but I
will be.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, good, I came to speak with your
husband, Captain, but I think you can be helpful in this also. I need some
advice.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, as I said, “Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This latest unpleasantness, we need to find
a way to deal with it and effectively end it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “You can’t deal with a problem
until you recognize the problem.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Captain, perhaps I’m missing
your meaning due an American figure of speech that I do not understand. Perhaps
you could rephrase and elaborate?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sighed and then said, “Colonel, your
problem is twofold. First, what happened here the last two…?” She glanced at me
with a questioning expression.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
were unconscious for thirty-six hours, so yeah, close enough.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled at the Colonel and continued,
“What has been happening here, Colonel Ricketts, is not, an unpleasantness, it
was a full-bore attempt at mass murder; the murder of you, me, my husband, and
anyone who disagrees with their vision of the future. That, quite frankly is
not what I would refer to as unpleasant.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and said, “A simple cultural use
of semantics, I assure you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Danni said, “I’ll give you that for the
moment, so let me ask you this, in the United Kingdom, what would you call a
group of people, directly responsible for an attack that kills billions, not
hundreds, not thousands, not tens of thousands, not even tens of millions, but
billions of innocent people?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We call them genocidal. Captain, the same
as you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And their punishment should be?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They would be arrested, tried, and if found
guilty sentenced to prison.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, and what prison would you send these
people to, Colonel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure we can arrange something,
somewhere.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you have enough people left to act as
security guards at this something, somewhere?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood there staring at Danni until he
broke eye contact, “Capital punishment is out of the question.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Our crime, Colonel, was simply living, and
they murdered billions of us. What crime could they commit in your eyes, that
would rationalize their executions?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we kill them, are we then better than
them? Or the same as them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Better, Lieutenant Colonel Ricketts, we
didn’t destroy the people of the world, they did. How many years in prison for
the deaths of a million people? One year? Two years? Do we reduce the value of
a single innocent child to microseconds of punishment?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain, that’s an unfair representation of
my belief system in regards to capital punishment.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I disagree, I think it’s completely
representative of your belief system. Until you stop them, they will keep
coming back at you. Look, so you don’t want to be the bad guy and do what needs
doing? Then offer them the same thing we did, tell them they can leave, in
mass. You’ll provide them with food, water, and transportation to go where they
will and live their lives as they will. But, also tell them if they stay, they
will be tried for crimes against Humanity. That’s what we did, and they still
came back and tried to retake Asylum by force. A lot of good people, our
friends and neighbors, died because we did the right thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We held the moral high ground, yes, but our
friends were still dead. Save yourself that pain, Colonel, just fucking shoot
them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head and looked at me, “Major
Tarn, can I look to you as a person of reason and morality?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely, Colonel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank god, will you support my view when you
return to Asylum?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course not. I agree with my wife one
hundred percent. You will have to keep repeating the last two days over and
over, until you stop being foolish, or they win, and if they do? They won’t
give you a second chance, Sir, because you, your followers, and all you believe
in, will be dead, an insignificant footnote in their version of history.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, well, I’m disappointed with how this
discussion has progressed and I see no reason to continue. The two of you will
remain here until Captain Monroe is healthy enough to return to Asylum. I am
not going to allow you to communicate with Asylum, or Holloman until you leave.
I am going to retain the six platoons of Asylum Rangers until Denver has
sufficient forces to guarantee our operations and then consider allowing them
to return, minus arms and ammunition to ensure they are not properly equipped
to be used in an attack on this facility. Good day, and I hope you will come to
better sense in the future.” He spun on his heel and left the room. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Danni and said, “Wow, I wonder
if this is some kind of ploy? Or if he’s serious.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked up at me and said, “I’m going
with serious. I think we need to contact Banner and start making plans to bug
out.” She sat up straight and swung her legs over the side of the bed before
almost falling forward as she raised her hands to her head. “Ow.” She blinked
her eyes in an effort to focus and then said, “Get my clothes and let’s get
gone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You, are in no shape to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! The faster we move, the harder for
them to catch up with us; get my clothes!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened a cabinet and removed her clothing
from where the nurses had put them. “Honey, we may be over-reacting, he’s
probably…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, never ignore a threat.” She reached
for her clothes and took them from my hands as two of Ricketts’ men entered the
room and blocked the doorway.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Tarn?” This one was wearing Sargent’s
chevrons. “Lieutenant Colonel Rickett has ordered us to relieve you of your
weapons and then ensure your safety while you continue to stay here in the
infirmary.” They were both well-armed and I was not going to argue with them. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I removed my duty belt and handed it to the
one who spoke as I pointed to the rest of our gear and weapons stacked in a corner.
He pulled my Ruger from its holster and laid it on the foot of the bed with the
spare mags from the pouches on the belt. He handed my gear and bullpup to the
second man and he walked away with it. He then gathered Danni’s weapons and
gear, he drew her Glock and two magazines which he also laid on the foot of the
bed. He handed her rifle and gear to the second man and again he left the room.
He gathered the two sidearms and magazines and placed them inside the cabinet I
had taken Danni’s clothes from and then held his hands out to Danni, “Captain,
would you allow me to secure your clothing until you need them?” She handed him
the uniform and he placed them on top of our pistols and then closed the
cabinet.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, follow me.” I did, but he stopped at
the door to Danni’s room, and pointed across the hall to the second man who was
standing in another open door, “As you can see, Sir, your weapons and gear are
now secured as per the Lieutenant Colonel’s orders.” The second man pointed
within and I could see our rifles and gear leaning against the back wall. He
closed and then locked the door with a key which he then handed to me. “With
our compliments, Major. There will be an armed guard at the front entrance as
long as you are here, but unfortunately, we don’t have the manpower to guard
the rear. Good day, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked away and I returned to Danni’s
bedside, “Daniel, what just happened?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess there’s some subterfuge going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t like not understanding what’s
happening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Neither do I, but let’s see what’s going on
before we jump the gun, speaking of which,” I opened the cabinet and handed the
Glock to her and she placed it under her pillow before sitting back. My P-89, I
slipped into the back of my pants and covered the grip with my shirt. “Let’s
kick back and see what develops.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several hours passed as we waited patiently
to see what developed and a meal was brought for Danni, but nothing for me.
When Danni asked why no food was provided for me, the person who brought the tray
just stared at her blankly and then said, “He’s not a patient, I guess?” Then
walked away. Danni tried to share it with me, but I refused and reminded her
she hadn’t eaten in almost forty hours. She finally relented, but insisted I at
least eat the crackers provided with the soup and sandwich she received.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About two in the afternoon, Sara Banner
arrived to pay a visit to Danni, not realizing I was there also. “Daniel? I
thought you were returning to Asylum?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned and asked, “Why would you think
that? Do you really think I would leave while Danni was hospitalized?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed confused, but said, “Well, no, I
didn’t and neither did Theodore, but a messenger from Lt. Col. Rickett told us
you were gone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni quickly said, “That’s not good, it
sounds to me like someone wants to disappear you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara
looked back and forth between us and asked, “What do you mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni asked her, “You didn’t know Rickett
has ordered us held here until further notice?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What!?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re not sure what’s happening or even who
is on whose side of what. Ricket ordered his men to disarm us and place a guard
on the exit so we couldn’t leave, but the men charged with the duty, left us
our sidearms, spare magazines, and the rest of our weapons and gear locked in a
room across the hall, which they gave us a key to. They then told us they only
had enough manpower to guard the front entrance, but not the rear.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara glanced out the door and then said,
“Theodore needs to know this. I’m going to go tell him now because he was in a
meeting with Major Higgins when I left. Is there anything else you need me to
tell him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rickett,” I said. “Told us he was not going
to allow the Asylum troops to leave until he had control of the situation here,
but when he did allow them to leave, they wouldn’t be leaving with their weapons
or gear.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, oh, Theodore and his officers are not
going to like the sound of that. Alright, I’ll be back later, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Sara,” I said as she turned and
hurried away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?” Danni actually looked frightened,
“I don’t like this at all. I think you should get our weapons and gear and keep
them in here with us. God, I don’t know, maybe we should just get our shit and
bail out of here now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, I’m going to bring our stuff in
here, why don’t you get dressed and when you’re ready, we’ll head out the back
way and then work our way over to where the Rangers are quartered?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and leaned forward to swing her
feet over the edge of the bed as I walked across the hall and unlocked the
door. Inside, I gathered our weapons and gear and then returned to find Danni
on her hands and knees beside the bed, “Danni! What’s wrong?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pushed herself backwards until she
settled her ass on her heels and mumbled, “Vertigo, as soon as I stood up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shit, do you think you can make it with my
help?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head and said, “No, but you
should go, I bet they’re more interested in you, than me. Once you’re clear
come back for me with help.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, absolutely not! We go together, or not
at all.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, it will be okay, but only if one of
us is out of here and gathering help.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I said no, and I meant no!” I helped her up
and steadied her as she leaned back against the bed again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, Daniel, try to reason it out. You
can’t help me if you trap yourself in here with me. Give yourself some options
by getting the hell out of here while you can; do it for me, please.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at her and then said, “Relax for a
minute and I’ll be back.” I quickly exited the room and walked down the hall to
the Nurse’s Station and in a nonchalant manner asked, “Hey, my wife is looking
to use the bathroom and she’s a bit unsteady on her feet, do you guys have a
wheelchair she can use?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The woman behind the desk said, “Yes, we do,
give us a minute and we’ll bring you one, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said thanks, and then returned to Danni,
“I asked for a wheelchair, so I can take you to the Ladies Room.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t have to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh!” She smiled and said, “Yep, I
definitely need the Ladies Room.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“While we’re waiting for the chair, I’m
going to the Men’s Room, I’ll be right back.” I left, took a leak, and then
returned as one of the nurses was leaving the room. When I stepped back inside,
Danni was already sitting with her feet dangling off the side of the bed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get my clothes for me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet, I’m actually going to take you to
the Ladies Room and I want you to try and empty your bladder. We may be
deprived of the luxury later.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, okay, but it won’t do any good if…” I
gave her a look and she said, “Okay, okay, I’ll try.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I helped her into the wheelchair and then
pushed her to the rest room. Once inside, I closed the door, helped her to the
toilet, and then stood with my back to the door. She frowned and said, “What
are you doing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Waiting for you to finish so…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Out!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because you’re staring at me and I can’t
pee while you’re staring at me!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni,” I sighed. “Come on, what if you
couldn’t even get out of bed? Who do you think would…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not you! There’s no way,” she stopped and
looked at me before she said, “Well, maybe if I couldn’t get up, but I can, so
you will, step outside.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, for god’s sake, Danni!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who made Debbie stand outside while he went
to the bathroom in the Clinic?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her for a moment and then
relented, “Okay, have it your way; how will I know when you’re finished?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do you think you’ll know? You’ll hear
the toilet flush.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, but stepped outside, closed
the door, and then stood there waiting. One of the nurses at the station was
watching me and finally asked with a smile, “I guess the two of you haven’t
been married very long?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Ma’am, we haven’t.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought so, my husband and I were married
for six years and never shared the bathroom; we figured the day we did; the
romance would be over.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you’re not married any longer?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He died in the Second Wave.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I’m sorry for your loss.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and returned to writing on a form
she was filling out while I continued to wait, finally I started to reopen the
door when I heard the toilet flush. I opened it and Danni was already in the
wheel chair. “I was going to help you getting in. What took so long?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me a playful slap and said,
“Knowing you were right outside the door and listening didn’t help very much.
Next time, can we not discuss it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I thought about it and it seems to me
if we start pissing together, all the romance will be gone and I would rather
it last a very long time.” I didn’t bother telling her I got the idea from the
nurse; I just stole it and ran with it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw, Babe, that’s so sweet. Wait till I tell
Debbie.” She reached up and pulled me down to kiss her even though she
grimaced.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Those Tylenol haven’t helped?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not really, at least I don’t think so.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and
returned to her room where she started dressing while still sitting on the
chair. It was a struggle, but we made it happen. When she was fully dressed,
boots and all, I stepped to the doorway and glanced both ways before crossing
the hall, unlocking the door, and getting our equipment and weapons. Back in
the room, I helped her put on her plate carrier and hung her rifle over the
back of the chair and then removed her Glock from under her pillow and placed
it in her holster. There was a small water pitcher on a side table, so I poured
it into my hydration bladder, which was almost empty. I then kitted myself up
and with a final look down the hall, I pushed her through the doorway, up the hall,
and out the rear doors. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bad thing is, I’m really not familiar
with the underground of the Denver Enclave. I started pushing Danni down the
corridor we were in with no idea where it would lead us and I could see water
quickly becoming a problem. Danni had been at a meeting and hadn’t brought
water with her because they always had bottled water available. I had my
hydration bladder on my back, but there wasn’t much left in it, even after
adding the contents of the pitcher; I told Danni to keep an eye out for some
sort of water source and kept pushing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, do you have any idea where we’re
going?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not a clue, I can tell directions at
Asylum, but I’m totally turned around here. What about you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we’re going South, but I don’t know
if I can trust my internal compass with my head hurting the way it is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slowed to a stop and knelt beside her,
“Thomas says both you and Debra have well-developed senses of direction, and
I’m not ashamed to admit I don’t. Do you want me to turn around and head back
the other way?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but I wouldn’t mind if we found
somewhere to hole up for a bit, I’m getting nauseated.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because of your injury?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Probably.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, new priority, somewhere to hide out
and then water. Got it. Do I turn around?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Next side corridor, turn right, go at least
two corridors and turn right again; that should put us well away from the
Infirmary as we head back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” we proceeded, found a corridor and
turned right, and then Danni hit the brakes on the chair and brought us to an
abrupt halt. “Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned to the side and vomited her meal.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t hold it any longer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s alright, just let me know if you need
to stop again.” I opened my possibles pouch and dug through it until I found a
small packet of wet wipes. “Here,” I handed it to her, she tore the packet open
and shook out the wipe before cleaning her face.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Water?” She asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled the hose for my bladder loose and
she sipped at it sparingly. “Ready?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and I looked closely at her to
judge for myself, then she said, “I look like shit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not really.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, there was a mirror in the Ladies
room; I look like shit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re a beautiful, sexy woman that’s
having a bad day, and if you didn’t feel so bad, that place to hole up for a
while would be a good place to make love for a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re weird.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I kind of like your weirdness though.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.” I continued pushing and finally I
said, “Right turn coming up, do you want to stop for a moment?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I allowed the chair to slow to a stop and
then knelt down next to her again, “Water?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.” I didn’t put the mouthpiece to her
lips though, I removed the hydration pack and hung it from the frame of the
chair and then placed the tube up and over her left shoulder where I clipped it
off so it would reach her lips.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now you can draw on it without us stopping,
okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, but my stomach seems to settle a
little when we stop moving.” She sipped from the bladder and I could tell she
wanted more than a sip.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Drink what you need to Hon, don’t worry
about saving some for me; I’m good to go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and said, “If I start needing to
stop…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t tell me when you need to stop, tell
me when you want to stop. There’s no sense in constantly being sick when
stopping helps, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, you’re the best.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Finally coming to terms with my greatness?”
</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t push it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gotcha, are you ready?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and I started pushing her around
the corner and straight into a group of six red arm bands. I think the whole
situation caught all of us by surprise. Danni was the first to react, she
pulled her side arm and fired as I was swinging my bullpup up and I know she
got at least two before I fired a shot, but then we both finished them off.
After we stopped firing, I just stood there and looked at them as I kept my
weapon aimed at them. Six men dead in seconds because they thought they could
take on trained troops. They thought all they needed were guns and red arm
bands and they were good to go. They weren’t. They had their weapons slung over
their backs and never even got them pulled around to fire at us.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason, I was feeling incredibly
sad, “Yes?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, check their sling bags, maybe they
have water.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I imagine they do.” I walked forward
and opened one of the bags, three sixteen-ounce bottles and one partial of
water. There were also two MRE sandwiches, several packets of crackers and two
foil packets; one tuna and one spam. Not a lot in the grand scheme of things,
but serviceable none-the-less. I pulled the bag off the body and went to the
next. Pretty much the same though with minor differences in food stuffs. I
pulled off another bag and sorted the items between the two; water in one, food
in the other. I came away with two bags of water bottles and one of food. The
water I started pouring into my hydration bladder for Danni, but I gave her a
full bottle as well. I figured we’d keep the bladder full for an emergency in
case we had to abandon the wheel chair. I dropped two bottles into my cargo
pockets along with a couple of MRE sandwiches that sounded promising, Pepperoni
with cheese and Barbequed Beef. Danni chose two that were labeled Egg and
Cheese and put those in her cargo pockets as I had.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, we shouldn’t leave the weapons and
spare mags for their friends.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but they’re too much to take with
us.” I glanced around and saw a set of stairs going up to the top of a line of
rooms, “Up there maybe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’ll stand watch while you take them
up.” I reached behind the chair where her rifle was secured and then handed it
to her. Their weapons were once again some variety of AKs and each of the men
had two spare mags tucked in their rear, or front, pant pockets. I used another
bag to gather the mags and then carried them to the stairs and to the top where
I left them and the AKs. When I reached Danni, she was actually eating one of the
sandwiches.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Feeling better?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not really, but I’m hoping some food might
help.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, ready to go?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You should eat, you haven’t had anything
all day; did you eat yesterday?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was too busy,” I said as I started
pushing the chair towards the direction the red arm bands had come from.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you were by my bedside yesterday?
What could be so busy about that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was busy worrying about my wife.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay then, but you should still eat.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Later, I’m kind of wound up pretty tight
right now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sad, and I was pissed, the ZPGers kept
sending young men without training to die for them. It just didn’t seem right.
Danni went quiet and after a few minutes, she said, “That shit back there,
that’s not on you, Babe, it’s on their leadership for sending them out without
the things they need. All this would end if they would just…stop.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, we have to kill them or they’ll
kill us, I know that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you want me to shut up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never, besides, what you’re saying is
validating what I’m thinking. If we want to end this shit, we need to put a
done sign around the necks of their leadership cast.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“With people like Rickett running things,
that’s not going to happen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Again, I know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both became silent until she said,
“Daniel, we’re going the direction those guys came from.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped, “Yeah, we are. I wonder if
there’s more back that way?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My best guess? Probably a lot more.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it!” I started turning the chair
around.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, wait a minute, maybe we should recon
that way and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason, what she was about to say
pissed me off, “Recon, you want to recon, from a fucking wheel chair? You’re in
a wheel chair, Danni! Give me a break!” As I continued turning the chair, I
added, “You and Debra are mirror images of each other, ‘Hey, let’s go fuck some
shit up! Sounds like a lot of fun, woohoo!’ In a fucking wheel chair?!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started walking at an increased rate in
the opposite direction, “Recon,” I muttered. “She wants to recon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was unusually quiet for a few minutes
and finally said, “You’re right, that does kind of sound like Debbie and I,
doesn’t it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t say anything, I just kept pushing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And we cause you to worry, a lot.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed and stopped, “Yeah, I do worry a
lot, but I love you two and that’s who you are, so, but recon from a
wheelchair? Come on, Danni!” We arrived at the place where we killed the six
men and I stopped long enough to write down the intersection number and the
direction a recon team would need to go. After I did so, I pushed on.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After less than ten minutes, I thought I
could hear an electric cart approaching, so I pushed Danni to the side of the
corridor and then I went to the opposite side hoping I could draw gunfire to me
and not her. As I pressed against the wall, a cart pulled to a stop at the next
intersection, a good hundred feet away, and the two men inside studied a large
rolled up sheet of paper, I realized they were wearing the MTP camo the Denver
Rangers all wore. Stepping away from the wall, I whistled loudly and then waved
as they both looked in our direction. They seemed to discuss the situation and
then they turned and started driving the cart in our direction.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they arrived, the driver said, “You’re
Major Tarn, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, listen, my wife and I had a run in
with a small group of red armbanders and we’re trying to get to where our
people are billeted, can we get a ride?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at Danni and I followed his gaze;
I hoped she was trying to look weak and wore out to encourage his sympathy,
rather than actually feeling the way she looked. “Yes, Sir, of course. We are
supposed to be doing a sort of reconnaissance, but we haven’t seen anything
yet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can give you the intersection number
where we fought the red armband guys and the direction they were coming from.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would certainately help, Sir, we’ll
take a look and come back this way for the two of you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You won’t consider taking my wife first?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have our orders, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, how about this, we’ll ride with
you to where we contacted the red armbanders, one of you drive my wife to the
Asylum billet and I’ll go with the other to do the recon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Danni said. “If you go, I go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her and then back to the one I
figured was in charge, “Deal?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two men glanced at each other and the
quiet one shrugged before the talker said, “Sounds like the best way to achieve
both tasks, Sir. Your wife isn’t going to give us problems while we transport
her, is she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at Danni and said, “No, she’s not,
are you, Honey?” It wasn’t really a question, more of a strong suggestion.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” She shifted in the chair and
finally shook her head. “Agreed, but if you get hurt again…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately started transferring what was
attached to the wheel chair to the cart and then helped her to sit in the front
seat. It took me a moment to figure out how to collapse the chair, but then I
loaded it also. When we were done, I climbed in the rear seat and told the
driver to continue driving the way we had come from. In the cart, it didn’t
take anywhere near as long as it did me on foot pushing Danni. Myself and the
second man got out and prepared ourselves. I took my hydration pack, and slung
it over my back and then made sure Danni had the sling bag we put bottles of
water in previously.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The driver backed into the side tunnel and
then turned and drove away. I looked at the Denver man and said, “Major Tarn
and you are?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lance Corporal Devin Lucian, Special
Detachment…Uh, Denver Rangers, Sir.” He wasn’t British, I knew that.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where you from Lucian?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Louisville, Kentucky.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I knew a guy from Kentucky once and it took
forever until I could start understanding anything he said.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Both my mother and father were teachers,
Sir, and insisted I learn to speak minus the accent.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “We need to go that way,” I
pointed the way the red armbands had been coming from. “Oh,” and I pointed up
the stairs where I had left the recovered AKs. “There’s six AK variants up
there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sir, I’ll remember that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started walking and I asked, “I hear
Lieutenant Colonel Rickett is not going to hold any of these people responsible
for the shit they’re throwing around?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not at liberty to discuss…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bull shit, tell me you guys are good with
his letting this happen over and over.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, no, Sir, but it’s taken a while for
the powers-that-be to exercise common sense. Major Higgins sent my partner and
I, along with six other teams to see if we can locate any large concentrations
of enemy personnel. If we can, he wants to contain them and then neutralize the
threat.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“By taking them prisoner, or something
else?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In the past, Rickett would parole anyone
who surrendered. He said it was standard policy dating back to the end of World
War Two to leave enemy bureaucrats running things so there could be an easier
transition.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s right about leaving the Nazis in
charge, but like a lot of people, he leaves out the distasteful parts. Whenever
one of the lower-level Nazis left in charge thought about restarting the party,
all they had to do was watch the Nuremberg Trials and the outcomes. We hung all
the leaders.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I’m a bit of a history buff
myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good for you, okay, we’re coming up on the
spot where my wife and I turned around, so let’s act like we know what we’re
doing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir.” He moved to walk along one wall and I
moved to the other. Once he was in position and looking at me, I pointed down
the corridor and silently motioned him forward as I moved out also. For the
next ten minutes, we communicated entirely with hand signals until we reached
another intersection and stopped as he held up his closed fist, then pointed
down a corridor to our right and cupped his hand around his ear. I was on the
right, so I approached the corner, dropped down prone and eased my head out
until I could see what he was apparently hearing. There was a small group of
armed men in civilian clothing clustered outside of a set of double doors that
were open. Once around the corner, I could hear a low murmuring sound and
pulled back out of sight.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wiggled backwards and then sat up to find
him almost on top of me. “How many?” He asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Six, no, seven, loitering around a set of
open double doors.” I whispered as I pointed back the way we had come, “Stairs,
let’s take ourselves up there and see if we can get closer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded, rose to his feet and began
jogging ahead of me. At the stairs, he took them two at a time and I followed
on his heels. Then we cut back and dropped to our bellies as we approached
where we thought the group of men would be below us. The description of our
movement sounds like we simply ran across an open area, but in reality, above
the rooms was a maze of ducting, conduit, and piping.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crawling to the edge, we looked down and saw
the same seven men. They were armed and equipped the same as the men Danni and
I had taken out, but more important were the sounds coming from within the
double doors. It sounded as though scores of men were inside. I scooted back
and then waved him back as well. Putting my mouth next to his ear, I asked,
“You have a radio, will it work down here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waved me farther from the edge and
whispered, “I’ve been doing radio checks while we walked here; no reception,
but I have an interphone like the ones maintenance uses. All we need is a phone
jack, there’s one at the beginning of each block.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I crawled back and wrote down the room
number, then rejoined Lucian and we worked our way back to the stairs and down.
We quickly trotted away until he stopped at a yellow metal box attached to a
wall. Lucian opened the box, then from one of his pouches, he removed what
appeared to be a normal, old-style hand held phone with a coiled wire attached,
and inserted the plug into the jack. While he began making his report, I stood
watch in case anyone started in our direction. Eventually, he unplugged and
returned the phone to the pouch he kept it in.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, I’ve notified HQ and they want us to
hang loose and report any changes. They’re putting together a reaction team as
we speak.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, let’s get back up there and make sure
these asshats don’t decide to bail out for some reason.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did, and we positioned ourselves in a
manner that would allow us to fire on the open doors if needed. Then we waited,
and then we waited some more. Finally, I noticed an increase in the noise
levels coming from the room and worked closer to the edge so I could see what
was going on. There was a stream of armed men beginning to exit the room.
Lucian looked at me with an alarmed expression and I sighed before raising up
and opening fire with the hope it might drive them back inside. Lucian did the
same and it had the desired effect, most, but not all of the men wearing red
armbands ducked back into the room.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men in the room began to blindly fire
their weapons out the doorways and down the corridors in a poor example of
covering fire as several ran out in both directions. I shot the ones going
towards us, and Lucian shot the ones running from where we were. One man
managed to reach the nearest intersection and disappear from sight. I re-aimed
at the doors and shot a man who leaned out to see, what he could see and then
it became quiet. I took advantage and quickly changed out the magazine in my
bullpup for a fresh one.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think?” Lucian asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think whoever is in there is looking for
another exit. If there is one, we may find ourselves getting flanked, or
attacked from our rear before help arrives.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a bad feeling they received a
warning from someone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, so watch your six.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you can handle this, I’ll move back and
watch the stairs, what do you think?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the distance, from somewhere close-by, I
heard a rapid rate of gunfire and raised up with my weapon again pointed at the
doors. “Our help may have just arrived,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A crowd of armed men rushed out the double
doors and began to again run down the two directions of the corridor and I
opened fire again. The noise was deafening and I quickly realized more men were
being hit and falling than Lucian and I could be responsible for. I wriggled to
the edge, looked down the concrete hall and saw a group of Rangers advancing
behind men with ballistic shields held in front of them. I had the impression
of an advancing Roman Legion. Some of the men with red armbands began throwing
down their weapons and putting their hands on their heads, but the incoming
fire didn’t slacken; weapon, or not, everyone was being shot. I started
targeting the ones who kept firing at the advancing wall of shields, but in
moments, everyone outside the room was either dead, or dying. The shield wall
kept coming and the troops waded over the bodies until they reached the open
doors and then they formed a line and entered the room, firing as they went. A
second line from the opposite direction arrived and added their numbers to
those going in. Eventually, the gunfire died out and it became quiet except for
orders that were being shouted out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved back from the edge and said,
“Brutal, but efficient.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we would have done this before, we
wouldn’t need to do it now,” Lucian said. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him and I could tell, he was
just as disturbed by the slaughter as I was. “I couldn’t shoot the ones who
dropped their weapons,” I said. It was what I had advocated to Rickett, put a
permanent end to the ones who kept coming back after being paroled, but saying
it is one thing, doing it is another. It was like when we hanged Mary Stevens
and Carol Parker, easy to say, harder to do. “Come on, let’s get down there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked down together and by the time we
reached the doors, Major Higgins was there and staring at what we had wrought.
“Major Higgins,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me and then nodded to Lucian,
“It was the two of you that had them pinned in there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucian answered, “Yes, Sir. They tried to
run just before you arrived and we forced them back inside. I know at least one
escaped.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He didn’t, he ran into us down there,” he
pointed with his chin. “He’s dead.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Higgins,” I said. “Have you heard
anything about my wife, Captain Monroe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s good, Daniel. She’s in our infirmary
and doing better. If you would have stayed where you were, we could have got
her to safety sooner. The men Rickett sent to arrest you were supposed to
protect you until one of our teams got there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We weren’t sure what was going on, only
that the Colonel wanted us out of the picture.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he did. We’ve been telling him
appeasement hasn’t worked and wasn’t going to work, but he kept doing the same
thing over and over and expecting the results he wanted instead of what we
got.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The definition of insanity,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and said, “Well, he’s no longer in
command, so you can relax when it comes to him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What will happen to him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to offer to allow him to stay,
but my guess? He’ll move on to greener pastures.” He sighed and added, “He was
a good man, a good leader, but he just couldn’t accept what was happening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can any of us truly accept what’s happening?”
I asked. “I still think of all the people dead and gone, nations reduced to
fiefdoms, how long it’s going to take us to rebuild, and I wonder, for what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, we do what we can wherever we are and
hope it’s enough.” He said. “I think I’m going to throw myself in with you lot.
I can’t think of a better place to start than here. Hell, there may not be any
other place worth starting from.” He looked around and then said, “Well, I have
a job to do. Lucian, there’s carts down around the corner, take Major Tarn to
the Asylum billet and get him back with his wife.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major,” Higgins added, “This was a job well
done and I’ll be sure to tell your Colonel when I communicate with him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Major Higgins, let me know if
there’s anything Captain Monroe, or I, can do to assist.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-89103517139127352342021-06-21T05:09:00.005-07:002023-02-27T18:28:26.942-08:00ASYLUM: Chapter 28<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strangely enough, that’s all I remember. I
don’t remember the other medical staff arriving, being prepped, or anything
else for that matter. I just woke up and felt like shit. Sticky mouth again,
but at least I could move around because I wasn’t strapped down, well, my left
arm wasn’t, but my right arm was secured to my chest. Somewhere, I could hear
people softly talking, the monitor next to me was beeping and there was an
oxygen mask over my mouth and nose. Like always, I was thirsty and my tongue wanted
to stick to the roof of my mouth. I looked around and saw a table with wheels,
so I reached out and pulled it to me, there was a water pitcher on it with a
plastic cup beside it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fine motor skills were shot to hell.
Trying to reach over the bedrail for the pitcher, all I managed to do was knock
the pitcher over and then watch it roll off the table and hit the floor. From
the sound, it must have fractured. I had been thirsty, but now without the
promise of water within reach, I felt like I couldn’t swallow and I began to
panic. The nurse call button, where was it?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, a nurse came around the end of
the curtain, saw the broken pitcher and immediately approached, “Captain Tarn,
take it easy, you can’t have water yet, but ice chips are okay.” She raised her
voice and said, “Millicent! Bring me those ice chips please, Captain Tarn is
conscious.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know anyone named Millicent, but
Julia came running around the end of the curtain, started sliding as she tried
to stop and bounced off a wall before she straightened up, gathered her
dignity, and coolly walked to the foot of the bed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, Boss!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then tried to talk, but nothing
came out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia worriedly asked, “What’s wrong with
him?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s been unconscious, his nose has been
previously broken, so he only breathes through his mouth, I imagine it’s so dry
he can’t speak.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, oh, that’s what the ice chips are for,”
She went to the end of the curtain and shouted, “Hey, Milli! Ice chips!” She
looked back at me and said, “These kids today, they really have no idea of what
a work ethic is.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A girl, probably a year younger than Julia,
walked around the end of the curtain as she rolled her eyes at Julia and then
smiled at me as she stopped beside the bed, “Hello, Captain, it’s good to see
you awake.” While she was talking, she took out several ice chips from the cup
she held and started slipping them past my lips, “When you want more just open
your mouth and I’ll pop some in, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and opened my mouth, that’s what we
did until I finally asked, “Can I have some water, please?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nurse with no name said, “Let’s see how you
handle the fluids from the ice chips first, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and opened my mouth for more as
Millicent said, “Julia, could you get some more? We’re almost out.” Julia took
off and when she reappeared, she swapped cups with Milli.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No-name-nurse asked, “How does your stomach
feel, Captain?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Empty.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How about some gelatin?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My stomach is asking for something a little
more substantial.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really, well, my experience is telling me
gelatin and my experience outranks your stomach, so gelatin it is. Millicent,
grab two of the cups of gelatin, please.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I despise gelatin, you can’t sink your teeth
into it, “Pudding?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Too rich, you’re not going to be problem,
are you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I decided co-operative was a
good way to go, “You’re the expert.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “We’re going to get
along just fine. I wonder why so many people told me you could be obstinate?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave her a bewildered look and she laughed
as she turned and left the bedside. Julia watched her go and then leaned over
and whispered, “Be careful of that one, she can be a rolling bitch.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for the heads-up.” I took in a deep
breath and winced as I felt a sharp tugging sensation in my shoulder, “Ow.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You alright?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw, just a sharp stab, how’s my shoulder
look?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged, “Beats me, it’s all covered up
with bandages.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to reach it with my left hand, but
ended up getting tangled in wires attached to my torso and pulling on the IV
line inserted in the back of my hand. “Shit, pull that over for me, please?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked around and moved the IV stand
closer and I began to gingerly explore my shoulder. It felt like there were
layers of bandages, but other than that, it felt normal, “Good.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s still attached.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s still attached?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My arm.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, “Never mind.” I looked up at the
clock on the wall and it said. 16:22. Most of the clocks in Asylum are 24-hour
clocks. “Wow, I slept all day. Did you guys take care of the fuel question they
had on the Denver Enclave?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked puzzled, but said, “Yeah.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her and finally asked, “And?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were right, they were pumping out a lot
of diesel fuel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And then the trucks left with the Moroccan
troops and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?! Did you notify the Comm Center?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, we did, and they called Holloman
and those guys caught the Moroccans out in the desert and shot the heck out of
them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Casualties?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They sent a Marine unit out to make a
damage assessment and they said they counted close to 600 bodies. The good
thing was, when the Moroccans saw the A-10s coming, they bailed out of their
trucks and tried to hide in the desert, but there was nowhere to hide. So most
of the trucks can be salvaged, lots of crew served weapons mounted on the
trucks are still good and the few troops that survived are basically walking
back to Denver, but that’s not going to do them any good because the Denver
Militia sent out forces to meet them and either kill them or take them
prisoner.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Denver had a Militia we didn’t know about?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sort of, the African Special Deployment
Detachment, they really should change their name, that’s a mouthful, attacked
the Libyan and Venezuelan troops in the Denver Enclave and took over a large
portion of the underground facility. They have control of the airfields, and
fuel supplies, and uh, well I’ll have to look over the rest of the reports from
there. They are requesting help to finish taking the facility, but a lot of
people from Denver are helping them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have got to get out of here, go find
Williams and Danni, bring them here and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t, Danni’s gone and so are all of the
Rangers and almost all of the Militia, they went to attack the Los Negroes
people in Las Cruces. You know, the ANTIFA guys.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? On their own turf! No, no way, get me
to the comm center, right the hell now!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Danni said you were to stay here if you
woke up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I woke up? What the hell do you mean, if
I woke up?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,” she started looking uncomfortable and
finally said, “Daniel, when did Danni bring you here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, last night of course, you know that,
I talked to Walter on the way and gave him my blessing, sort of.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, thanks for that, by the way, but
Danni brought you here on Friday, the 8<sup>th</sup>, today is Saturday, the 16<sup>th</sup>.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What happened?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know that French guy, Gerard?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, sort of, I think.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He screwed with the gas he was giving you
while they operated on you. Uh, he sort of killed you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Surgical Nurse realized what was
happening and tried to stop him, he grabbed a scalpel and stabbed her in the
neck, then he went after the surgeon, Doctor Simpson. Danni was outside and
heard the noise from them fighting, she ran in, saw what was happening and
killed that Gerard guy with just her bare hands.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is she alright? Did she get hurt?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s fine. She’s leading one of the
platoons in Las Cruces. Anyway, the Simpson guy said you were dead and started
taking off his surgery stuff, but Doctor Horne started giving you CPR and then
Mary Cho brought in a refridu, a uh, the thing they shock dead people with…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">defibrillator</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, that’s it, and Horne shocked you and
worked on you and then Simpson started helping because Danni said she was going
to break his neck if he didn’t and finally your heart started beating and then
you started breathing, but you didn’t wake up. Simpson said here was no reason
to finish the surgery because you were probably going to be a vegetable and
Danni put her gun to his head and said if you died because he didn’t finish, he
was going to die too. So, yeah, he finished the surgery and we’ve been waiting
for you to wake up ever since.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow, so is there anyone who can get me out
of here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope, but Wally has been praying for you
every day to get better and seeing as how they said it would be a miracle if
you woke up, maybe now I can get him to pray for them to let you out?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, sounds like a plan, Danni and Debra
are okay though, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As far as I know, yeah.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, want to do me a favor?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go to the cafeteria and get me a Rueben
sandwich? I’m starving.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia’s eyes widened and she said, “After she
said gelatin only? No way am I getting on her bad side. Sorry, Boss, but no
way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, she can’t be that bad.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Boss, with all the pregnant women around
here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s a midwife too, so no, I might need
her someday.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The no-name-nurse walked around the end of
the curtain and said, “For a woman so young, you’re very wise, Julia.” She held
up two cups of gelatin and added, “He only has one usable hand and it’s full of
needles, do you want to develop some baby feeding skills?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day, I got one slice of toast and a
poached egg with some sort of juice for breakfast; it beat the hell out of
gelatin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For lunch, I got one slice of bread with a
slice of lunch meat, a serving of apple sauce and some more nondescript fruit
juice. How are people supposed to survive and heal if they are being starved!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner? Some sort of tortilla around some
kind of processed puree something or other, I found myself wondering if I could
somehow spring Maria Estevan from her cage. Just a passing thought, but still a
thought.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For breakfast, a mound of scrambled eggs,
two slices of bacon, a hash brown patty and believe it or not, two slices of
rye bread! No ketchup, that sucked, but coffee!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For lunch, I got evicted. Casualties were
coming in from Las Cruces and they need the room for the wounded. I can’t find
out what’s happening! I tried calling the Intel Office, but no one answered. What
the hell! I was able to walk out of the clinic, but my legs started trembling
and there's no way I can walk home as weak as I am. I kept seeing faces of
people I knew, people who were wounded. I was starting to get nervous; I mean,
I know Debra is safe at Holloman, but what about Danni? I kept asking people if
they had seen her, or even if they knew what platoon she was leading, no one
knew. The pain I was feeling in my shoulder was beginning to become problematic
and seemed to be spreading. Initially, it just hurt at the base of the side of
my neck, but it was rapidly spreading down into the area of my shoulder blade,
actually it felt like it was behind the shoulder blade. Sometimes it became so
painful, it was difficult to draw a complete breath.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting on towards evening and I was
still sitting outside the clinic when I saw Julia walking towards me with
Felicia. I waved and they hurried along until they reached me. “Daniel,” Fel
said. “Why are you sitting out here in a hospital gown?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“There’s a big influx of casualties coming in from Las Cruces and they
needed the bed space. I’ve seen an awful lot of people being processed through,
way more than they can fit in the Clinic, where are you putting them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The old Workers’ Barracks. Our medics and
some doctors from Holloman are treating them, but we’re getting close to
starting to fail.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grasped her hand and asked, “Dak? Have you
heard anything?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was okay yesterday.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head, “Communications has been
really bad. We didn’t even know all these casualties were coming; we had no
time to prepare and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell she was getting close to losing
it, Felicia is a kind hearted, gentle soul for the most part, seeing all these
wounded was probably affecting her on deep level. I managed to get up on my
shaky legs and get my arms around her, “Easy, Felicia, easy, take one piece at
a time and then go to the next, okay? One piece at a time.” She nodded and
straightened up as I asked, “You okay? Are you good to go?” She nodded and I
sat her on the bench I had been sitting on and then basically collapsed beside
her, “Julia, fill me in with anything you know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know we were after the ANTIFA guys?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you told me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We knew they were going to try and join up
with the Moroccans for the attack on Holloman. The plan, was for our Rangers
and Militia to hit Los Negroes from behind and then hold them while the Air
Force hammered them. The description I saw was like a hammer on an anvil; we
were the anvil and the Air Force was going to be the hammer. What no one knew
was, the troops at Fort Bliss? They were not on our side; most had been exposed
to the blue stuff and most were not Americans. The Mexican Army crossed the
border in El Paso and took over Fort Bliss and was using it to operate from,
that’s why they never wanted to meet with us. When they came, they brought some
of those big tanks of ours and some other armored vehicles from Bliss and
that’s why we have suffered so many casualties.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Geez, we have nothing that can take out an
M1 Abrams tank; hell, we don’t even have anything to take out an Armored
Personnel Carrier.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but Colonel Packer said for our people
to just try and stay out of their way, let them go through and join up with the
ANTIFA people, so we didn’t have forces on both sides of us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But just let them through? Why?” And then I
remembered, Abrams tanks are fuel hogs, I remembered reading somewhere it took
five to ten gallons just to start one and they ran off of JP8 jet fuel. “Were
those tanks transported to the fight, or did they drive to the fight?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They were driven, so they don’t have much
fuel left and they don’t have ammunition for their big guns. When our Army
left, they took almost all the ammo with them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go Army!” And then I realized something she
said. She didn’t say, Major Packer, she said Colonel Packer! “Packer is a
Colonel now? How did that happen?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, I’ve been busy with other
stuff that seemed more important.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Has anyone seen Gilly the last few days?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She was coming every day to check on you,
but then she stopped. One of the cadets I know says she’s organizing things
Topside because the Air Force is sending people who are not wounded too badly
here and sending the seriously wounded to a field hospital run by the Marines.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I could feel myself running down,
too much excitement, too much to worry about, too little rest the night before.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia started to look concerned and said,
“Daniel? You don’t look too good all of a sudden.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yeah, I think I’m running out of
gas. I need to figure a way to get home, so I can crash.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia stood up and said, “Wait here.” She
hurried away and I said to Julia, “Look, don’t come in tomorrow, let’s take it
off and then we’ll see come the day after, okay?” She agreed and we waited a
few minutes longer until Felicia came back sitting in a crash cart, “Get in,”
she said as she climbed out, “They’re going to give you ride home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you need these to transport the wounded.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel!” Fel sounded exasperated, “They
have to drive back Topside for more wounded to bring here. They are going your
way empty, get in and go home!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point taken, I climbed in and in less
than a minute, I was dropped off at my front door. As the crash cart sped away,
I stumbled to the front door and placed my hand on the doorknob, it was locked,
of course, and I was wearing a hospital gown without my keys. I turned and sat
down on the concrete bench beside the door and sighed, great, no clothes, no
keys and off the track all the carts were driving. Shit. I’m such a great
intelligence officer, I couldn’t even remember to grab my keys.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there on the bench for a while as the
concrete sucked the warmth out of my ass and finally glanced to my left, aw for
shit’s sake! The Intel Office was ten doors away and I knew the keypad security
code; I stood up stiffly and stumbled to the door, punched in the numbers,
heard the door unlock and then walked through. In my office, I opened my safe and
withdrew the laptop and set it on the desktop. Finally, I collapsed in my chair
and groaned as I typed in a query. I closed my eyes to rest for a moment and
then…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something stirred me, I opened my eyes and
the first thing I saw, was the open screen of the laptop. The screen was
blurry, but there was a flashing red box I knew very well, a hit from the dark
web, but I couldn’t read what it said. The one thing I knew, it was either
about Debra, or Danni, because those were the names I entered. I rubbed my
face, dug the sand from my eyes and leaned forward, the flashing red box said,
3 hits, over and over. Please God, not from a casualty list, please.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first hit was the one I had already
seen, the fake message saying Debra would be in two different towns and the
times she would be there, I deleted it. I clicked on the second, it was an
after-action report submitted by Ranger Lieutenant Danni Monroe, Commanding Officer,
2<sup>nd</sup> Platoon, Charlie Company, 2<sup>nd</sup> Battalion, Grant County
Militia. I highlighted the entire report, ran a wire from the computer to the
printer and clicked on the printer icon. The printer spit out five pages of
densely packed information. It all looked so blurry, I didn’t try to read it, I
stapled it for later reading.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last hit was for Ranger Lieutenant Debra
Tarn, again my vision was too blurry to read it, so again, I highlighted it and
clicked on the print icon. The printer spit out three pages and stopped. I
gathered them up and stapled those also. I shut down the computer and closed
it. Opening the bottom left drawer of my desk, I reached in and withdrew a
bottle of water, unscrewed the lid, and poured water over my eyes. It wasn’t
until I had done it that I realized I had also soaked the bandages on my right
shoulder, great, I feel like shit and now I was going to have to change the
bandages with only one hand available. Come on, Dan! Use your fricking head for
a change!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept trying to read the printing and
slowly I was starting to make out bits and pieces of it, in frustration, I went
to the last page and started trying to figure out what had been printed and
finally, I realized it said, “Transported to Asylum, New Mexico, via Medivac
Helicopter.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got sick to my stomach and I thought I was
going to vomit as tears flooded my eyes. No, no, no! Hold it, Julia said the
Air force was sending the most serious cases to a field hospital and the less
serious here! Okay, maybe she wasn’t hurt too bad, but what about Danni Lynn?!
Figure one thing out and then find another worry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went back to the after-action report and
began to study the last lines the way I had Debra’s, Oh, god, Danni was
returning on a medivac helicopter also! I had to get to the clinic! They would
know where they were at, how bad the wounds were. I struggled up and leaned on
the desk as I steadied myself. I wasn’t going to be able to make it, no way
could I make it. I almost collapsed. But caught myself as I heard my heart
beating a ragged rhythm in my ears, wait a minute, if that’s my heart beating,
it sure as hell didn’t sound right. I raised up my head and looking through the
window of my office and then to the window next to the door, I could make out
three fuzzy figures, two of whom were beating on the outer double panes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had to be my crew, my analysts, why
didn’t they just come in? In my addled and confused mind, the only reason I
could think of was they forgot the code, they could help me find my girls if I
let them in. I opened my desk drawer and retrieved a black marker, then a sheet
of paper from the printer. I used my left hand to scrawl, 1-4-1-5 on it and
then held it up where they could see it. In seconds they were in and running
towards my office.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Doctor Horne was pissed, </span>“Somebody better tell me right the hell now!
Who was the moron, that escorted Captain Tarn to the GOD DAMN DOOR, AND PUSHED
HIM OUT OF IT!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crickets.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shifted uncomfortably and decided I wanted
to be anywhere, but where I was, “Doctor Horne,” I said. “There was a lot of
confusion, wounded patients were being brought in faster than they could be
triaged and processed, Hell, I don’t even remember who helped me to the door.
It could have been anyone and most likely someone unfamiliar with my condition.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned around and gave me an evil glare,
“You, shut the hell up!” He stormed out of the curtain enclosure while waving
for his staff to follow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nurse with no name, now had a name,
Priscilla Pringle, winked at me and then followed Doctor Horne. Priscilla
preferred to be called Pris by her friends and insisted I should also. Pris
Pringle, get it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never mind. I guess she
thought I knew who had walked me out and I was covering for them, I wasn’t because
I honestly didn’t know, but the food was better than before and I think she has
something to do with it, so yeah, I can’t remember.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra leaned down and softly said, “Honey,
if you even suspect you know who it was, you tell me, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, Babe, but really, I have no clue.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni mumbled something about ‘scorched
earth’ and Debra said ‘fucking A.’ Yeah, my memory is going to keep right on
failing me. Danni Lynn started fussing and Debra said, “The eating machine
summons.” She pulled the curtain farther around and then sat down as she
started unbuttoning her OCP jacket. Danni brought Danni Lynn around the bed and
handed her off to Debra who set her to nursing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched Danni, watching Danni Lynn nurse
with a degree of hope in her expression. Our kids were probably going to grow
up not really sure which of their two moms actually gave birth to them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni walked back around to my right and
leaned over to nuzzle me as she said, “I love you, Babe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I love you.” Debra said as she smiled,
but she was in the zone she falls into when Danni Lynn is nursing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you doing okay? Pain?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some, but manageable, I’m just so happy you
three are safe.” I closed my eyes and started thinking about their tale of
homecoming.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned over so she could see past the
Air Force Para Rescue crew member as the Black Hawk banked over Asylum and then
swept in to set down, “Hang on, Lieutenant, let us set down completely!” She
nodded in response and once again sat back on the bench she had been sitting on
since leaving the Las Cruces area. She barely felt the wheels hit the pavement
before she was out the door and jogging towards the Bunker. She was wearing her
complete set of ‘Away Gear’ and though most of her ammo and food were depleted,
its weight was still substantial. She passed through the double doors of the
Bunker and then turned left into the Ready Room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was crowded with medical personnel and
wounded, but she worked her way through to the Colonel’s office in hopes of
finding Gilly. She wasn’t there, so she hurried outside and then down the main
thoroughfare into Asylum. She jogged past the turnoff to the apartment and
thought about going there and stripping off some of the excess weight, but
pressed on instead. After she passed through the doors leading into Phase 3, she
picked up her pace and by the time she reached the doors of the clinic, she had
to slide to a stop. The doors to the clinic were propped open, so she passed
through and down the hall she knew led to Daniel’s bed. When she reached the
curtain of the alcove, she hesitated and then swept the curtain aside and
stepped in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hospital bed in the center of the room
was occupied, but it wasn’t Daniel, shit, shit, where was he! There were an
additional two cots that were occupied, but again, neither were Daniel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Monroe? Are you looking for
someone?” One of the two men on the cots had risen and was resting on an elbow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Captain Tarn, have you seen him? He
was in this bed when I left.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Ma’am, he wasn’t here when they brought
me in.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, are you wounded bad?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No Ma’am, just a through and through, in my
lower leg. I guess it will be a while before they get to me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad to hear that it’s not bad, take
care, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hurried out and took several breaths
before walking down the hall and looking into every curtained cubicle, but
still, no Daniel. He had been on death’s doorstep when she left and the only
reason he could be gone, she didn’t want to think about. Then she saw Mary Cho
and ran to her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mary, Mary!” Cho turned around and saw her
before breaking out in a smile.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni! Daniel woke up! He was conscious!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned forward and rested her hands
on her bent knees, “Oh, thank god, I saw he was gone and thought…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, no, he was aware of his surroundings,
he was eating, and he was starting to use the restroom with a little help. He
was looking good the last time I saw him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yesterday, just before noon because this
shit started and…Danni, doesn’t anyone know where he is?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re the first person I’ve talked to that
might know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, we’ll check the release forms,
that will tell us where he was sent.” Danni followed Mary to the front desk and
watched as she started rifling through papers. Eventually, she looked up and
said, “Nothing, he wasn’t officially released or, transferred. According to our
paperwork, he’s still in the cubicle you last saw him in.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it, where could they have taken him?”
She was starting to get angry rather than scared.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Bunker is the Staging Area for the
incoming wounded, so he’s not there. We’re doing triage here and you’ve already
searched us, so that only leaves the old Workers’ Barracks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe they released him and sent him home?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was doing really good, Danni, but no, no
way. He was in far too much pain and they were administering Morphine in his IV
to control it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God, he was actually taking Morphine,
willingly?” Mary nodded. “He must have really been hurting. Okay, I’m headed
for the barracks, thanks, Mary!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She jogged out the door and promptly ran
into Debra, who was running towards the door, “Danni! How is he? Is he still
unconscious?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She threw her arms around Debra and gripped
her tightly as she said, “Debbie, he’s not here, but Mary said he woke up and
was doing pretty good, but now he’s gone and they think he got lost in the
shuffle. The only place left is the old Worker’s Barracks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the door of the clinic, Mary Cho said,
“Hey, Debra! You’re back!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Danni says Daniel might be in the
Barracks?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the only place I can think of and
here,” she held out a large plastic bag. “This is Daniel’s personal effects
that he had when he was admitted.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra took the clear plastic bag as she
said, “Thank you, Mary, if you hear anything, let us know, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,” she started to turn away, but
instead asked, “Do you have any idea when the transfer of wounded will slow
down? We’re already past our limit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I came in on what I was told was the last
medivac chopper, so what’s coming is here; there won’t be anymore.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Great, well, back to it. Let me know if you
find him and I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two women turned away and started
quickly walking towards Phase 2 where the Barracks were located. Danni asked,
“Danni Lynn, where is she?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At the apartment, Gilly said she would take
her care of her while I came to check on Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, I’m so sorry, you left him in my
care, you trusted me and I dropped the ball!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How could you know his wound would get
infected, as long as you were caring for him, changing the bandages…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the whole point, Debra, I wasn’t!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra stopped and looked at Danni, “What do
you mean, you weren’t?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie, he was so angry when you said
to he had no say in any way about Danni Lynn, every time I tried to
approach him and defend your actions, we would argue and he would end up walking
away. Most of the time you were gone, I was staying in the women’s bay at the
Bunker. It wasn’t until two days before I was sent to Las Cruces that he
finally read your letter. I didn’t wait for him to read his like you wanted, I
read mine days before he did and I almost had to prostrate myself and beg him
to read his. Danni, he packed all his belongings and was planning on leaving!
I…I screwed things up so bad trying to defend you…I should have
done…something…different. It wasn’t until just minutes before he read the
letter that I was sort of able to start getting through to him. What you said,
Debra, you hurt him so bad and then I made it worse!” She started to openly
cry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra wiped her own eyes and said, “I was
the one that started the whole thing by agreeing to go to Holloman with Packer.
It happened so fast, I didn’t have time to kind of work up to it like I
normally do and then I got pissed and then even more pissed when he brought up
Taylor. I fucked up and then I guess you fucked up and now we have a cluster
fuck on our hands. I was hoping I would come home and find that you and him had
agreed and were playing house the way I wanted, but, shit, I guess not. He
probably thinks I don’t love him or something and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, he knows, but he had this idea that you
would feel the same as he did, that it’s supposed to be one man and one woman,
and…remember you said I might want to talk to the other guy?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, and I almost blew it again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? I thought that part of him would be
more, I don’t know, receptive of what I was suggesting. He’s more
open minded than Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s also more dominant than Daniel when
it comes to a relationship and it started making me nervous and…I don’t mean he
got aggressive because he didn’t, but I still got nervous and started backing
away. You know my past history, the beating, the miscarriage.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, he will never hurt you, it’s not in
him, or the other guy.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know now, but I still have those
automatic responses ingrained and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, we can work through that, I’m sure we
can, but first, before we talk about anything else, Danni. Are you open to what
I suggested? You, me, and Daniel becoming a family? Raising our kids together?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni nodded and said, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, then,” she grabbed Danni’s hand and
started walking towards the Barracks. “All we need to do is get past Daniel’s
prudishness, because I know he loves you, once you get him into bed he’ll start
to come around and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie, we already got past that part.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra pulled her to a stop and said, “What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We already got past that part, we would
have the night he read your letter, but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did what you suggested and told him about
you, me, and the Jacuzzi.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, and he reacted badly?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, once he knew we hadn’t cheated on him,
that it was before him and you, and it was only once, he seemed okay with it,
in fact, I think the idea appealed to him, well, the other him.” Danni started
walking again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The other him?” Debra asked as they started
walking faster.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, right after I told him about the Jacuzzi, Daniel said, ‘shut up!’ and I thought he didn’t want to hear anymore,
so I started apologizing and said I’d never mention it again and he said he
wasn’t telling me to shut up; he was talking to the other guy, and I started
laughing and he said it wasn’t funny and that made me laugh harder and I
crawled up in his lap and we agreed to have sex and then…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What did he do to you, was it good?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I drank too much, passed out and woke up
the next morning in bed, alone.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra audibly sighed and said,
“Unfuckingbelieveable, you had the chance to cement the whole thing and you
drank yourself into oblivion.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Debbie, it wasn’t like that, I swear!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked up to the double doors leading
into the Worker’s Barrack as Debra said, “We’ll finish this conversation and
figure out what we do next when we’re done here and we know Daniel is safe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside, there was a desk that appeared to
have been hastily placed with a Militia Cadet sitting behind it. She stood up
and said, “Lieutenant Monroe, Lieutenant Tarn, can I help you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni smiled and said, “Cadet Kerry,
Lieutenant Tarn and I are trying to locate her husband, Captain Tarn; do you
have a roster of who has been admitted?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kerry frowned and said, “I haven’t seen him
brought in, but I was brought in to free up some of the medical personnel after
this whole thing started.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “He would have been brought here
early in the process, he was a patient in the clinic and they moved him out to
provide room for the wounded being brought in.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay, I have a list here of everyone
they have brought in; let me look.” She started looking down the list and after
a few moments, she said, “He’s not on the list, maybe he was brought in before
they started writing people’s names down?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s possible, things have been pretty
chaotic from what I’m seeing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright,” Danni said. “We’re going to walk
through and see if he’s here. If he is brought in, would you let us know
please?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, but…” She was hesitant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “But what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, the head nurse won’t mind if you go
in,” she said to Debra. “You look pretty clean, but she’s not going to be happy
with Lieutenant Monroe wandering around.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked down at herself and agreed,
“I’m really filthy, go ahead and go Debra, I’ll wait here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra quickly walked away and entered the
temporary ward. Cadet Kerry asked Danni, “Did you just come in from Las
Cruces?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I did. The only water I’ve seen in the
last seven days has been for drinking only.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look really tired; do you want to take
off some of your gear? I can even bring it to where you live after I get done
here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for the offer, Cadet Kerry, but my
weapon and gear? My responsibility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kerry smiled and said excitedly, “I told Tom
Acre you would live what you teach and you do!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni smiled and said, “I surely do, Cadet,
I always know where everything is, I keep it clean, organized and replenished
as needed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I try to do that, Lieutenant, but wherever
I put it, it always seems to be in the way of something else. Like in my
closet, it gets covered with shoes, or dirty laundry, or…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Make yourself a gear stand, it will
organize everything and keep it out of the way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kerry looked puzzled and asked, “What’s a
gear stand?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni thought for a moment and then said,
“Huh, well Cadet, you just brought out a deficiency in my training procedures.
I should have taught you how to build a gear stand or as some people call it, a
gear rack.” She pulled a notebook from her pocket and wrote a notation to
herself. “I’m going to have to address this; sometimes we forget things that
are ordinary and mundane, but really aren’t in the grand scheme of things.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra hurried back to the desk and Danni
knew before she said anything the news was bad, “Debra?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s not here, Danni! Where is he? Where
can he be?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni put her arms around Debra, but said
nothing at first as she simply held her. Her mind was numb from not sleeping in
the last 36 hours and she was having trouble concentrating. “Debbie, let’s go
home and get cleaned up, maybe we can see something else, something we’re too
tired right now to see.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded in agreement and said, “Yeah,
we better, my boobs are feeling tight, so Danni Lynn must be getting hungry and
giving Gilly fits.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left and headed home in silence as both
tried to think of where he might be. When they opened the door of the
apartment, they were met with the strident cries of a hungry baby. Debra rushed
forward as she open her shirt, pulled it down and then grabbed the shoulder
strap of her bra and pulled it down to expose her breast. Taking Danni Lynn,
she positioned her as she latched on fiercely and began to feed. “I’m sorry,
Baby, Momma’s sorry, there you go.” She looked up at Gilly and said, “Gilly,
I’m so sorry!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, I knew what was happening, but
you need a rocking chair ASAP.” She turned to Danni and said, “Daniel?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni wiped at her eyes and said, “No one
knows where he is; we’ve been everywhere they have patients, Gilly, he’s gone
as if he vanished of the face of the earth. He was in so much pain, he was
voluntarily taking morphine, but it’s been hours since he last had any. They
said he was doing good, but he was very weak, he couldn’t have walked far.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Easy, he has to be somewhere, we just have
to figure out where. Go get cleaned up, take a shower, clean clothes, you’ll
feel better and maybe think more clearly.” She helped Danni remove her gear and
then held up the plastic bag, “What’s this?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“His personal effects from the clinic, I
guess they didn’t give it to him when he left.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, go take that shower and then we’ll
put our heads together.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Danni emerged from her shower, they
sat down around the table as Debra rocked Danni Lynn. They sat quietly until
Gilly cleared her throat and quietly said, “There is one possibility, I don’t
want to consider it, but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra didn’t hesitate to say, “That maybe
he’s dead, and laying somewhere with the rest of the dead from the battles?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni gasped and said, “Oh, god, no, I
didn’t even think of…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra cut her off, “He’s not, I checked when
we were at the Barracks. There’s only been two deaths reported here and neither
was him; I visually made sure. Like they said, the seriously wounded went to
the Marine Field Hospital.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wall phone rang and Gilly answered it,
“Tarn and Monroe residence…oh, hi, Julia…no, he’s not here, we’ve been
everywhere trying to find him…He was! Are you sure? Julia, are you certain,
because he was not here when I arrived…yes, of course…no you would just be
staring at the wall the same as us…okay, you do that, alright, goodbye.” She
hung up and said, “That was Julia, she and Felicia talked to Daniel in front of
the Clinic yesterday evening and Felicia got a crash cart to drop Daniel off
here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stood up, “Here! He was brought here!
Then why isn’t he, HERE!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Easy, Danni,” Gilly frowned and then she
added. “I asked Julia if she was sure he was brought here and she said, yes,
she talked to the driver and he said he dropped Dan off at the front door and
drove away.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni burst out crying and said, “It’s my
fault! I was supposed to take care of him! I was supposed to…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra raised her voice and almost shouted,
“DANNI! Stop it, I just got Danni Lynn to sleep, come on, it is not your
fault!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni started to whine, “Yes, it is and I
know you think so too, the first time Daniel was my responsibility and I…” She
stopped mid-sentence and looked at Daniel’s personal effects, then she snatched
them from across the table and ripped the bag open.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, what are you doing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni starting pulling items out and casting
them aside, finally, she pulled out Dan’s jeans and started going through the
pockets until she jerked her hand out and held up a small ring of keys. “His
keys were in his pocket! He was locked out and couldn’t get in! He needed a
phone to call Facilities to have them come open the door! So, he has to be
somewhere close and there’s only one place he could go to use a phone that’s
close enough!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra levitated from her chair and handed
Danni Lynn to Gilly as Danni ran out the front door, “His office, Gilly! He has
to be there!” And then she ran after Danni.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran up beside Danni as she cupped her
hands around her eyes and tried to see inside the office, Danni grabbed her arm
and shouted, “There he is! He’s sitting at his desk, see him?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra strained her eyes and then, “Yes! It’s
him!” She slammed her fist on the glass and shouted, “Daniel! Daniel, open the
door! Daniel!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly walked quickly up beside them and
tried to also look in as Danni started pounding on the double-pane glass as
well, “Is he asleep?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Danni said, “He just tried to stand
up, but he’s too weak, doesn’t anyone know the keycode? Fuck it! I’m going to
get my rifle and shoot the damn glass out!” She started to run back to the
apartment and Debra shouted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait! I think he sees us! What…what’s he
doing? He’s writing I think…1-4-1-5! It has to be the code! 1-4-1-5!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra punched in the numbers and the lock
clicked in response. She jerked the door open, but Danni rushed through first.
They both ran through the front office and into Daniel’s as he slumped back
into his chair.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Oh, my god, what the hell are you…
Daniel? Daniel! Look at me!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jerked in response and my shoulder began
throbbing worse than before. I looked at her and struggled to focus my vision
and my mind, “I’m losing it, hallucination.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” She turned to Debra and said,
“Debbie?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her scent enveloped me, Roses, but something
else I hadn’t smelled before, what was different? Why did she smell different?
“Debra?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, yes, it’s me, Honey, come on, open
your eyes, we’re both here for you, come on. Danni! See if you can get through
to the Clinic on his phone!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m already on it! Gilly! Can you…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You smell different, why? Are you wearing
perfume?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? No, Honey there’s no perfume, it’s
always just me. Do I smell different? Is it a wrong or a bad smell?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it’s nice, the same, but more.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly said, “I’ll make the calls; you tend
to Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stroked my cheek as she said, “We’ve
been looking everywhere for you! Why did you leave the Clinic, what were you
thinking?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, that’s nice, it’s you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean, Daniel, of course, it’s
me and Debra.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not enough room, too many wounded, someone
said they needed the space.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, for god’s sake, as if you didn’t? Did
they give you pain meds before you left?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “Why aren’t you in the
clinic?” I asked, “You and Debra?” I reached for the stapled papers and Danni
grabbed one set and Debra the other. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They scanned them quickly and Debra said,
“Oh, no, it says we were transported by medivac, he thinks we’re wounded!” She
leaned back down and said, “No, Honey, were fine, really we are. We just rode
in on the helicopters because they had room for us. We wanted to get home to
you. I found out about the surgery and then Gerard’s attempt to kill you from
the Colonel, Danni obviously knew before she had to leave to join the fight.”
She looked at Danni and said, “I can understand how unbelievably hard that must
have been to do; to leave and not know if…” Her voice broke, but then she
steadied herself and said to me, “All I could think of was the last words we
shared before I left. From this day forward, no matter how angry I may be, the
last words I say to you will be, I love you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me too,” Danni said. “When I had to leave
and you were still unconscious, I didn’t know if you would be alive when I got
back. I cried and cried and the only thing that helped was leading my platoon
into the fight. It took you from the forefront, but I never forgot about you,
or the desire to have a family with you and Debra.” She looked at Debra and
said, “You and me, we should have had the time to talk before all of this,
before we had to find our man and keep him safe. There’s promises to make that
each of us will need to hear, am I right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, there are.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra suddenly looked concerned and said to
Gilly, “Gillian, there’s something we will need to tell you and the Colonel,
but not right now, our first concern is Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly was in the process of hanging up the
phone and said, “First, I got hold of Morgan at Facilities, and told him of our
problem; he’s sending several of their carts to assist the movement of injured
people and he’s sending one here for Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, good, Gilly,” Debra said. “Thank you so
much!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Second, I’ve noticed the change in the
relationship between the three of you and wondered where it was going to lead
us. I think what I am seeing, if it is what I’m seeing, is the best possible
outcome and I support it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “Really? You support the three
of us forming a, uh, blended family?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do, did you think I wouldn’t because
1700 years ago a group of men got together and decided what, ‘divinely
inspired’, books would be included in the Bible?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I never really thought about it,
religion, I mean. I’m just a little nervous that others might denounce us
because of the life style we choose.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I agree, there will be some who will
openly oppose it, there will be some who will openly support your decision; we
actually have a shortage of men anyway. There will also be those who oppose, or
support same sex marriage. How would you feel if you knew Matt and Timothy have
approached me in regards to a small marriage ceremony for them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would think, about time,” Debra said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What would Daniel say? I know he gets
flustered when either of you openly discuss sex in front of him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled and Danni laughed, “Yeah,”
Debra said. “But he’s much more open-minded than people think; he just doesn’t
talk about it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If the three of you decide to, will there
be another marriage between the three of you? Or would Daniel just be marrying
you, Danni? Or…something else?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked puzzled and shrugged, “I don’t
know, we haven’t gotten that far with it yet.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, make a decision, and let me know,
okay? Oh, here’s the cart, let’s see if we can get Daniel out there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra leaned down in front of me and said,
“Daniel? Honey? Can you hear me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, but then grimaced as the movement
set my shoulder to once again throbbing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The cart is here to take you back to the
clinic, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even try to nod my head, I just
whispered, “Yes, but wait, the scent.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll figure it out later, Daniel, right
now we need…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, now, give me your hand.” She placed her
hand in mine, I brought it to my nose and sniffed her wrist, “Yeah, roses.” I
pressed her hand to my chest and said, “Danni, your hand?” She did the same as
Debra had and again, I sniffed, “That’s why the scent is different, but still
soothing, I can smell you, Danni, I can smell both of you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up on a stretcher.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent another week in the clinic and
the girls were in and out constantly, all day long. Our friends came to visit
and there was talk about another wedding, mainly about how it might look. I
stopped the morphine early on because I started noticing I was looking at the
clock and getting itchy as the time for my dose neared. I was not going there
and to tell the truth, I wasn’t really noticing any difference in my pain
levels after I took it. Horne warned me I might have some problems, but really
it wasn’t that bad. I noticed I started getting anxious if one of the girls
were late showing up to come see me, Horne was monitoring my blood pressure
because I was elevated, sometimes I would sweat buckets, but the worst was
insomnia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begged for my computer for something to do
when I couldn’t sleep and Packer finally consented to allowing me to have it.
Late nights I would be pouring through the dark net and running queries on all
sorts of topics that got my interest. Sometimes I would just pick a single word
and run a query through our data base to see what would show up. Usually
nothing would, but sometimes it would lead me along a path I had never seen
before and I would start a new category.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, I never addressed what happened to
Stevens, Parker, and Spencer. We had a trial, they were found guilty, of
course, and sentenced. Spencer received 20 years for Treason, accessory to
murder, and Terrorism. He was taken by a team of Holloman Air Security and
shipped off to who knows where. I had my suspicions and I fully intended to
find out. He was way to helpful, so I think he worked a deal for himself with
someone. Stevens and Parker were found guilty and both were hung on the gallows
we had built in front of their cages at the loading dock. Parker seemed stunned
at first and started talking about how useful she could be as an informant, but
finally just started wailing until the floor dropped out from under her. It was
the first hanging we ever performed and hardly anyone stayed around for
Stevens’ turn. When you hang someone, it’s supposed to break their neck and
kill them instantly. Something went wrong and Parker’s neck didn’t break, she
strangled as she swung around kicking. Debra and Danni were standing nearby to
Stevens and said she pissed herself as she watched. Her dreams of a noble
martyr’s death went out the window and she started pleading for her life; she
had to be carried up the steps and her end was a little more merciful than
Parker’s. It only took a minute or so for her to stop kicking. I’m glad I
didn’t see it. Both of my girls say they wished they hadn’t. Both said if there
is a next time, it was going to be a quick bullet to the head. It’s one thing
to shout out ‘hang ‘em high’, it’s another to actually see it happen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did Holloman think it was so important
for Debra and Danni Lynn to go there? The leadership, namely General Marcus
Stone, had been trying to form alliances with the ranchers and farmers outside
Holloman in order to guarantee food supplies to the base, but a lot of the
people they needed to work with were suspicious of dealing with the military.
He recognized how important Debra had been to the earlier negotiations had
decided who better to allay the distrust of civilians and put a human face on
the military command, than a mother with a newborn baby telling them they were
the good guys. I guess Holloman was satisfied with the results, and offered
Debra a commission if she would stay and rejoin the Air Force. She declined the
offer, but agreed she might be able to assist in the future. I don’t know that
I like the sound of that, but if she needs to go again, I’m going with her, no
more separations. I think. The fact is, I believe I may have been played; Debra
says I have the added responsibility of a second wife and future children to
consider and she doesn’t want that put into jeopardy with me following her
around if she does need to go. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bad thing is, our Cadet program has
proven so successful, Holloman wants Danni to come and help get another similar
program going there. Everyone thinks they need my wives and no one seems to
think I do. I told Danni, no, absolutely not, and she smiled and nodded in
agreement until we got to bed and then her and Debra spent a good portion of
the night talking me into it. They did grant me two concessions, they can’t
both be gone at the same time and if one them is pregnant, she stays home until
she gives birth. I have no problem with keeping both of them pregnant forever.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did send a reinforced company of Rangers
to Denver to help quell a steady uprising among the ZPGers. Much like what
happened here, the ZPGers kept expecting the people to rise up and throw off
the evil oppressors. Banner, Thomas, and Stacey Menendez went with the intent
to train Scout/Sniper/Trackers, and Debra took over the SST school here at
Asylum. Hopefully that will keep her closer to home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The small detachment of AS Double D that was
here, has returned to Denver. That means SAS Lieutenant Taylor is now gone
also. An added benefit? Stella Morrison went with him and what a sad parting it
was. I had just been released from the clinic and was once again taking up my
duties when we heard they were about to leave, so Debra, Danni, and I went out
to wave goodbye to them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they were driving past where we were
standing on the loading dock, we started waving, and smiling, Stella saw us and
with a surprised expression, smiled and waved in return. I remember turning and
listening to Debra as she smiled broadly and waving energetically, said,
“Goodbye and good riddance you insufferable cunt. Eat shit and die you bitch. I
hope you give birth and your hemorrhoids slap the back of your knees when you
walk you, you…quick Danni!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ass sucking slut?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess that will work.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked back and forth between the two of
them and said, “You guys are incorrigible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both smiled up at me and Danni said,
“Yeah, but you love us soooo much.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do, now let’s get back to work, fun
time is over.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We turned around and found the Colonel and
Gilly standing directly behind us. Debra brazenly said, “Well, hi, Gilly, did
you come, like us, to see some friends off? Check out this cute little ribbon I
put in Danni Lynn’s hair!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, Danni, you are going to have to
moderate your language; do you want Danni Lynn showing up for Kindergarten and
calling the teacher a dirty name or something?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra didn’t answer, she was just looking at
Gilly and I could smell the gears getting overheated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra?” I prompted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh! Of course not! And you’re right, it
would be inappropriate if Danni Lynn called the kindergarten teacher an
insufferable cunt.” Then slapped her hand over her mouth and said. “Oh my, did
I say that out loud?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly actually giggled and said, “Debra,
your only saving grace is that Little Bit you’re carrying, now hand her over.”
Debra did as Gilly asked, “You two girls have a little spare time? We need to
have a discussion.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,” Danni said, and Gilly led them
away as she oooed and awed over Danni Lynn.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?” I said as I nodded after them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Girl talk, important girl talk, and I need
to speak with you in my office.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” I joined him and we walked to
his office together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived, he motioned for me to sit
and then he sat down behind his desk and said, “I’ve been in touch with Doctor
Horne on a regular basis concerning your recovery and he informs me you are
progressing very well. I understand you are currently receiving physical
therapy?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How is that coming?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Patty Lorne says it’s going to be a long
round of therapy, Sir, and unfortunately I’m afraid I have to agree. There are
physical movements I am incapable of performing at the moment because of the
loss of muscle tissue, but I am progressing. Patty is working me to develop the
surrounding muscles to compensate, but…” I shrugged.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Any pain?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Occasionally, but it seems to happen less
often as the therapy progresses.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Horne and Simpson needed to remove quite a
bit during the surgery.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you don’t mind, would you be willing to
remove your upper clothing so I can see the extent of the injury?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stifled an automatic response of, no, and
instead asked, “Is there a particular reason for this, Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, there is, I have a responsibility to
those under my command to not send them into a potentially dangerous situation
if they are not physically fit. I need you for a job, Captain, but I must know
you are physically ready to accept the assignment and not for your own safety
alone, I need to know you can be there for your fellow team members as well.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scooted forward and unbuttoned my shirt
before pulling it down and exposing what remained. I knew exactly what he was
seeing, I looked at it every day. When I could, I avoided situations where
Debra and Danni could see it. I always turned off the lights before undressing
for bed, I discouraged them from touching it when we made love, I rose early
and put on a bathrobe before they woke. Yeah, I knew what it looked like; it
was disgusting. Most of the muscle tissue was gone. Where once it had been
well-developed from working out, there was basically a crater of ribbed scar
tissue that I had to work lotion into at least twice a day and sometimes more
often to try and keep the skin supple.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched his eyes as he looked it over and
was surprised, he showed no discomfort looking at it. Of course, he had
probably seen worse in combat. “Not very pleasant, is it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve seen worse. Have you attempted to fire
your weapon since the surgery?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, as you know, both Danni and Debra
are consummate weapons handlers and have had me to the range on numerous
occasions, plus the design of my weapon aids in handling it. They’ve been
working me at firing off-handed also and that’s going better than I thought it
would.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The bullpup, yeah, I can see that. Is it
painful when firing from the right shoulder?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was at first, and quite a bit, but not
so much anymore.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sidearm?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I had trouble with speed, but
it’s almost back to where it was.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Accuracy?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They worked me on accuracy first, now I’m
working on the speed again.” I glanced over my shoulder as I heard Gilly,
Debra, and Danni laughing from somewhere and quickly pulled the shirt back up
and over my shoulder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I buttoned the shirt, he said, “You try
to keep them from seeing it.” Not a question, a statement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you blame me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw, you’re afraid they’ll realize you no
longer have the body of Adonis.” Another statement, and I didn’t respond. “Are
you concerned they’re going to get a good look at it and hit the road for
something more, aesthetically pleasing?” I finished buttoning the shirt and
settled back into the chair. “That is it, you’re afraid they’ll bail on you;
that’s disappointing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it’s time to get over yourself. They
need you, to be you, and not a victim. How a man like you ended up with two of
the most attractive, intelligent, and capable women, I have ever known is
beyond me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps you have someone more to your
liking in mind?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no one more to my liking than you!
So, stuff that shit back up your ass, right the fuck now!” I knew I had crossed
the line as soon as it left my mouth and looked away in shame. “There he is,
that’s the Daniel I know. Okay, listen up, I need you to go to Denver, but I
can’t send you off if it’s going to damage your relationship, or relationships,
Gilly will have me sleeping the next month on the couch. Let me give you some
background first, Major Higgins was duly impressed with your system of
gathering intelligence and he wants to set up a similar effort in Denver. He
has asked for your help doing it, but I don’t want to screw Asylum by letting
you go. You have told me in the past, that when Cadet Ortiz reaches her
majority, instead of standard Militia service, you want to retain her at Intel,
do you still want that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely, yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve talked with her Militia trainers,
specifically Danni, and she informs me she fully expects her to rise through
the ranks even though she struggles with the physical requirements, she’s not
very strong.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve seen her, Sir, she’s very small.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but Danni says she’s a damn good
marksman and understands what she’s doing in the field. She also excels when
given command responsibilities during training. Here’s my question, could Cadet
Ortiz, fill in for you, if you were sent to Denver for a while?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t need to think about it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir. There may be some minor friction
because she’s half the age of the next youngest person in the office, but she
has the knowledge and expertise to function as commander temporarily.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t have a Provisional Sargent of the
Cadets leading a separate unit of the Rangers, or Militia, would she accept a
commission of Lieutenant in the Militia?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It would probably scare the hell out if
her, but yes, Sir, I believe she would if she can stay at Intel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” he opened a drawer and, pulled out
two small boxes, one he handed to me and the other he placed on the desk in
front of him. I opened the box and saw an embroidered Lieutenant’s patch. “Give
that to her and inform her it’s written in stone though unofficial until
tomorrow’s Morning Cadet Formation.” He tapped the other small box in front of
him and asked, “If I send you to Denver, will you help with the creation of
their Intelligence Office?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cringed inside and wanted to say, no, my
little family was still cementing itself and we needed time for it to solidify.
“Sir, I…” I hesitated and thought of what my two ladies would say if I
declined. Both of them were fiercely loyal to me, but also to their jobs as
they saw them. I could see the disappointment in their eyes if I said no. “When
will you need me to leave?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Three days from now. “I’ll also be sending
two platoons to replace two of the four platoons we have in Denver; I’ve
decided to start rotating platoons thru there in order to minimize family
separations.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I’m sure our Rangers will
appreciate that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How often do you receive physical therapy?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My therapist works on me on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday, but I need the therapy every day.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He frowned and asked, “So, who performs it
on the off days?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Either Danni, or Debra, one of them always
attends, so they can learn the process.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but you don’t allow them to see your
injury if possible, how do you…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When they are present, I always wear a
tee-shirt, or sweat shirt, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to get past that, Dan, I can bet
you, that both of them, do not appreciate being excluded. It looks like you
don’t trust them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir. I’ll probably regress in my recovery
while I’m gone, but I’ll attempt to get caught back up to speed when I return.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That won’t be necessary, I’ll make sure the
proper arrangements are provided. By-the-way, nice attempt at deflection.” He
stared at me, but I didn’t respond, so he continued. “While on the trip to
Holloman, I noticed Higgins has a tendency to steamroll anyone of a lower rank
and I can’t have that. So, you will be going as a Major, do you have a problem
with that? He’ll still try to roll over you and impress you with his Sandhurst
education, but don’t let him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him and squirmed a bit before I
said, “Same as before I assume? Banner will retain overall command of the
Rangers in Denver?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and no, I’m priming you, Daniel, and I
strongly believe you could very well assume my position someday, but you need a
command position under your belt before I completely commit to it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not looking for your job, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know that, Daniel, and I am a bit
disappointed that you’re not. Then again, maybe that would be for the best, you
are extremely valuable to us doing the job you’re doing. I guess you can see
the problem I have. I’ve got a man that has the capability to become excellent
everywhere I need him, so where do I put him?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have a very capable group of leaders,
Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and someday they may rise to the
occasion if needed, in fact, over the next few days, there are going to be
quite a few promotions, but I’m still trying to figure out who will be what.
Just a heads up, Danni and Debra are both getting promotions to Captain.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are? We were just considering the
possibility last night and they were both assuming it was coming. Danni is
thinking you might utilize her as a Company XO in addition to running the Cadet
Program, and Debra is thinking you might place her in an expanded role as a
combined Instructor and Scout/Sniper/Tracker School Administrator.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Close, but not quite. Debra will be running
the SST, but, and I know this might push your buttons, she’s also going to be
doing community liaison when needed. She will also be part of a fast reaction
team made up of instructors that can be mobilized in a short period of time in
order to negate incursions.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Community liaison? The same thing you had
her doing out at Holloman?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, she was just too damned valuable,
why do you think the Air Force offered her the rank of Major if she would
re-enlist?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer stared at me and finally said, “Yeah,
Major, she didn’t tell you that, did she?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was a good deal, Daniel, she would have
been traveling and negotiating with an entire squad of Air security for
protection. She told them no, she wanted to return home to her husband.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni? Well, I have to give it to you,
Daniel, you know how to pick them. Based on the after-Action reports from the
men she led in Las Cruces? She is being considered not as an XO, but a CO. Did
she tell you she was running an entire company in Las Cruces?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir. She said she was sent with a
platoon under her command.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true, and it was supposed to be a
reserve platoon at that, but all of the officers were wounded the first day and
she ended up in command of the company. Everyone, and I mean everyone, praised
her actions. Then, there’s the role she plays with the Cadets; did you know she
reformulated Stella Morrison’s academic program and made it more efficient?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, she never told me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni’s going to Denver with you so she can
assist them in putting together their Cadet Program and integrate it with
Stella’s academic program. Those are some outstanding ladies, Daniel, don’t
push them away unintentionally.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, what’s it going to be? Captain, or
Major Tarn?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I serve at your discretion, Sir, I guess it
will be as a Major.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colonel Packer
awarded me the rank patch and I walked out to the Ready Room to wait for the
girls.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they came out from behind Packer’s
office, they seemed excited.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra took my left arm, so she could
continue carrying Danni Lynn in the crook of her left, and Danni took my right,
“Babe?” Danni asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes?” Funny how things had sort of switched
around. I had always called Debra, Babe, and she had always called me Hon, or
Honey, which we still did. But now Danni called me Babe, and I called her Hon,
or Honey. When the two girls didn’t call each other by name, they referred to
each other as Sweetie.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess there’s some road trips planned.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, the Colonel told me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are going to Denver and Debra is going
to Holloman again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra asked, “Are you angry?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Packer explained the situation in a way
I can understand and I won’t deny you the chance to once again prove yourself.”
I shrugged and added, “I’m not real excited about it, because I feel like the
three of us need some alone time together as a family to sort of cement things
together, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “Well, personally, although I
agree with wanting the three of us together for a while, we’re already cemented
except for one thing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned and said, “What is it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gilly says she’s already heard some talk
about the three of us living in sin.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ask
me if I care, if we start getting a bunch of flak, we'll leave and let's see
how well they get along without us."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hon? You say that, but we know you won’t,
so Gilly came up with a good idea, one that Danni and I have already talked
about.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gilly says she can arrange a wedding for
the three of us before we have to leave in different directions.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped walking and brought them both to a
halt, “Danni and I are leaving in three days.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We know,” Danni said, “So we only have tomorrow
to get ready and then get married the next day.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood there and then asked, “Is that
enough time to pull it together?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both answered yes, at the same time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I resumed walking and said, “Okay, I’ll feel
better once I have both of you chained to me with vows.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gave me her sultry chuckle and said,
“Honey, you’ve already chained me. Both figuratively, and literally.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Danni and Debra showered at home, I did
as well and then stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. I felt like
I might be going out on a limb, but I was determined to let the girls know I
trusted them the way Packer had suggested. I wrapped a towel around my waist,
picked up the tube of lotion for my shoulder and then walked out into the Living room where the girls were waiting for me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, is there a chance I can get one of you
to apply the lotion and give my shoulder a massage while you do it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “Of course, Debra is almost done
feeding Danni Lynn then she’ll put her down for the evening, is it alright if I
do it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, if you want to, I know it’s not a
particularly pleasant job.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She scooted to the edge of the couch,
parted her legs and dropped a throw pillow between her feet, “Sit here in front
of me on the floor.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I sat with my back to her, I held up
the tube of lotion and she squeezed a small amount into the scar tissue and
started to spread it before beginning to knead my shoulder. “Let me know if I
do it too hard, or not hard enough.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just do it the way Lorne does, she has it
down pretty well.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I don’t know how Patty does it,
you’ve never allowed Debbie, or I, to be present when she does this.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked across the room to where Debra was
rocking Danni Lynn back and forth and studied her face. She was staring at the
crater with wide open eyes and I saw her trying to hide the disgust I knew she
must have been feeling. “Never mind,” I said as I leaned forward to stand up.
“I’ll do it in the bathroom.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“NO!” Danni grabbed my shoulders and pulled
me back against the couch as Debra stood up and placed the baby on the couch
and situated a rolled-up blanket that would keep Danni Lynn from somehow rolling
off. Then she stepped in front of me and lowered herself down and sat on my
legs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking my face in her hands, she said,
“Daniel, let us do this for you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and placed my left hand over
my shoulder as I said, “Really, it’s okay, there’s no reason why the two of you
should be subjected to this.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned forward over my shoulder and
softly said, “Subjected to what? Taking care of the man we love?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I saw the look in Debra’s eyes and I
understand. I look in the mirror every day, I know how, disgusting, it looks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, Honey, that wasn’t disgust you saw
on my face, that was feeling the pain of what you suffered through. Seeing that
scar tissue reminds us of how brave and selfless you are. You rarely complain,
you seldom ask for help, and when you do, when you finally allow us to be there
for you, it means the world to us. It means you trust us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra,” I said a little harshly. “You don’t
understand, I…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her hands slid from my face and she grabbed
my ears tightly as I flinched, “Dan, don’t you dare tell me, I don’t
understand! We all have scars, mine are on the inside and I hid them from you
for a long time and finally, because I was afraid someday you would find out
and leave me, I ripped the covers off and showed them to you! What did you do,
Daniel, when I showed you my scars, what did you do!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I loved you, because you shared your pain
with me. You trusted me to love who you are despite your scars, no, because of
your scars.” I suddenly started feeling ashamed, not of the scars from my
wounds, but the self-inflicted scars on the inside.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is your love for me and Danni, somehow
purer than what we feel for you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni slid her hand under mine and rested it
on the scar, “Babe, the scar on Debra’s eyebrow, do you think it detracts from
her beauty?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course not.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why would you expect less from us?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “Right about now, I’m
feeling a little self-centered and shallow. I’m thinking the two of you deserve
better.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra laughed and said, “No, Hon, there is
no one better, not for us.” She stood up and started walking towards the frig
as Danni resumed massaging my shoulder, “Who wants a glass of Bock?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held up my hand and Danni said, “Me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A minute later she came back and set two
glasses on the coffee table as Danni asked, “You’re not having any?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope, I’ve noticed her Highness doesn’t
much care for my milk after I’ve had any alcohol, so, it looks like I’m done
for the duration.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni laughed and said, “Sucks to be you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled and said, “Careful what you
find funny, Sweetie, your day is coming.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together they laughed and settled around me
with Danni still working the lotion into my shoulder. “Is the way I’m doing it
okay, Babe?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I like your touch a lot better than
Lorne’s.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, we aim to please.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey?” Debra’s voice was a little
hesitant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You and Danni will be gone two weeks and I
leave a week after the two of you for two weeks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, we’ll be separated three weeks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you going to be okay with that?” I
could tell she was trying to avoid a blowup.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, and it’s not just missing you, you’ll
have Danni Lynn, so there’s that also.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, are you okay with it though?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course not, I still think we need more
time for the three of us to begin to become comfortable with our new
arrangement, but I also know that I can’t lock either of you away.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “I don’t know about that, we
seem to be meshing fairly well. Debra and I really do love each other and we
don’t feel the need to compete for your attention. Yeah, it gets a little
sticky when it comes to quality time because you’re uncomfortable with the one
you’re not loving, being in the room, but we can work that out.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I wish we had two bedrooms.” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-36157452754292472272021-06-14T16:46:00.003-07:002022-07-13T20:34:49.156-07:00Chapter 27<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
27</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went by the Intel Office the next morning
and accepted the reports Julia and the staff had put together, read thru them
and told them they were doing great work and what a pleasure it was to work
alongside of them. I gave them new assignments and told them what I wanted them
to look for, then I headed out and went to visit Henderson in the Machine Shop.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, Eugene, how’s it hanging?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Okay, so the rumors I heard were a
bunch of shit after all.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rumors?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, there was some crap going around that
you and Packer had a major falling out and he had you locked up. I’m glad to
see it isn’t true.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “Well, we did have a
disagreement over personal issues and it did get a little heated.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, he did have you locked up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just for three days, he had Williams
release me yesterday, so back to the grind, right? It was a nice little
vacation though.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, okay, so what’s up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I keep meaning to come by, but other shit
keeps getting in the way; did you ever finish working on that breakdown
silenced rifle?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I did and Packer liked it so well he
wants twenty of them!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you have one handy I can try out?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, the original prototype, I think I
might hang on to that one for myself.” He led me to a cabinet and opened it.
“Here,” he said. “Check it out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to give it to Eugene, he’s damn good
at what he does. “How do you break it down?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed and said, “See this lever? You
flip it out, rotate the barrel assembly forty-five degrees and, wala!” The
weapon came apart in two halves. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sweet,” I said. “How long is the barrel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Twelve inches, another eight inches for the
suppressor though. I swear to you, Daniel, this is one quiet puppy. You can see
it’s bolt action, I did that because the low pressure of the ammunition won’t
reliably feed in semi-auto, and it feeds from a seven round capacity Colt
magazine. Some people don’t care for the limited capacity, but hey, it’s not an
assault weapon, it’s for being discreet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took it to the range and I started putting
it through its paces. It would take some practice, but the weapon performed
well. “How accurate is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not very, but good enough for its purpose.
I can consistently hit a six-inch bullseye at 100 yards. Naturally, the point of
impact closes up the closer the target is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really want one of these,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Henderson said. “Packer wants twenty
of them, but it will be easy to squeeze another one into the production run.
I’ve delivered fourteen and I’m working on the fifteenth, how about I issue
that one to you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow, Eugene, that would be sweet!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guess what else I have?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A Matchpoint Thermal scope. I can’t use it
on this one because I didn’t incorporate rails on the barrel assembly, the one
I put together for you will have them, if you want it, it’s yours.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn, Eugene, hell yes!” I didn’t have any
sort of night vision equipment and the Thermal sight would make night shooting
a lot more accurate. Plus, it could be used during the day with the thermal
function switched off.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three days later, Eugene called and said the
rifle was ready and I went by and picked it up. He included a few other items
that he said were issued with the weapon; there was a small cleaning kit, a
ballistic nylon case that could hold the rifle in its broken down state, a
sling for the case, that doubled as a rifle sling though the case had PALS
straps to mount it to a pack, and 300 rounds of the subsonic ammunition the
rifle used. I considered it a worthwhile addition to my personal arsenal.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was on my way to
the apartment when I saw Danni waiting at the doors to Level Two. She was
wearing her gear and was carrying her rifle, so I figured she had just got off
duty. I kept walking and as I approached she straightened up, slung her rifle, and waited for
me. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re both in uniform, Lieutenant Monroe,”
I said as I started past her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How long are you going to play the fucking victim?”
She asked as she turned and matched my pace beside me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was there something you need from
Lieutenant Tarn’s apartment?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t need to ask permission to enter,
it’s yours and Debra’s anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Still whining I see; don’t you think it’s
about time to man-up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How does that look to you, Lieutenant?” I
replied as I continued to walk, “How would you like me to act in order to meet
your requirements for, manning-up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get over your anger to begin with, that
would be an excellent start right there. Then we can have the discussion we
need to have.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant, I’m not angry anymore.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grabbed the sleeve of my jacket and spun
me around to face her as she stopped, “Bullshit, you reek of it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do you propose to have, a constructive dialog,
if you deny, or denigrate anything I say? The first thing we need to establish
is accepting the accuracy of each other’s statements; how else can a meaningful
discussion take place? I’ll start, I accept you believe that I am a whiny,
angry, un-manly, bullshitting victim.” I stood there and waited as her mouth
opened and closed before I continued, “I guess the discussion is over?” I
turned and started through the Level Two blast doors.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hold it! Stop! God damn it!” She ran and
caught up with me. “No wonder Debra hates arguing with you! You twist
everything anyone says!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped and said, “I’m sorry, I guess I
misheard when you stated I was acting like a victim, and I needed to man-up,
and I was angry, and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you don’t stop this shit, I’m going to
go ahead and let you hang yourself with your own words! I’m trying to save
yours and Debra’s relationship. Why won’t you let me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I softly said, “Because there is nothing to
save, Danni.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? You don’t mean that, I know you
don’t.” She reached out and gripped my bare forearm.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember when you and Debra were discussing
the possibility of the two, Me’s, integrating?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded her head as her eyes kept
shifting back and forth between my own.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Two months ago, if this had happened then?
I probably would have argued a bit and then given in and said okay, do what you
think you need to do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Exactly!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was two months ago. This is now. I
have discovered I rather like who I am becoming and I am becoming very comfortable
in my skin. I’m not angry, Danni, I’m simply rejecting the subsidiary role I
play in our relationship. I am tired of playing the dullard, the less than
capable, the…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel!” She now had hold of both of my
arms in a grip I recognized as a preparatory move to a take down. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t do it, Danni.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stared hard at me and finally said, “In
our training sessions, you’ve been allowing me to submit you, haven’t you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m busy, Lieutenant Monroe, perhaps we can
finish this, discussion, at a later date.” I quickly rotated my hands over her
wrists and broke the grip she had on my arms. “I have an important meeting in
the Intelligence Office.” I stepped around her and started walking away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! We are not done!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For the moment, we are,” I said without
turning around and continued walking away. She didn’t say anything else and she
didn’t follow me. When I reached the apartment, I put my new rifle away and
then went to Intel.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept my team of analysts late into the
evening while I impressed the importance of the charts we created and drilled
them over and over until I trusted they understood the system I used. I finally
sent them home and after they left, I plugged my computer in and started
downloading all of the programs onto CDs. When I finished, I placed the
computer back into the safe and locked it. It was quiet in the level as I
walked to the door of the apartment and then entered, but I was surprised by
who was waiting for me to return.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni was sitting on the couch, dressed in a
bathrobe, with a glass of Bock in her hand. “Lieutenant?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She got up, placed the glass on the coffee
table and walked past me to the fridge where she removed a bottle of Bock and
started pouring it into a glass, “I’m not in uniform, Daniel, so let’s not go
there, okay?” She handed me the glass and then topped off her own before
sitting down and drawing her legs up beneath her. “We need to talk, so why
don’t you shower and get comfortable.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The shower sounds good, the talk? Not so
much.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She exhaled heavily through her nose and
finally asked, “Please?” She reached out to the table and picked up an
envelope, “I’m sorry to say I’ve been screwing up pretty bad and I want to fix
things the best I can.” She held up the envelope and said, “You need to read
this, so take a shower and get comfortable, all right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had already drank half the glass of beer,
so I drained the rest and said, “Okay, but I’ve had a busy and late evening,
I’m not making any promises as to the company I might be.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can respect that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I placed the empty glass on the counter next
to the kitchen and then opened one of the plastic shipping crates I had stacked
next to the door. I chose a set of fresh briefs, a tee-shirt and a pair of
sweats before entering the bathroom and undressing. When I was done, I came
back out as Danni was placing a newly filled glass of bock next to the Marlow
Chair. As she returned to the couch, I picked up the glass and sat at the
opposite end of the couch.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you would want the Marlow chair?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Too comfortable, I’m tired, second glass of
Bock.” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and held the envelope out to me;
my name was written on the front in Debra’s precise writing style plus a
notation that said, ‘read this while Danni reads hers.’ “She intended for you
to read that, the day she left. She wanted us to think about it and discuss the
proposal while she was gone, and then we would all talk about it when she
returned. It’s what she meant when she said the two of you would discuss your
future together.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, what did your letter say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She was pretty adamant that we read them
together.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, what did your letter say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know me better than I thought.” She
cleared her throat and said, “I tried to get the letter to you while you were
locked up, but with the isolation decree and then the way we kept arguing and…I
couldn’t help it, she was so serious and I knew it had to be important to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her, so, yeah, I already read mine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You should read it and I’ll reread mine at
the same time.” She reached down and picked up the second envelope from the coffee
table.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tossed the one addressed to me onto the
table and said, “Whatever it says, the conversation we had from opposite sides
of the glass pretty much nullifies it. Then again,” I reached down and picked
it back up. “Maybe it will clarify her, shall we say, lack of interest in me as
a father.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please don’t go there, Daniel, please
don’t. Once you read it, I think you’ll understand why she insisted on going.
There was more to it than just wanting to do her duty. Much, much more.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It dawned on me she was being totally
different than she had been since I was released. She wasn’t being snappish, or
accusatory. For some reason, she thought it was truly important that I read the
letter. I drank a large portion of the glass of bock and then opened the
envelope, “Alright,” I said. “But I’m making no promises.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then removed her own letter
and began to reread it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Honey, I know you are angry and you feel
I have turned on you, maybe you even think I don’t really love you, but nothing
could be farther from the truth. You, and Danni Lynn, are my entire life, you
are my everything. I love you so much, and I still want many more children with
you. It hurt when you asked if Taylor was coming with me, and I reacted badly.
I tried to explain why I had to go, but you didn’t want to hear me. You were
angry because you thought the trip was too dangerous for Danni Lynn and I
suppose for me also, but believe me, I fully trust everyone going to protect
our little girl.</i></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a soldier, Daniel, a warrior, and I know
that you understand that and what it means. You may never have been a member of
the armed forces, but you are a warrior also. We have different jobs, you in
Intelligence and me as a Scout/Sniper, but you are one of the best fighters amongst
us and I am proud to call you mine and for you to call me, yours. Please, while
you read the rest of this letter, please do not think that I don’t love you as
much as I should, because you are the only man for me. You are the only man
that will ever father my children, I am yours, forever. No one will ever love
you the way I do, and no one will ever love me, the way you do.</span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honey, remember the day we walked down to
the rifle range and I told you that if anything happened to me, I wanted Danni,
to be Danni Lynn’s mom? I know you were upset and didn’t want to think about
it, I know because you tried to deflect the conversation with humor. John
Trench? Really? So, I hit back with Toby Tyler, and about choked on how
ridiculous it sounded. Like I said, there is no one, but you, for me. Danni
would be a great mother and I think you know that as well. I’ve seen how the
two of you have interacted since Dan was killed and it has made me so happy for
how supportive of her needs you have been. I’ve seen and happily recognized the
bonds that have grown between the two of you.</span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then another thought occurred to me, Danni
is a beautiful, kind, gentle, loving and capable woman and I have had a number
of men ask me if Danni was ready to start dating again. What if she finally did
start dating, what if she found someone else? If she did, I know she would be
there for Danni Lynn, but not for you and you would be alone. Remember when I
was pregnant and you would find me so sad and crying? When you would ask me
what was wrong, I would say nothing, that it was probably because my hormones were
all screwed up because I was pregnant? I was lying, Daniel, I was scared you
would be alone with no one to love you and it was breaking my heart.</span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also breaking my heart to see Danni
hurting and alone. I love Danni, I truly do, and I started to pay attention to
the two of you. How the three of us would laugh together, how she holds Danni
Lynn and the look in her eyes when she does. I also saw the pride she has in
you and how much she cares for the two of us. Remember when she moved out for a
few days because we had an argument? That wasn’t the reason she left. She left
because she told me she was falling in love with you and decided to leave so it
wouldn’t be a problem between us. There was no where she could go, so I talked
her into coming back and she promised me she would not try to take you. I trust
her, Honey, completely and totally and I know she has never betrayed that trust
and neither have you, I know it.</span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you and Danni can agree to what I want,
it will make my life so much easier and happier. I will never be afraid that I
might leave you alone, you will always have someone to care for our children,
someone who will truly love them and care for them. We both want large
families, Danni and I, you want as many children as I am willing to give you
and I am very willing.</span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now for the part that I hope the two of you
will agree to. While I am gone, I would like for the two people in the world I
love the most, to consider a blended family. You and I, Daniel, and our
children, and you and Danni, and your children. I’m not sure what the
terminology might be, but Danni would be my, co-wife? The children, from me and
Danni will be sisters and brothers and Danni and I will be mom to all of them,
no matter who gave birth to them. I know this sounds strange, but I think it
will work if we are only open to it. Please, just think about it while I’m gone
and if you agree? Wonderful, if not? I will still love both of you with all my
heart and I will always strive to keep my Daniel happy and loved.”</span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Your
wife, your lover, Debra.”</span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I folded the letter and slipped it into the
pocket of my sweats. I couldn’t look at Danni, I mean what do you say to the
woman your wife, what? Wants to be your wife also? I mean, all I’ve ever heard
was one man, one woman, one life. You dedicated yourself to that one person and
you worked at it until it worked the way it should. Debra was vastly more
experienced than me, she understood…What? That Danni would want to share me?
Why me? I mean, I’m nothing special, why would two different women want to
become my wives, the mothers of my children, I started to panic and my thoughts
started racing. I have trouble sometimes understanding Debra’s needs, now she
wants me to try and understand another woman’s intimate needs also?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, I…I…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unbelievably, she laughed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This isn’t funny, Danni!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up and retrieved my empty glass
before going to the kitchen and pouring both of our glasses full again. When
she returned, she handed me one and said, “Sip, swallow, then do it again.
You’re reacting the same way I did, panic.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Panic? You panicked?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I did.” She sipped and then sat
down next to me instead of the opposite end of the couch. “I rushed through an
entire gambit of emotions, shame, anger, sadness, love, you name it. I actually
considered tearing the letters up and hitting the road to, I don’t know, maybe
Holloman?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought women were supposed to be
jealous, I thought…I don’t know what I think anymore. I don’t want to share her
with someone else, I can’t imagine it. Maybe I would if I didn’t care for her
as much as I do; does this mean she doesn’t…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa,” she said. “Don’t go there; she loves
you more than her own life, never doubt that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No buts, never, ever, doubt she loves you
with her entire being. She knew you would have doubts about her love for you,
she told me in this.” She held up her letter and waved it, “She said it was up
to me to allay those fears and to help you through it. It’s a different world
now, Daniel, and we need to change in order to accept it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, poor little repressed, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, please don’t go to anger, don’t let
that blue shit take over like it did when Packer told you Debra was going, and
so was Danni Lynn.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That wasn’t the contaminant.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, come on, yes it was.” She was smiling,
probably to take the sting out of it. “You promised to burn down Asylum with
Packer in it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? No, I didn’t!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you did. You were in the cell they had
Parker and Stevens in and they had video surveillance in there. Williams showed
me the recording because I couldn’t believe what Williams said was on it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I actually said that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and then Packer tried to hit you with
a zinger. He told you, the penalty for threatening a superior officer was
twenty years in Leavenworth and he wondered if you had the time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Geez, that sounds like something he would
say.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You really don’t remember?” I shook my head
‘no.’ “Then you flat shut him down, you told him, Leavenworth was an historical
footnote, but you weren’t.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m lucky he didn’t shoot me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, that wasn’t going to happen. You really
don’t know how much Packer cares about you, do you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just looked at her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think he feels the same way about you
that he and Gilly think of Debra; sort of the child they never had.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, I don’t think…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You really don’t understand how everyone
around here thinks of you, do you?” Hers eyes started getting wet and she
angrily wiped at them. “Sorry, it’s just, god you’re so…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dense?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think Gilly sums it up best,
self-deprecating. You think so little of yourself, and you shouldn’t. Debbie
has told me about some of the things that happened to you when you were growing
up in foster care.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lots of people have bad childhoods, geez,
look what Debra experienced, even you, you lost your parents when you were old
enough for it to hurt. I was lucky, I never felt that kind of pain, and
compared to Debra…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” She suddenly leaned forward and
lightly kissed my lips. “You’re very special, hear it, believe it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, I’m not sure…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She interrupted me and quickly asked,
“Daniel, can I talk to the other guy for a moment?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I could ask why, he broke through,
“What do you want to ask me?” I guess with all of the recent events, the
letter, the confusion I was experiencing, he was hanging around ready to
emerge.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni kind of jumped and then settled down,
before she drew her right knee up and turned to face me fully, “Debbie said if
Daniel was reluctant, I should talk to you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About what?” He glanced down and looked at
the expanse of inner thigh Danni had exposed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think of Debbie’s proposal? You
know what she wants, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, how many times do you have to
be…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hush! Don’t get pushy, we need calm and
reason…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t hush me, you want to know what I
think? Then don’t shut me down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra squirmed uncomfortably and said,
“Okay, sorry, uh, you read Debbie’s letter; what do you think?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We love Debra, but this last stunt, she
hurt us badly. We only wanted to protect her, we wanted to protect Danni Lynn.
To be told you are nothing more than, as Danny put it, the sperm donor and we
have nothing to say about what she does with the baby? That’s not going to fly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned back away from us and pulled
her bathrobe over her exposed inner thigh, “Uh, okay,” She scooted back and
drew up her other leg and pressed them together as she pulled the robe tighter
around her. “So, you’re not going to support her idea?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighed heavily and said, “You know he
loves you, but he’s never allowed himself to love you in any way, but as a
sister. Anything else would have been too difficult for him to deal with. We
would never want to hurt one of you. It pains us too much when we see
disappointment in either of your eyes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t answer the question.” She
scooted back a little more and used reaching for her glass of bock to move even
farther away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t even think you know what you want.
On the one hand, you start acting like you’re all for it, and then you ask for
me. When you get me, you wish you hadn’t asked.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, maybe I should just go to bed
and we can talk about this later, maybe tomorrow, or…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not at all?” He smiled and patted the couch
next to us, “Come here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why not? You wanted to before.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You make me nervous.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t make you nervous, you make you
nervous.” And then he, we, thought for a moment and said, “That guy, the one
you loved, but he beat you and caused you to miscarry, that’s why you’re
afraid, isn’t it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t respond.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, was he like us? Was he mentally ill?
What was it about, him, that you see in us? What has you so conflicted?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He almost killed me; he killed my baby. He
wasn’t mentally ill; it was drugs added to he just wasn’t a nice person.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shivered as I pushed him out, “Danni, no
matter how this turns out, please don’t lump, me, us, together with that guy,
please. Remember the night of the Spring Ball, when I go so angry at Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, I’ve never been that angry before,
or since, and it never even occurred to me to strike Debra, even after she
slapped the shit out of me, remember?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her lower lip was trembling as she nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We would never harm you; we would never
strike you, never. I, we, might lash out with words, I can’t deny it, but
physically hurt you? Never. If you are fearful of that, then no, we shouldn’t
accept Debra’s proposal. Maybe we should do as you suggested, maybe we should
get some sleep and talk about this later. Why don’t you take the bedroom like I
told you before, you can lock the door and rest?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She closed her eyes for a moment and then
stood up with her glass and walked to the kitchen where she once again refilled
it with Bock. She held the bottle up towards me with a silent question and I
nodded, yes. She brought it with her, refilled my glass and sat back down on
the couch, but in the center, closer to me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My letter contained some advice that I know
Debra didn’t include in yours.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat there quietly for a few moments and
then said, “Between Debra, Danny, and I, I was the first one working here. You
know that when I first came here, I told everyone I was a lesbian and you know
why I did it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned as I said, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then Debra was hired and we became good
friends almost immediately. We hung out together, we went on leave together,
everything.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, she told me the two of you really
hit it off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we did.” She shifted uncomfortably
and slid closer to me. “We used to spend a lot of time together in the women’s
bay with the other girls and sometimes we would have celebrations; people’s
birthdays, holidays, things like that and we’d have drinks, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra says we have to be honest with you,
so you don’t get blind-sided down the road.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She says you’re kind of prudish when it
comes to discussing sex, but not so much when it actually comes to sex.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was at first with Debra, but not
anymore.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then said, “Debra and I were
having some drinks one night and all the other girls that were there either
crashed, or returned to their own squad bays. Debra and I were slamming shots
of tequila and we were getting really shitfaced. She hadn’t been here very long
and she said she missed the Jacuzzi she had at her old apartment complex in
Dallas and I said I knew where there was one here in the Hole.” She started
talking faster, as if she wanted to hurry and finish. “So, I took her there and
it was really early in the morning and the place was empty. We walked to the Jacuzzi and realized, neither one of us had thought to bring our swimsuits and
we figured what the hell, there’s no one here, so off came the clothes and into
the Jacuzzi. Well, we were still drinking from a bottle and Debra knew I was a
lesbian, supposedly, so all of a sudden, she leans over and kisses me right on
the mouth.” She kept talking faster and faster. “I was kind of stunned, but
then I kissed her back and one thing led to another and we ended up doing each
other, and Debbie thinks we should tell you so that if you find out you won’t
think we were keeping it from you and that’s it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there for a moment and then said, “So,
you and Debra had an affair?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and said, “Well, I wouldn’t call
it that, it was just one time and Dan was hired a little while after that and I
was gaga over him and we never did it again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Okay, you never did it again?
Never?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We talked about that night a couple of
times and admitted we enjoyed it, but no, we didn’t do it again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I was afraid you were going to say
the two of you had done it again while she was with me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, no, never. I would never even suggest
it; the two of you are together and, no, never.” She seemed really nervous and
agitated.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s alright, Danni, I’m not going to go
off on you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but you thought I would.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, yeah, sort of.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged and then took a drink of the bock
I had forgotten about while she told her story. In my head, I envisioned what
the two of them might have done and found myself becoming aroused. Inside, I
heard him say, <i>“I would have liked to have seen that, two hot ladies like
them…” </i>“Shut up!” I said, and then squeezed my eyes shut as I realized I
said it out loud.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, I’ll never mention it again and
I’ll tell Debbie…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not you,” I said. “Him!’</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The other guy, I was telling him to shut
up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and asked, “Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because he said he would have liked…never
mind.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, then chuckled, and then started
to laugh. She had to place her glass of Bock on the coffee table because she
was spilling it as she laughed harder. She turned towards me and still
laughing, she crawled over me, turned towards me and then laid across my lap. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fanning her face with her hand, she said,
“Oh, shit, I can’t remember the last time I laughed that hard. What did he
say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sulking, I said, “I didn’t let him finish.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She snorted and started laughing again,
before once again fanning her face.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t funny, Danni.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it was!” More laughter, and then,
“Okay, okay,” she blew out several breaths while fanning again and said, “Okay,
I’m good now, I am.” She blew out two more breaths and settled down, “Okay,
Debbie said I should try and seduce you to sort of seal the bargain, that is,
if you were interested. Are you interested?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a beautiful woman lying across my
lap with nothing on, but a bathrobe and she’s asking me if I’m interested and
my wife is encouraging the whole thing, so yeah, I’m interested, but…” She
pushed herself up with her left arm and then put her right hand on the side of
her head as she grimaced. “Hey, are you alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I laughed so hard; I think I gave myself a
headache. Would it be okay if I just laid here for a few minutes and see if it
passes?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, put your head on my chest.” She
lowered back down and did as I suggested. I raised up my left hand and began to
gently massage her temple with my fingertips, “Is that okay? Does it help?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She murmured, “Yes.” And closed her eyes.
Within minutes, she was fast asleep and I realized she must have drunk quite a
bit of Bock before I got home. I sat there for an indeterminate time before I
gathered her up, carried her to the bedroom and put her to bed. When I
finished, I poured what was left from her glass of Bock into my own, opened the
front door and sat on the bench outside. Sometimes, late at night, when
everything was quiet, you could feel a slight breeze from the HVAC as it pumped
fresh air into the Hole. I sat there and sipped from the glass until I felt a
cool spot on my tee-shirt. Looking down, I realized Danni had drooled on my
shirt while she slept. For some reason, it struck me as funny; she seemed to
want to seduce me so badly and fell asleep instead, I started to laugh. I
probably looked like an idiot, sitting outside sipping beer, in a machine generated
breeze, cackling like a fool. Then it occurred to me, did she drink so much
Bock in order to prepare herself to make the attempt? I wondered if maybe she
was just trying to make sure I was there when Debra came home. That would
explain drinking so much, maybe she didn’t really want…I was trying to figure
out a woman’s motivation for doing what she was doing, and to tell the truth, I
was too tired to worry about it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have dozed off leaning against the
wall and I woke up with my shoulder being massaged, “Huh? What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia was standing in front of me with a
concerned expression, and gently rubbing my left shoulder, “Why are you sitting
out here sleeping?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” I leaned
forward and groaned as I stood up because my ass and hips were stiff from
sitting so long on the concrete bench. “Damn, what time is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Almost eight o’clock, wow, judging from the
way you smell, you must have tied one on last night.” She continued looking
concerned.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just a couple of glasses, I think it is
more from being worn out and run down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There you are,” Danni said from the
doorway. “Why are you out here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He says he fell asleep out here sitting on
that cement bench, even I know that’s not good.” She sounded a bit
disapproving.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s a man,” Danni said, “You need to keep
a tight leash on them, or they’re forever doing themselves harm.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isn’t that the truth, there’s this guy I’ve
been seeing that works down in Tech Support? He’s constantly hurting himself
when he has Militia training. That’s how I met him, I had to bandage up another
booboo he got.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckled and said, “Go ahead and open up
shop, I’ll be there in a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure?” She gave me a dubious look.
“I know you stayed after the rest of us worked late, what time did you knock
off?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He got in around midnight and then I kept
him up even later talking and drinking.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia said, “It sounds to me like you should
sleep for a little while, why don’t you do that and come in later?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Out of the mouth of babes,” Danni said.
“How about I deliver him around lunch time?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll see you then, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hurried away and Danni turned to me,
“The way you’re standing, my guess is that bench sucked all of the warmth out
of you. Come in, and take a hot shower, it will help you loosen up.” She
stepped back as I walked through and then followed me to the bathroom door,
“Why are your clothes in the crates by the door?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hesitated and then said, “Because I was
planning on leaving. I told you this was going to be yours and Debra’s place
when I was gone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I figured you were being kind of
melodramatic.” She stared at me and said, “You really were going to leave.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t talk just to hear my voice, Danni.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but what about now, are you still
planning to leave? I mean, since you read the letter?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged and said, “I’m not sure to tell
the truth, the things she said, about my wants in regard to Danni Lynn not
mattering; they really hit me the wrong way. Most of the time, when we argue, I
ignore the things she says because we understand one another, we recognize that
the blue shit causes us to over-react some times and we’re cognizant of it. We
sort of lower our expectations with one another because we know we love each
other and we give ourselves room to screw up. Am I making any sense?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you are, and it makes me want to
regret some of the things I’ve said to you the last few days.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra and I have an agreement; we always
try to give the benefit of the doubt when one of us over-reacts. Sometimes it
doesn’t work out in the short run, but usually down the road it will.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that, maybe, what we’re looking at now?
That with time you can get over it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope so, I don’t want to lose access to
my child, but I don’t want to be excluded from the decision-making process
either.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When she gets back, we need to tell her
that, so she understands. Hell, it may not be necessary, you know how she says
things and then apologizes, because she realizes she was over the line.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I guess so. It’s just, I never had a
family, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, really, I do.” Then she smiled and
said, “Sorry about last night, you know, crashing on you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s alright.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I make it up for you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and tentatively said, “What did you
have in mind?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Exactly what Debra suggested; I want to
seduce you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure? What if she’s changed her
mind and wishes she hadn’t written those letters?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She got a cautious expression and finally
said, “We tell her the truth, and then ride out the storm.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, do you think this was a spur of the
moment decision on her part? If so, it wasn’t, she wants this, for all of us.
She has for a long time, it’s a cowardly way of bringing it to us, but the
intentions were thought out and good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m afraid that once we start, how will it
play out? I don’t want anyone to get hurt, none of us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not planning on it, just one thing, and
I’m ready to jump in with both feet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Daniel, and like Debra told
you, I want to feel your baby growing inside of me. Is that what you want?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like he told you last night, I do love you,
but I never allowed myself to feel the kind of love you want, but now? Yes, I
do, I love you and yes, I want to see you pregnant with my child.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She untied the belt of her robe and allowed
it to slip off her shoulders and drop to the floor, “Then what are we waiting
for? Let’s take that shower, and then explore the possibilities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In shape and size, Danni and Debra are the
same, and they constantly exchange clothing and sometimes I think they lose
track of what clothing originally belonged to who, but in color they’re
opposites. Debra has a dark curly mass of long hair; Danni’s hair is white and
very fine. She says she keeps it so short because when it grows out, she has to
work too hard to get it to look good. Debra is olive skinned with eyes that are
several shades lighter than her skin; Danni is the opposite, her eyes are much
darker the Debra’s, but her skin is much paler. Debra has used the term,
porcelain, when she describes Danni’s complexion. Is one of them more
attractive than the other? No, I don’t believe so, they are both beautiful,
just in different ways.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the shower and the lovemaking, we laid
in bed and talked. I was feeling a little pensive and quiet, so I let her do
most of the talking. After a while she said, “You’re really quiet and subdued,
are you regretting what we’ve done?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, not at all. It’s just…I’m not sure I
can describe what I’m feeling.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t, intimidate you, do I?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan used to say I, wait, I shouldn’t do
that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Compare you to him, or this relationship to
that one. I can see how it might bother you if I did it too much.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you loved him, if he was still here,
you would be with him, and that’s okay, really. I don’t expect you to suddenly
box up his memory and store it away; he was too much of who you are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I used to get a little irritated with
Debbie because she was constantly talking about how perfect you were. I told
her I felt the same way about Dan, he was perfect for me. I remember she kind
of frowned and said of course he was, why wouldn’t he be? I realized she wasn’t
being competitive and saying she had the better man; she was saying you were
perfect for her. The last few months, well, longer than that really, I’ve come
to realize why she feels the way she does about you. You are special.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan was special for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he was, and now you are. After Dan and
I started spending time with you? I realized that if I would have met you,
before him, I would have been perfectly happy to have been with you. I really
liked you and that’s why I arranged for you and Debra to meet. She was special
and so were you and I thought the two of you would be a perfect match. Now,
here I am, in bed with my best friend’s husband.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At your best friend’s request.” I said.
Then I asked, “Can we make this work? The three of us?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No relationship is perfect in the beginning,
they have to be worked at, but yeah, we all love each other, so let’s make it
work, for all of us. Like I said last night, this is a new world, with
different rules.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you thought about…” I hesitated.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I was wondering, you said you wanted
to have children with me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you going to continue on the pill for a
while or…not?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She raised up and rested on her elbow so she
could look me in the eyes, “Uh, Daniel, I’m not on the pill, I haven’t been
since I lost Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and
said, “You thought all this time I was on the pill?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I mean, once you start taking it,
don’t you have to be regular with it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, you do, but if you’re not sleeping
with anyone, why waste them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, we just…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yep, we just did. If we’re lucky, I’m
already caught, if not, I intend to keep you very busy until I am.” I guess the
intense emotional reaction I had must have shown on my face because she frowned
and said, “You said you wanted me to get pregnant, if you don’t, I’ll start
taking the pill until you’re ready.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Danni, you don’t understand. I’m happy,
I don’t understand why you and Debra want me, but,” I wiped at my burning eyes,
“But yeah, I’m happy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank god, it’s a little late for second
thoughts.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No second thoughts.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “Good, because I’m
thinking we have some time before I have to send you off to work. How about
another deposit on that baby promise?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 11:50, Danni hustled me out the door,
much the same way Debra would have and as I walked away, she called after me, “Don’t
stay late! I’m having some of the gang over, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and waved, then entered the Intel
Office; as I walked in, everyone stood and waited for any change of
instructions, “Carry on, people, Julia? This morning’s workups?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!” She gathered a folder from her
desk and followed me into my office. Before I could say anything else, she placed
the folder on my desk and said, “You need to look at this right away! It just
came in from the comms room and, well, yeah, you need to see it now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
flipped the folder open and the first thing I focused on, was the name,
Lieutenant Debra Tarn from Asylum. What the fuck! I started reading the
transcription and asked as I continued, “Was this in the clear?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it, what was this idiot thinking?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, he broadcast where she was, where
she was going to be this afternoon and where she was going tomorrow. Daniel, I
already sent a communication to Holloman with a warning.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, good work, I’m proud of you. Have you
received a response?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Send it again, demand a response, an
immediate, high priority request for confirmation!” What the hell was Holloman
Air Security thinking? How could they allow something as important as Debra’s
present and future location to become known! “God damn it!” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anthony knocked on the door and without
awaiting clearance rushed in, “Sorry, Captain, but I knew you would want to see
this right away. It’s another transcript sent down from Comms.” He handed it to
me and I started to read it. Julia was gathering her notes and preparing to
call Comms again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia! Hold up!” I continued to read and
finally dropped the sheet and with my elbows on the desk, I lowered my brow
into the support of my hands, “Christ, a little heads up would be nice, Packer,
shit!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel? Send it, or not?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, do not send the request.” I raised my
head and my face must have been white.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia dropped the military protocol and
said, “Daniel, were we, too late? Please don’t tell me we were too late.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and said, “It’s too early in
my day for this shit!” I looked up and said, “No, the broadcast was a cover for
her real location; Packer and the powers that be in Holloman are using Debra for
some sort of propaganda tour among the towns around the Air Force Base. They
have ordered radio silence on the aforementioned matter.” I was reading from
the transcript, “Sprinklerfitter’s better-half is safe and well, Little Bit is
safe and well, tell Grandma, grandpa is fine, send no further comms on this
matter, signed, Old Ranger.” I rubbed my temples and added, “Just like Danni
Monroe, the Major refers to Danni Lynn as, Little Bit. The Major was a Ranger
in the Army, and I used to be a Sprinklerfitter. My better-half is Debra; the
Major has always referred to Debra as my better half.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia sagged into a chair and started to get
misty-eyed. “Assholes! The least they could have done is warned us ahead of
time!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know the Major,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He likes playing fast and loose.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My heart is racing and I feel like I’m
going to be sick!” She actually was a little green.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I said. I reached up and started to
massage my wounded shoulder, but it was very sensitive and I left it alone
instead.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She picked up a folder and started fanning
her face and I smiled as I thought of Danni doing the same the night before.
“Captain?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her and said, “Yes?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember this morning, I told you I was
seeing a guy in Tech Support?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well
he’s kind of old school, and thinks he needs someone’s approval to date me. So,
I sort of told him you were the closest person I had to family and he wants to ask you
for permission to continue seeing me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raised my eyebrows and asked, “Seriously?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,
yes, Sir, he really is kind of old school.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I mean you consider me, family?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, I’m sorry, maybe I can find someone
else…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Lieutenant Monroe is inviting friends
over this evening, why don’t you invite him to accompany you, and he and I can
talk a bit?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? That would be great!” Then she
hesitated and asked, “Wait a minute, you’re not going to pull a Toby Tyler on
him, are you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “What good is being
family if I can’t cause a young man to squirm a bit?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She whined, “Daniel, I really like this guy,
he’s really nice and, well, he sort of keeps his hands to himself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sort of?” I growled.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw, come on, I’m almost eighteen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Almost, being the most important part of
your statement,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, please don’t scare him off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He really is nice?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Old enough to drink?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, can I have one too?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess, it’s a different world now, at
least that’s what people keep telling me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was odd, coming home that is. It hadn’t
taken me long to get used to being alone again, not that our friends had been
avoiding me. We all have lives to live and everyone was living theirs. Walking
into the apartment and seeing Danni busy in the kitchen was a welcome change
though. “Hey, I’m home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned around, saw me, and then
greeted me with a passionate kiss, “Hey, you know, I’d forgotten what it was
like to spend the day anticipating someone’s return. On my days off I used to
sit around with Debbie and watch her waiting for you and after a while I
realized I was waiting for you also. And now, thanks to her, I can reap the
rewards too.” She kissed me again and glanced at the oven before saying, “We
have some time before any one arrives, do you want a little something to tide
us over?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled her close and ran my hands down to
the curve of her ass, “I think maybe that sounds pretty good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Great, I want to try something Debbie told
me you liked and I’m wondering if I’ll like it as much as she says she does.”
She grabbed my hands and pulled me towards the bedroom.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it was approaching time for our friends
to start showing up, I opened the front door and left it open as an invitation
for anyone arriving to come in. First, there was Thomas and Timothy, then Nadia
and Rich; I passed out bottles of Bock and glasses and told everyone to get
comfortable. Danni had prepared one of my favorite meals and was finishing up
when Nadia walked in and started helping her. I’ve always had a thing for cold
sandwiches and hot potato side dishes, so Danni had prepared several different
sandwich meats, buns, condiments and sliced vegetables, with a large pan of
scalloped potatoes as a side.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak, Felicia, Sara and Ted all arrived
together, and a short time later, Julia arrived with her new boyfriend, Walter
Pix. Julia is very petite and as she says, vertically challenged at perhaps
five foot. Her boyfriend was huge. I looked at the food that was prepared and
wondered if we had enough. I’m five foot ten, but the young man was easily
taller than Banner’s six foot two. He was light-skinned for an African-American,
had a deep resinous voice when he said hello, and he probably outweighed me by
sixty pounds. The physical differences between him and Julia were startling. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Julia was afraid I would Toby Tyler him.
Good grief. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needn’t have worried though, at
twenty-two, he was gregarious, self-assured and constantly asking questions
related to his Militia training. He told us he was there to train and serve his
time, after which he wanted to return to Tech Support full-time. It didn’t take
long for everyone to accept him into the group.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni is much like Debra in a social
setting, she constantly makes the rounds, talks to everyone and can always be
found laughing somewhere, but I noticed she was staying closer to me than she
normally would. She would sit next to me, touch me when she spoke to me,
basically just making sure I had a drink, another sandwich, whatever. I could
have closed my eyes and thought it was Debra instead of Danni. Eventually, as
usually happens, the guys ended up outside with the girls coming and going and
we talked about anything and everything.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak was the one who first broached the
topic, “Hey, Daniel, what’s going on with Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s really upbeat tonight. It’s been a
long time since I saw her acting like her old self.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hadn’t noticed,” I said as I turned my
head to the sound of her laughter inside the apartment. “But, yeah, she does
seem happier tonight, doesn’t she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged and said, “Women, man, who can
figure them out?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s good to hear the laughter though,
isn’t it?” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, actually, it is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ted asked, “Dan, any word when Debbie is
coming home?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,
they’re playing their cards pretty close to the vest; security, you know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I guess so. Having Danni here to fill
in for Debra must be handy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I said. “When Debra is here, Danni
always helps out with Danni Lynn, and keeps me on my toes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ted sort of hem hawed and finally said, “You
know, Sara and I tried to come by and see you after Debbie left with Packer for
Holloman; they wouldn’t let us visit you. What the hell, Dan, what happened? We
heard some rumors, but nothing that sounded reasonable.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holloman wanted Debra to come with Packer
and Higgins, I didn’t like it because Debra was going to have to take Danni
Lynn and I resented it. Then I sort of made an ass out of myself when I
couldn’t get my way.” I reached up and touched my shoulder where the bullet
wound was and grimaced as it stung and started to ache.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That wound still giving you some problems?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Once in a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?” Danni had walked up beside me and
wrapped her hands around my bicep. “Have you taken your antibiotics this
evening?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll get them,” she said as she walked
away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak laughed and said, “It’s kind of like
having two wives, isn’t it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “If you only knew.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys laughed and joked around a little,
but shut it down as Danni came out, handed me two tablets, and then watched
while I took them. Then she raised up on the balls of her feet and pulled down
my shirt collar as she looked at my neck, “Daniel, that’s looking kind of red,
come inside and let me check it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s alright, we can check it out later,
okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She rested her hand on my shoulder over the
site of the wound and said, “No, it’s not okay, I can feel a lot of heat there.
Come inside, so I can check it in a good light.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at the guys and said, “I’ll be
right back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak laughed and said, “Ooo, Danni wants to
play doctor.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia, who had followed Danni outside,
punched him in the shoulder, “Dak! I swear…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni led me in and had me sit at the table
and unbutton my shirt, then she peeled back the bandage. “Shit,” she said.
“Hey, Nadia, take a look at this and tell me what you think.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia walked up and then leaned over,
“That’s not good, Danni, it’s awfully red and swollen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, and look here,” Danni said. “He’s got
some red streaks on his back where he can’t see them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” Danni said. Then she placed her hand
on my forehead, “You’re feverish; I’m going to take you to the clinic.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s wait until everyone goes home, then
we’ll go. We haven’t had a get together in a long time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, we’re going now. Debra left you in my
care and I’m not dropping the ball for an evening of laughs and drinks.” She
started to reapply the bandage, but stopped and leaning close sniffed at the wound,
“Yeah, we’re going now, but I’m changing this bandage first.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, Danni, what’s another hour or so
matter?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia leaned over and did the same as Danni
and sniffed the wound also, “Yeah, take him now, my mom had diabetes and ended
up losing her leg over a minor cut because it got infected. I remember the
smell, and this is really similar.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” I started getting nervous.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia started looking green and said,
“Excuse me,” as she hurried into the bathroom and closed the door. I could
faintly hear the sound of her retching.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking up at Danni from where I sat, I
asked, “Does it really smell that bad?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a faint smell, but I think Rich’s
diligence at attempting pregnancy may have done the job.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never mind,” she said. The bathroom door
opened and Nadia came out and handed Danni our first aid kit we had hanging
from a hook in the bathroom and then promptly returned. “God, she’s so sweet.”
Danni quickly stripped off the old bandage and then started wiping the area
down with alcohol wipes to clean it. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flinched from the discomfort, no, the pain,
her cleaning was causing, “Hey, Hon, can you ease up there a bit?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Babe, I’m doing it as easy as I
can.” There was a hitch in her voice and I realized she was getting upset. It
became really quiet in the kitchen.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you are; it’s just getting more
sensitive.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my eyes squeezed shut, and then I
heard Felicia say, “Uh, oh, yeah, he needs the clinic. Julia, call for a crash
cart and we’ll have him transported.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be ridiculous,” I said. “I can walk
there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you won’t,” Danni replied. “Fel is
right, you shouldn’t exert yourself until one of the doctors checks this out;
you might spread the infection through your system faster.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia
leaned in closer and said, “Yeah, it looks like your cleaning of the of the
entrance wound removed the plug and now it’s starting to drain, but it’s
probably going to need a drainage tube like they put in Dak.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw, shit,” I said. “Not again. I hate those
tubes.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard Julia hang up the phone and then she
said, “Crash cart is on the way, I told them it was medical transport, but not an
emergency.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “Thank you, Julia. You know what
I think? I bet there’s some sort of foreign object in there and his body is
trying to reject it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia, who rejoined us agreed, “Yeah, I bet
there is, but what? It was a through and through and from what I heard,
probably full metal jacket.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni shook her head, “No, it wasn’t FMJ, it
was a hollow point, but luckily, it didn’t expand. After Schwartz was disarmed,
I checked myself, the gun was loaded with hollow points.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crash cart arrived and we walked outside
to get in. When I walked past Pix, I motioned to him and said, “Why don’t you
ride with me, Walter? So, we can talk on the way?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,” he looked at Julia and she quickly
nodded to him. “Yes, Sir.” He climbed in, as did Danni, and the driver left
with us.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia seems to think you’re serious about
being with her, are you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re what, five years older than her?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My dad was eight years older than my mom,
and Julia is a lot older than she should be.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “She is, we all are, given the
world we live in.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She has an important job; will you get in
the way of her doing it?” We, he and I, were in the rear seat, Danni was beside
the driver. She turned around and looked at me, before turning back and staring
through the front windshield. Yeah, I know, questioning Walter about what I did
myself.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Kind of hard for me get in the way when I
don’t really know for sure what she does. I guess it might be hard for me to
stay out of the way for the same reason.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, he was sharp, and that was good.
“Yeah, we need her, Walter, always remember that. She has a lot of friends and
we really love her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I understand why.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said as we pulled to a stop in
front of the Clinic, “Promise me one thing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anything, Captain Tarn.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at him again and then, “Promise me,
that if she calls it off, you’ll walk away, no drama.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, the most important thing for me, is to
be wanted. If she changes her mind and doesn’t want me? Then I made the wrong
choice, not her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held out my hand and he grasped it with a
strong grip, “You’re pretty smart for a young man; you have my permission to
court Julia.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sir. Can I give you a hand
walking into the clinic?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, the problem is my shoulder; my legs are
working fine.” I slid out and so did Danni beside me. “Driver?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would you mind delivering this young man
back to where you picked me up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No Problem, Captain Tarn.” They drove away
and Danni walked me in.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary Cho was sitting behind the admittance
desk and stood as we walked in. “Daniel, Danni, tell me what’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I could answer, Danni said, “His
bullet wound, it’s gotten infected.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cho shook her head and waved for us to follow
her. After installing us in an exam room, she had me remove my shirt and she
closely examined the festering wound. “Daniel, you were told not to use this
arm until Doc Horne gave the go ahead, what have you been doing, pushups?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, no, it’s kind of hard to function
without using it, Mary.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you ignored Doctor Horne’s
recommendations because it wasn’t convenient?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged and looked away from the
accusation in her expression.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to Danni and said, “So, helping
him with his shoulder was inconvenient?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni frowned and asked, “What do you mean?
Of course, we…” She stopped and looked at me as she said, “What was it we were
supposed to be doing, Mary?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We gave him a brace he was to wear to
restrict the movement of the arm, it was supposed to strap that arm to his
chest to limit its use because of the nerve and vascular damage.” She turned to
me and said, “You didn’t tell Debra, or Danni, did you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at the floor and muttered, “I don’t
like being a burden to anyone, it’s hard enough just being around and getting
in the way.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni cursed and said, “How much of a burden
are you going to be with only one arm?!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope,” Mary said. “Taking the arm wouldn’t
fix it, and amputating the head would be counter-productive, though
satisfying.” She stared at me for a moment and then said, “Okay, I’m going to call
Horne and have him check you out, but you may as well get comfortable. I
guarantee when he sees this, you won’t be leaving.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have too much to do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait here. Danni, come with me.” Danni
followed her out and I could hear them speaking in low terms and then Mary’s
voice as she spoke on the phone, “…Horne…Tarn…Infection… STAT…” A word here, a
word there and finally Danni came back in followed by Cho. “Horne is on his
way, and I need to make a couple more calls.” She turned to Danni and said, “If
you’re staying, you might want to organize some relief, he’s going to be here
for a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait a minute,” I said. “I was serious
about being too busy to lay around and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, SHUT UP!” Danni startled me so bad,
I jumped. “I promised Debra I would take care of you! Now this? Daniel, you are
not invulnerable! This time, you’re going to listen to what you are told to do
and by god you will do it! If not for yourself, do it for Danni Lynn, do it for
Debra, please,” she said as her voice got softer. “Do it for me, I just got
you, please…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was on the verge of breaking down and
Mary was looking on with a shocked expression, “Okay,” I said. “Okay, tell me
what you want and you’ve got it, I promise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just do what you’re told, okay? At Intel,
you’re the boss, here, Mary is until Doctor Horne gets here. Just…” She
suddenly walked away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both stared at the curtain as it moved
with her passing and then Mary looked at me before she brusquely said, “There’s
an underlying story going on here and I’m not sure I would like it.” She turned
to a cabinet and withdrew a gown, before depositing it in my lap, “Do you need
help getting undressed?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was familiar with the tone of her voice.
It was the one I was subjected to when everyone had thought I cheated on Debra
with Sara. “No, I’ve got it. Mary, it’s not what you think, so try to withhold
judgement for the time being, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, sure it isn’t.” She turned around and
walked out and a few moments later I could hear Danni and Mary quietly
conversing. I couldn’t hear what was being said, but I hoped Mary wasn’t making
accusations of impropriety. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my boots off and my socks, but getting
my pants off was proving difficult, “Damn it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It got quiet and moments later, Danni walked
in as she wiped her red eyes, “What’s wrong?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I exhaled sharply and said, “I can’t get my
damn pants down and off!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knelt down and worked on them before
saying loudly, “Mary what about his underwear?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everything!” She shouted back.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni pulled off my briefs and then held a
gown for me as I slipped my arms in, then she tied it off, “Danni, what did Mary
say to you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just trying to calm me down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you need to? Calm down I mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She straightened the wrinkles on the front
of the gown with the palms of her hands and then pressed her face into the side
of my neck as she whispered, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for any of this to
happen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but now you have to get your head
in the game, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point, Horne walked briskly in and
said, “Okay, let’s see what we have.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started probing with his fingertips,
pressing here, pressing there, and gauging my pain response as he did. Finally,
he said to Mary, “Scalpel.” She handed one to him and he made a small incision
next to the entrance wound and connecting to it, handed the scalpel back and
said, “Gauze.” She held the gauze over the wound as he said, “Brace yourself,
Dan, this is going to hurt.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait, what about…” I sucked in air and then
grunted as a copious amount of nasty looking, thick, fluid started squeezing
out of the entrance wound and the incision. “Damn, Doctor Horne!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ever heard the expression, play stupid
games, win stupid prizes? Welcome to the stupid prize. There we go! I figured
there might be something in there. Tweezers, Mary.” He used the tweezers and
picked a dark object out of the bloody puss on the gauze. Holding it up to the
light, he said, “Danni, weren’t you with Dan when he was shot?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a weakly said, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was he wearing, just guessing, a black
tee-shirt?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held it for me to see and said, “I
believe this is part of your tee-shirt; do you want it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No thanks, uh, Doc, mind if I lay down? I’m
not feeling very well.” I was actually seeing stars.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In a minute,” He started probing around the
exit wound, but finally said, “Whatever is in there, it’s in there deep.” Then
he turned to Mary and said, “Get him prepped, did you get hold of Simpson,
Gerard, and Penny Martin?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Doctor Horne, they’re on their way.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, get an IV in him, and then I want you
to scrub up, you’ll be assisting Penny.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horne hurried out and I said, “Yeah, someone
want to tell me what’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary replied, “Doctor Gerard is the
anesthesiologist; Doctor Simpson is the surgeon; Doctor Horne will assist and
Penny Martin is a Surgical Nurse. I get to be step n’ fetch.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh,” I said as I looked at Danni who was
sitting in a chair and looking paler than she normally did.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-11214877715117297052021-06-07T06:52:00.001-07:002021-06-10T08:50:51.304-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 26<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
26</span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come in, Daniel, everything good on the
home front?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir. Debra is doing great and Danni is
having fun being Auntie Danni. I think she’s jealous that Debra can nurse the
baby and she can’t.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lord, I can’t imagine two new mothers in
the same household.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed, “Yeah, I have to make threats of
physical violence in order to be included in ‘hold the baby time.’”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled again, but then sobered, “Gilly
and I never had that, what you have. No one’s fault really, it just never
happened. We investigated adoption, but because we moved so much as a military
household, we were considered poor candidates.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why? There must be a great many people in
the military that have families, hell, you have some right here in Asylum.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I know, maybe it was just me, I don’t
know. Anyway, that’s why Debra and Sara are getting visited so much by Gilly; I
think she considers herself sort of a surrogate grandmother.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever the reason, she, and you, are
always welcome.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, now for the reason I called you.
Major Higgins is very interested in your proposal concerning the Denver Enclave
and frankly, so am I. How in depth did the two of you get in your original
talk?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not very, Sir, Schwartz put an end to the
discussion.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“By-the-way, she has her own little cage on
the loading dock beside Stevens and Parker, in case you’re wondering.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni has been keeping me up-to-date, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought so. Back to why you’re here.
Higgins told me that most of the civilian personnel in their party, are
dependents of the Africa Special Deployment Detachment. Are you familiar with
it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Only so far as they were a Mercenary
Battalion working through the British Army.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were aware the British Parliament voted
down military operations outside of NATO Territories?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I remember something like that
about the time I came here to work on Phase Six.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, the timeframe is about right. They
were working closely with U.S. forces in Africa and were very effective. They
were fast becoming the Brits Foreign Legion, but with the pandemics, they were
in essence, abandoned and on their own. They traveled to Somalia, were hired by
the UN and what was left of them ended up in Denver.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, here’s some information you may not
know. I have personally worked with the first iteration of the AS Double D in
Africa and I can assure you, these guys are extremely good at what they do.
They are, all of them, SOG, understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Special Operations Groups, yes, Sir, cream
of the crop when it comes to training.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s more to them than many know, these
people weren’t hired just because they were good at what they do, they were
hired because they supported a particular political spectrum. They are
politically conservative and motivated. They have a strong sense of what is
morally acceptable and are willing to fight for their beliefs. At the moment,
they find themselves in a difficult situation, they are relying on a form of
government they find reprehensible for the very food they consume, they are
outnumbered, they are denied their heavy weapons, ammunition stores are
depleted, and they are constantly wrangling with the powers that be, just to
maintain their unit cohesion.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds pretty crappy, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is. Major Higgins has stated he, as a
representative of the AS Double D, is willing to consider recommending a
military revolt against the leadership of the Denver Enclave. What do you
think?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I agree, but with reservations.” I shifted
in the chair I was sitting in and rubbed my shoulder.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That shoulder causing you some grief
today?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everyday. Horne thinks he knows why, but
can’t guarantee it’s going to get better. Apparently, the hydrostatic shockwave
expanded and contracted the arteries and blood vessels in, and adjacent, to the
scalene muscle group. There are a lot of nerve bundles wrapped around those
veins and arteries and as a result they were expanded and contracted also.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw shit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, he says the damage could be
temporary, or permanent; only time can tell.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And it’s too soon at the moment to figure
it out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, with your permission, I would
rather you didn’t mention what I just told you to Debra, or Danni. They have
enough on their plates already.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I completely understand, Daniel, there are
a few things that Gilly was never told also.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly walked into the office with a tray and
set it down on Packer’s desk, “Such as?” She said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a moment of panic on Packer’s
face, which he quickly hid, “Such as what, Hon?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned and smiled at me before saying,
“I learned two decades ago, that every time he calls me, Hon, it’s time to
start digging.” Then she looked at Packer, “And you, my love, have absolutely
no secrets hidden away; I know them all.” She poured two cups of coffee, handed
one to each of us and then uncovered a small platter of cookies, “Sugar
cookies, Daniel, I know how much you like them, but they may be a little on the
stale side, if so, I’ll make a fresh batch and bring some by when I come to
visit the little one tomorrow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Thank you, Gilly, I’m
sure these will be fine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked out and Packer stuffed a cookie
in his mouth and sipped coffee before saying, “The bad thing is, what does she
know, I mean really know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckled and said, “Is there anything bad,
bad?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, just things I did in combat, stuff like
that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does she know the wives of men you served
with?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There you go, men tell wives, wives tell
other wives, or girlfriends they trust.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My reservations?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where are they housed? Deep within the
Enclave? Do they have access to the exterior? Are they sequestered? Isolated?
We keep our weapons close-by, are they allowed to? Is the leadership of the
Enclave aware of their political and cultural leanings? If their ammunition
stores are depleted, can we help supply them in a covert manner? How easy will
it be to differentiate them from any enemy they face?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All good questions; I want you to find the
answers. Higgins will work with you and co-ordinate as necessary, but do not
inform him of anything that might weaken our position.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You think it’s possible he might double
deal?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know the reputation they have, but I
don’t know them personally.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir. When do you want to start?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No time like the present.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir. “I stood up and took a step
towards the door, but then turned back and grabbed a handful of cookies as I
smiled at Packer, “She did say they were, MY, favorites.” Then I hurried out of
his office.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped by the apartment and checked on
the girls, Debra and little Danni, and then over to the Intel Office. Everyone
stood up as I entered and I said, “At ease,” as I walked through and entered my
office. Julia walked in after me and laid a folder on the conference table.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s this,” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember you wanted us to continue looking
for correlations concerning the splinter group from Denver?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, this is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, give me a short breakdown and we’ll
go from there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, first off…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia, remember I asked you to be a little
less formal in here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then said, “Yeah, but it’s
just hard shifting back and forth and trying to figure out when you’re Captain
Tarn and when you’re Daniel. So, we decided from now on, when we’re on duty
it’s Captain Tarn and when we’re not, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what you all decided?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Okay, continue your
report, Sargent Ortiz.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and then said, “Apparently, after
the departure, the leadership in Denver ordered the Africa Corps to be…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Africa Corps? Where did that come from?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,” she leafed through several sheets and
said, “The teenage son of one of the Board of Directors…umm…Samuel Livingston,
first used the term in a chat room communication. Then it sort of spread from
there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Samuel Livingston, is that the director, or
the son?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Son.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Next time, be a little more precise when
identifying individuals. What is the father’s name?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Samuel Livingston, he’s the Director of
Human Resources and…” She looked at me and then said, “Oh, the teenage son is a
junior, as in Samuel Junior.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Continue.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, right, after the splinter group left,
the Board of Directors ordered the Africa Corps to be disarmed and reassigned
to work details. The commanding officer of the Africa Corps declined the order
and refused to surrender their weapons on the grounds that the weapons were
personal items that each and every member had purchased themselves.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess, I don’ know if that’s true, or
not, but it is the reason given for not complying with the Board’s demands. If
you think about it though, we have the Second Amendment, right? So, they can’t
take their personal guns.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I doubt the Board of Directors is currently
paying any attention to the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. I’m pretty
sure, like the leadership we had here, they consider it an outdated
instrument.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, when, oh, that’s right, you arrived
after we invited the ZPGers to go elsewhere.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You did?” She looked puzzled, “I thought
they decided to leave on their own.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Technically speaking, yes and no. They
demanded we turn all power over to them or they would leave us without their
wisdom and leadership. We declined to allow them to continue as a governmental
body, so they left.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But then they tried to come back and invade
us, well you, because we weren’t here yet, and you guys handed them their
asses.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“With help from Holloman, yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If they come back again, will we still need
Holloman’s help?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Possibly, depending on what they could
bring to bear, but we are also much stronger now than then. Plus, we have our
patrols, observation posts, and very good relations with our neighbors.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, and then said, “I really should
take my Militia training more serious.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have an important job here, Julia, but
yes, you should get all the training you can.” I waited a few moments while the
wheels spun in her head and finally said, “The Africa Corps?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yes, Sir. Uh, okay, they refused to
surrender their weapons and the Board told the commanders of the other two
formations of troops to do the disarming, but they declined because they knew
the reputation of the Africa Corps. They said as long as the Africa Corps was
armed that they wouldn’t fight them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why hasn’t the Corps simply left?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We haven’t really established that yet, but
we suspect the board is somehow forcing them to stay. You know, if we could
talk to that Major that returned with you, maybe he could answer some of our
questions.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you trust him?” I asked. “And if you
do, why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know him, so why would I trust
him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Exactly, we don’t know him, in fact, the
only thing we know for sure, is the woman who was leading his group to Phoenix
shot me the first chance she got.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, there is that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, let’s learn all we can and then ask
him questions, sound reasonable?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir. Okay, the buses that were stolen,
Denver was really upset about that and it took us a while to find out the
reason why; they were being used to transport work details into the surrounding
areas to salvage and confiscate people’s supplies. They seem to only be
concerned with keeping the people inside the Enclave with food. That has caused
a lot of anger around them and now military units accompany any salvage teams.
They have yet to do like us, and create a thriving barter and trade alliance
with the local inhabitants. They have planted no crops, even though they have
all the room you could want to start farms. Heck, the whole region was covered
with farms before the fall.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s something we may be able to exploit.
What else?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have a new monetary system based on
what they call…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Solars, short for Socialist Dollars.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, yes, Sir, that’s right, you must have
run into that when you were looking for Debra in Denver.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There are a lot of items that in, and of
themselves, seem inconsequential, but cause a nagging curiosity in me. I would
like you to do a spread and see what you can put together.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s clear the conference table and
see what there is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did and I started laying the sheets out
so they covered the table, but then I stopped. “Julia, you know those cork
panels I had made? Are they still in the storage room?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get some help from the others and bring
them in here and hang them on the wall. I’ll be right back,” I said as I left
and returned home. When I arrived, Debra was sitting on the couch feeding
little Danni with an almost blissful expression on her face.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, Honey! You’re early!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not home for the day, I just needed to
find something.” I started searching for the box of colored pins Maria had
given me and I couldn’t remember the last place I had seen them. “Babe, there
was a box of colored pins that Maria, I mean Mary, gave me; have you seen them
lying about?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I put them in the junk box beside your
night stand.” I went to the bedroom and opened the box, then dug through it
some before I found them. Back to the Livingroom and I asked Debra, “Okay,
remember those rolls of yarn that Mary gave you to knit a baby blanket with?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You thought you would throw them away
because it was Mary that gave them to you, did you? Or are they still around
somewhere?” Reaching beside her, she held up a knitted blanket for me to see.
“Oh, okay, where would I find more of that yarn in different colors?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The last time I was in the Exchange, they
had a good selection in the crafts area. Are you going to take up knitting?”
She smiled.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I retuned her smile and leaned over
her to give her a kiss and lightly stroke Danni’s cheek as she suckled. “You
know how I lay out information sheets and then start drawing lines and making
connections?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It works good, but there are always changes
that get made as more information is correlated. Instead of marking up the
sheets, I’m going to place them on cork board and then use pins and yarn to
connect the dots instead of lines drawn on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a good idea; I’ve seen some of your
charts that were so confusing, I couldn’t make heads, or tails of it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Same here,” I said. “If I use pins and yarn,
I can remove lines that change, or I no longer need.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shifted Danni to her shoulder and
started patting her back until she burped and then back to her breast. “I have
a little yarn left over if you want it, but there really isn’t a lot of it.”
She shifted again and pushed the side of her breast to position the nipple for
the baby and then said. “Oh, Gilly is going to the Exchange before she comes
here today, should I call her and have her pick some up for you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could you? It would definitely save me some
time walking back and forth.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, it looks like Danni is topped
off for a while, so I’ll call as soon as I have her down. What colors do you
want?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,” I opened the box of pins and checked.
“Red, blue, black, white, orange, brown, green and yellow; can you remember
those?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Got you covered, Hon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave her another kiss and headed back to
the office. When I walked in, Julia and Anthony were hanging the last two
panels. The panels were three foot by four foot, so the whole ensemble was
six-foot-high by twelve foot long. Our other two analysts had regrouped the
sheets by topic, so we started pinning the sheets to the cork board. A few
minutes after we finished grouping the sheets of paper, Gilly delivered the
yarn and we started making the connections we identified as a team. Two hours
later, I sat in my chair behind my desk and started studying the results. The
colorful groupings seemed to make the whole thing even easier to understand and
I started re-attaching the yarn from one pin to another as the patterns began
to suggest different conclusions. Finally, I was satisfied and called Packer.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What have you got, Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be easier to explain, Sir, if you
drop by and look at it yourself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I bring Higgins? Or do you have things
you don’t want him to know that we know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I studied the board and finally said, “Bring
him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Give me twenty minutes and we’ll be there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the two men arrived, Higgins waited in
the front as I directed Packer to my office/conference room. Packer walked to
the cork board and began studying it as he said, “This is new, I like it better
than the old way you used.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So do I.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued to trace out the patterns of
yarn and finally said, “Looks like maybe, if I’m seeing this correctly, Denver
has come up with a way to rid themselves of two different problems?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, based on what we have at the
moment, that’s my conclusion.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The colored twine, though appearing random
at first glance, took on an appearance of a spiderweb which was centered on the
lower right side of the board. “I wonder what makes them think they can pull
this off? On paper they have the potential resources, but in material,
especially ammo…” He moved to the center of the web and stopped. After reading
the printout, he muttered, “Fuck.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is going to put a wrinkle in the plan
we were thinking of.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I can see Higgins backing off from
being involved.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s definitely a possibility.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, can you invite the Major to join us
please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” I walked out of the room and
motioned Major Higgins to join us. He quickly walked forward and followed me in
where he joined Packer at the cork board.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Colorful,” he said. “What is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped up beside him and said,
“Information, painstakingly accumulated over a period of time, entered into a
data base that is basically just a word processing program with a search
function. We enter words, terms, phrases, names, and locations and it spits
clumps of related data back at us. The more information entered, the more
precise our conclusions can be. This is how we stay on top of things.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How effective is it?” He asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood beside him and stared at him until I
finally said, “Major, the more you learn about how we do things, the more
dangerous to us you become. Are you sure you want to go there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged and answered, “Our position in
Denver is becoming untenable. If something isn’t done soon, we’re going to be
forced into an action that will probably result in one of three results. Either
the Africa Special Deployment Detachment fights its way out of Denver; we
surrender our principles and become willing servants of the new world order;
or, we are destroyed. I, myself, prefer the first option as does Colonel
Rickett.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Major Packer and he nodded to
me, so I asked, “You told the Major, Denver has been unable to resupply your
command with small arms ammunition, correct?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we used up most of our supplies just
getting to Somalia. When we were sent to Denver, we discovered most of the
security forces there were equipped with Eastern Bloc weaponry, so our
ammunition stockpiles remained dangerously low. We basically have enough left
to provide each man with at best, three full magazines for their individual
weapons.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Heavier weapons?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were, as a Light Infantry formation,
expected to be supported by other assets in whatever theater we were assigned
to, but we had a Mortar Platoon consisting of four sections with two mortars
per section and equipped with L16 81mm mortars. Originally, while in Africa,
the mortars were mounted in lorries, but the vehicles were left behind when we
were transported here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anti-aircraft capability?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When
we were sent to Africa, we were issued the old Blowpipe system, they were an
abysmal failure and we destroyed all of them rather than waste the energy
transporting them. We then received Stinger missiles and we brought those with
us, but they were warehoused when we arrived in Denver.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anti-armor?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Milan missiles, also warehoused.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Those warehoused systems, are they under
the direct control of the AS Double D?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.” Higgins said as I looked at Packer and
Packer sighed heavily. “Why do you ask?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because Denver isn’t planning an attack on
Asylum,” I said. “They want to knock Holloman out of the equation.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see,” Higgins said. “Lucky for Holloman
that Colonel Rickett saw the possibility of those missiles being misused.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer’s head snapped around and he said,
“Explain, please.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins smiled and said, “We all have
secrets we hold close, Major Packer, let’s just say, that, is one of ours.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You want concessions?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We want, assurances.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve already offered to assist you in the
taking of the Denver Enclave,” Packer said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Taking the Denver Enclave isn’t the biggest
problem,” Higgins said. “I can see that happening. The problem is holding on to
it after we take it. You admit yourselves; you have suffered through numerous
attempts to retake Asylum and you came close to losing it at one point. The
only reason you are still in control is the assistance you received from your
Air Force at Holloman. What happens if Denver makes an offer to Holloman, that
Holloman finds difficult to refuse?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The leadership at Holloman took the same
oath I did as an American soldier and will do what is necessary to uphold that
oath,” I said. Packer nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perhaps, but warfare and political intrigue
are a chess game; sometimes we sacrifice a piece in order to gain advantage
later in the game.” Higgins said it, but judging from his expression, he took
no joy in it. “At Sandhurst, I was taught why we send formations forward to
attack and not people; it’s much easier to send 1st Squad to pay the butcher’s
bill, than to send Tommy, Dick, and Harry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I hated to say it, what he said
was true. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whenever we make agreements, those are
possibilities we have to accept,” I said. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your wife, Lieutenant Tarn of the Rangers,
she just gave birth to your first child, am I correct?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Major.” I suddenly started developing
a dislike for him.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are
you willing to trust the leadership of Holloman with the safety of your wife
and child?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and faced him fully, “I can only
tell you what she would, Sir, hell yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stared into each other’s eyes and in my
peripheral vision I saw Packer preparing to step between us and then Higgins
said, “I do believe you are sincere, Captain. May I be allowed the honor of
meeting your wife and child someday?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me give her a call and let her know
we’re coming, so she can get things squared away, and you can meet her when we
are done here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded, “I had a family once, Captain. My
wife, my two adult sons, and my teenage daughter, all died during the Third
Wave in London. There were so many dead, the authorities were burning the
bodies in mass funeral pyres.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My condolences, Major Higgins,” I meant it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“By the time I was able to return home from
Africa, a group of Muslim men had taken over our flat and when I arrived at my
door, they laughed and said it was the will of Allah. I delivered four bodies
to the fires, returned to duty, and I have never been back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a lot of room in America right now,
Major, a man can spread his wings and fly if he chooses to. Not too long ago, I
was a construction worker and helping to build this place. Now…” I left the
rest open to conjecture.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins turned to Packer and said, “The
guidance systems have been removed and are stored in a safe location. It will
only take a trained technician a few minutes to make each missile operational
again. As they are now, I suppose they’d make grand paperweights.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer said, “That’s good to know, Major.
You should know, that Denver was able to relocate the ammunition you were
promised when you signed on with the UN. We knew for a fact the shipment had been
misplaced, but with the new intelligence we have acquired, it appears Denver
found and gathered that ammunition. Initially we thought we were looking at
approximately two million rounds of ammo, weapons and gear, but we now believe
that number was light. They have salvaged a total of five million rounds and
about half of that was originally supposed to come here, but was shifted to
Denver instead. It appears the ammo we were supposed to receive was allocated
to Denver in order to resupply your men.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Which they never did,” Higgins replied.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It appears they came to find you
politically unreliable.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bastards, and they wonder why they are
suffering from a lack of loyalty.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The good news is, the ammunition is there
in Denver if your people can locate and liberate it at the appropriate time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That place is huge; did you know they built
entire multiple story buildings and then buried them?” He shook his head,
“There are miles of tunnels down there where they could store things and no one
would know something was there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Tarn will find it for us, sooner or
later, in the meantime we need to prepare, and to co-ordinate with Holloman to
let them know what we have learned, but I’m a little uncomfortable with
electronic communication at the moment. How would you like to take a trip to
Holloman Air Force Base?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was fascinated by Higgins’ accent, and
invited the Major to dinner the next evening. By the time all was said and
done, there were fourteen guests and it turned into a buffet style meal. Major
Packer and Gilly attended, the Banners, the Sorensens, the Morrisons, Matthew
Thomas and his partner, Timothy Durant, Major Higgins and an SAS Lieutenant
named Roger Taylor, and of course, Debra and I; Danni was on duty and wouldn’t be
off until later in the evening, but she promised to stop by the ready room
where we set up the buffet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Straight off
the start, I knew there was the potential for trouble. It seems Lieutenant
Roger Taylor, a dashing young man, was rather taken with Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they were introduced, he literally
followed her everywhere, while she set up the serving tables, while she
prepared the fresh salad. At one point, when she walked to the women’s restroom
to feed Danni Lynn in private, he stood outside and talked to her through the
door. I was beginning to become irritated and I think Gilly caught on to what
was happening because she began to engage the Lieutenant in a conversation
about what a wonderful marriage Debra and I had. He barely listened to her or
even acknowledged her except when she asked him direct questions. His eyes were
following every move Debra made and I noticed Major Higgins was beginning to
take notice himself. We served Asylum Bock with the meal and quite a bit
afterwards as well and I had noticed the Lieutenant had not eaten very much,
which was a shame because Danni and Debra had used a recipe of John Cameron’s
to prepare the Tri Tip roasts they cooked for dinner. The Bock seemed to be
affecting the Lieutenant to a larger degree than anyone else and finally, Debra
planted herself between me and Gilly as she held Danni to her chest.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t want to say anything, Hon, this is
just a much a planning session as a social gathering, but if that motherfucker
touches me one…more…time…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been watching,” I said. “I guess it’s
time to have a little talk instead.” I started to stand up and Debra placed her
hand on my forearm to stop me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Hon, there’s something off with him, I
don’t know what, but something is off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How so?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The night of the dance with those asshats
that claimed to be from Holloman?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” I glanced at Taylor and his
attention, from where he was standing, was locked on Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“His smell, he smells like those guys did,
just off, I don’t know how to explain it. Just not right.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly leaned close to Debra as if she was
checking Danni Lynn, and asked, “Dangerous off?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not overtly, just…” She looked at me and
asked, “What the hell is a pram? And what the hell is a yummy mummy?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A what?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A pram, he said if we had a pram, he and I
could take a walk in the woods and bring Danni Lynn with us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a baby carriage,” Gilly said. “He
actually suggested the two of you go for a walk in the woods, alone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gilly, he didn’t just suggest it, he said
it as if he thought I wanted to!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly started standing and said, “I better
talk to Jerry and Major Higgins before things get out of hand.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached around Debra and placed my hand on
Gilly’s shoulder to hold her in place, “My job, Gilly, I’ll take care of this,
myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel!” Debra said. “You’re still recovering
from your gunshot wound, no!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to stand up from my chair and a
hand from behind closed over the wound next to my neck. The slight pressure was
enough to cause me to gasp and drop back into my chair. “Uh huh, and you’re
going to take care of it?” Danni. “I’ll be right back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She quickly walked around the table and
approached Taylor. Coming to a stop beside him, she introduced herself and
shook his hand when he offered it, but she didn’t relinquish the hold she had
of his hand. She spoke quietly to him for a few moments and I could see from
the set of his jaw, he was rapidly becoming incensed. I stood up and walked
around the table to join them.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I moved up beside them, Danni said, “You
will never be the man Lieutenant Tarn’s husband is, so you can save your swarmy
charm for someone else, preferably somewhere other than Asylum. One last thing,
if I hear from someone, anyone, that you referred to Lieutenant Tarn as a
‘yummy mummy’ again? I’m going to rip off your fucking head and shit down your
neck, can you feel me, Lieutenant Taylor?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Brave words for a small woman,” he replied.
“You do realize I’m SAS, right? I find your comment about ripping off my head
to be a little ludicrous.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Monroe,” I said. “I believe the
Major’s wife would like a word with you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni released his hand and dropped her hand
to her sidearm, “We’ll talk again, SAS Lieutenant Taylor, because I’ve known
men like you my entire life and you won’t be able to help yourself. Yeah, you
and I are going to dance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached for the front of her armor vest
with his right hand and I intercepted his hand with my left and locked it in
place. I was looking into his eyes as they suddenly widened and he attempted to
step backwards, but I held him where he was, “Lieutenant Monroe,” I said. “Why
don’t you grab yourself a plate and fill it, there’s beer in the cooler.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a solid thud and Taylor bent at the
waist as he stepped back and groaned softly. Looking down, I saw the muzzle of
Danni’s Glock pressed to his groin. “Yep, you and me, Taylor.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Monroe! Secure that weapon!”
Packer was walking to join us with Higgins behind him. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Taylor! Return to the Section
and confine yourself to quarters until I return!” He waited a moment and then
shouted into Taylor’s face, “Now Lieutenant! That is a direct order!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taylor struggled upright as I released his
wrist and he went to a semi-rigid attention, “Sir.” He saluted, made a right
face and started for the area where the AS Double D had set up their tents. My
right hand was resting on my sidearm as he left.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Someone want to tell me what that was
about?” Packer asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni was retuning her sidearm to its
holster as she said, “Apparently, SAS Lieutenant Taylor, decided Lieutenant
Tarn was available for his personal use. He invited her for a walk in the woods
and he also referred to her as a ‘yummy mummy’, to her face.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Higgins and he appered shocked,
Packer looked confused and then Danni said, “Major Packer, have you ever heard
the term Milf, or the acronym M-I-L-F?” He nodded, “I served a short period of
time alongside some British Paras in Afghanistan; what we refer to as an
M-I-L-F, they call a ‘yummy mummy.’”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer turned to Higgins and said, “We do
not need this kind of bullshit, not when we are trying to forge an alliance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I agree, Major, but please, allow me to
state that I have never seen the Lieutenant do such a thing. He has always been
a perfect officer and gentleman in the presence of women. Especially the wives
of fellow soldiers.” He looked over the table at Debra and said, “My deepest
apologies Mrs. Tarn, I am speechless.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded to him and said, “Thank you Major
Higgins, and I accept your apology. May I suggest a possible reason for Lieutenant
Taylor’s, shall we say, lack of focus?” Danni Lynn started to fuss a bit, so
Debra shifted her to a shoulder and began to softly pat her back until Danni
burped.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Major smiled and said, “Please.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra indicated the chair across the table
from her and he sat down. Packer walked around the table and sat next to Gilly.
I walked back and stood behind Debra with my hands on her shoulders. Danni
picked up a plate and began to place food items on it in preparation for eating
and everyone else were looking surprised by the whole event.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Higgins, my understanding is Denver
was sprayed by a series of drones and tens of thousands of people died, am I
correct?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins replied, “Yes, we assumed it was
some form of nerve agent at the time, but then the follow-on effects were very
bad. It seemed to drive people mad with a murderous rage. The people who were
not killed outright, began to kill those around them. We also discovered that
people suffered from various degrees of mental illness, ranging from murderous
aggression to some who could hide their desire to commit violent attacks.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we had the same results here, and in
the nearby towns. We also discovered that some people are able to control their
anger and function normally once they realized they had been exposed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I find that part difficult to believe,” he
said. “Do you know of any of these people yourself? Have you talked to them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My husband is one, and I, am another.” She
said it rather tentatively, and then waited for his response.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do you know this? That you were
contaminated?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My husband,” she said as she reached up and
placed her hand over mine. “Is highly intelligent and his deductive reasoning
leaves many of us astounded. He figured it out on his own and then Felicia
Sorenson and Sara Banner developed a reliable test we could administer to the
population of Asylum.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins leaned forward and asked Felicia,
“You helped develop a test for the contaminant?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
nodded and said, “Sara and I worked together on it. Though neither of us are
trained Biochemists, Sara is an accomplished geneticist and my area of
expertise lies in virology. In essence, we had to retrain ourselves in order to
develop the test.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins was silent for a moment and finally
said, “Another example of the Denver leadership lying to us. We were told a
method of testing was impossible to develop.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Difficult,” Sara said, “But not
impossible.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There appears to be an olfactory effect in
some situations that can be rather powerful,” Debra told him. “As an example,
if I was blindfolded and told to pick out my husband within a crowd of men, I
know I could do it and I know my husband could pick me out as well.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” Higgins asked, but I could tell he
was dubious. “Perhaps he can tell by the perfume you wear?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t wear perfume, Major Higgins.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He snorted and said, “Earlier, Lieutenant
Taylor commented on the perfume you were wearing Mrs. Tarn. He said you smelled
of roses and cinnamon. He wondered if it was something that was being locally
produced.” You could have heard a pin drop and finally Higgins said, “What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the same scent that I can smell from
my wife, Major, and other men who have been contaminated have also described my
wife’s scent as roses and cinnamon as well.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins looked at me, then Debra, and then
Felicia, “Can you perform your test on Lieutenant Taylor?” Then he shook his
head, “I don’t know what good it might do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major,” I said. “As my wife informed you,
once you recognize the problem, you have a degree of ability to control your
actions. If what you have said about Lieutenant Taylor is true, once he
realizes he can control his reactions caused by the contaminant we may be able
to prevent a re-occurrence such as the one experienced this evening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins said to Felicia, “How soon can we
have this test performed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia looked around and said, “It looks as
though we’re pretty much done here this evening, so why not now?” She stood up
and said to Sara, “Can you assist me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara nodded and Ted Banner said, “I’ll come
along and make sure there are no problems. Thomas, do you want to give me a
hand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew stood up, “Of course.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll come too,” Danni said. “If he tests
positive, I’ll offer to apologize, but if he tests negative the way Stella
Morrison did…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer shook his head, “I don’t think so,
Danni, I think it might be best if you passed on that idea.” He stood up and
pulled Gilly’s chair out of the way when she stood also. “In the meantime, I
have other preparations to make. Major Higgins, I assume you will wish to
attend the testing of your Lieutenant?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’ll go explain the situation to him
and bring him to the testing facility.” He glanced at Banner and then Thomas,
“I assume you will escort us to where we need to be?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Major,” Banner replied.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni sat down next to Debra and started
eating, while I started cleaning off the table. Rich and Nadia joined me and
started cleaning up as well. When we finished, I sat beside Debra and asked,
“Ready to go home?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet, I’ve been stuck in the apartment
the last few days and it’s really nice outside, can we walk down by the rifle
range and sit for a while?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni perked up and asked, “Want me to take
Little Bit for a while? I’m almost done eating; I can take her home and give
you two a little alone time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would be nice,” Debra said. She
started shifting Danni Lynne and Nadia hurried over.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here, I’ll hold her while Danni finishes
eating. I need the practice anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Danni and Debra looked at her in
surprise as Debra said, “Nadia, are you…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia laughed and said, “No, but we’re
working on it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich laughed and said, “Diligently.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra surrendered Danni Lynn to Nadia and
together we walked outside and then towards the rifle range. Debra had her arm
around my waist and I had mine around her shoulders, but Debra kept looking
back over her shoulder and I asked, “Separation anxiety?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, this is the farthest I’ve been from
her since she was born.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Changing your mind about leaving her with
someone else?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I think I need to. It’s going to
happen sooner or later and she’s in the best of hands.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I squeezed her and said, “You set the
parameters and we’ll walk back when you’re ready.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the range, I sat down on one of the
benches and she sat on my lap facing me. She laid her head on my shoulder and
sighed as I held her to me and we listened to the breeze whispering through the
pines.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra finally stirred and softly said,
“Sooner, or later, I’m going to have to go back to work.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why not stay home and be a full-time mom?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d like to, but things aren’t ready for
full-time moms yet. I need to continue training others, and I have
responsibilities to the Rangers, the Militia, and to Asylum. There will be
times when I have to, well, I’m a soldier, Daniel, what if something happens to
me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t think like that. My vote is for
full-time mom that trains people to do dangerous shit. Not full-time warrior
that stops by and visits her child once in a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know that’s not me. I need to be active
and Asylum isn’t ready to become small-town-America yet. There are too many
people that want to take away what we want to build. We are all going to have
to be involved if we want things to be normal again someday and that’s what I
want for Danni Lynn.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, believe me, I know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want you to think about what you will do
if something happens to me, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Listen to me, hear me out, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Debra.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to say this whether you want to
hear it, or not. We have a child and a responsibility to provide a loving home
for her and any others we have, am I right? You know I’m right.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t say anything.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, I guess so, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni loves Danni Lynn so much, and she
loves you too. If something happens to me, if I don’t come home someday, I want
Danni to be our baby’s mom.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m serious, Daniel, she would be great for
Danni Lynn and she would be great for you too.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not want to have this conversation. I
thought furiously and then said, “Okay, if this is what you want.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She straightened up and looked at me,
“Really? You agree?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve obviously put a lot of thought into
this, so it must be very important to you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but what if I don’t come home? What
about you and Danni Lynn, who’s going to take care of you?” I thought for a
moment and said, “John Trench, yeah, he might be a good choice for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“John Trench, he’s a little younger than you
I think, but he’s definitely a good choice and I’m sure he would jump at the
chance to take on the position.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, there’s no one else in the world for
me, only you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be close-minded; he’s a good guy and
if you want me to abide by your plans, then you should be willing to abide by
mine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan…” I started to cringe, but then she
smiled and said, “I’m thinking maybe Toby Tyler, yeah, his dad owns that farm
and I’m sure Toby would be happy to keep me barefoot and pregnant.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much for making her see the flip side of
the coin.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll think about Danni, but I don’t want to
talk about it anymore, alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Honey, it’s just something I’ve
started worrying about.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have one question though.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you talked to Danni about this?
Because if you have…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I haven’t.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then why would you even think she would be
interested?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She placed her hands on the side of my face
and kissed me, “You can be so oblivious about some things, god I love you so
much.” She glanced towards the Bunker and said, “From what I can see through
the windows, I’m thinking everyone has left; we should go home too. Danni Lynn
might be ready to be fed again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It probably sounds odd, but I was nervous
around Danni for a while. Did Debra really not talk to Danni about what she
wanted to happen if she didn’t come home? If I don’t come home, even I used the
phrase because the actual thought was unthinkable. If she was killed, that’s
what she was saying and I don’t even like saying it. I know she cares a great
deal for Danni and respects her even more, but Danni as my wife? I just don’t
know. She can be domineering and ruthless, she doesn’t mince any words when she
gets pissed, ask me how I know. Sometimes she gets moody and snappish and I
don’t know how to approach her when she does. I’m not sure how I would feel
about having a wife that could hand me my ass if she is having a bad day.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m being ridiculous, Danni would never try
and beat the crap out of me, I think, and most of the time we do act like
siblings by teasing one another. Interestingly enough, she started training me
after she spoke to the other me in the cart and Debra was right, she can be
rather rough, but maybe that’s what’s needed to become good at hand-to-hand
combat. As an MMA fighter she was never defeated and that appeals to me; she’s
also good at training people. Remember Charlotte Maniker? Wow! She’s thirteen
now and her boy cousins absolutely leave her alone. She has taken all of them down
at one time or another and once she handled the two oldest at the same time.
She calls Charlie her pride and joy. Danni didn’t teach me a single throw,
armbar, choke, anything, for the first month of training, all she taught me was
how to be thrown, how to deflect kicks and punches. She told me it was more
important to know how not to get hurt, than how to hurt. She’s the expert, so
yeah, I spent a month learning how to roll and deflect. Debra swears, that
Danni says, I’m one of the best trainees she has ever worked with, not the
best, but damn close. I keep in mind she dislocated the arm of the man she was
in love with, so I tap out as soon as I know she has control of me. Yeah, she
calls me ‘Tap Out Dan.’ I don’t fricking care, I like the way my body works
just fine.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve written a lot of negative things about
Danni, but in truth, I can’t imagine having a better friend. She can be kind,
loving, gentle, loyal, and as far as filling in as Danni Lynn’s mom? I doubt I
could ever find better. It’s just something I don’t want to contemplate. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lieutenant Taylor tested positive for the
contaminant and once he discovered it was probably the reason he was reacting
the way he did to Debra, he made a concerted attempt to avoid contact with her.
Oddly, Major Higgins says Taylor seemed relieved to make the discovery, picked
up the pieces and moved on. I ran into him in the Ready Room and he was having
an animated conversation with Stella Morrison. As soon as I walked in, she
bolted and left him looking a little disappointed and confused.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She didn’t take off because of you,” I
said. “Stella and I have some history and we tend to avoid one another when we
can.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, so the two of you were, uh, dating at
one time, I guess?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, actually we weren’t.” I shrugged and
said, “Let’s just say we didn’t see things eye-to-eye.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, well, I don’t mean good in the way it
sounded, I mean good you have no past, or present, interest in her. I find her
somewhat intriguing, and would like to explore the possibilities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hmmm,” I said. “Well, sorry I got in the
way of slaking your interest, is Major Packer in his office?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he and Major Higgins are wrapping up
the plans for the mission to Holloman.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Still leaving in the morning?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I’m surprised you aren’t coming, what
with you being Intelligence Officer and all.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve things to do here that are more
pressing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and then pointed to the windows of
Packer’s office, “Looks as though they are finishing up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins was walking out and Packer was
looking at me. As soon as he knew I was looking at him, he waved me in. I
greeted Higgins as we passed each other and then walked into Packer’s office,
“Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sit down, Captain.” His abruptness and tone
set me on edge. “We’re leaving in the morning, so I want you to understand what
is going on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Williams will be in temporary
command while I’m gone, but frankly I’m a little concerned. Williams has never
commanded combat troops. Don’t get me wrong, he’s good, but he was a SWAT Team
leader before coming here and ending up in command of INSEC.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I trust you, but again, you have no
experience commanding troops in combat.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, you’re correct.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve informed Williams he will rely on
Banner and Bellows in the event of problems, with Bellows as senior
Lieutenant.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A good choice, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need, Lieutenant Tarn to go with me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to reply, but then I froze for a
moment before saying, “Sir? Uh, how am I to feed and care for Danni Lynn if her
mother is hundreds of miles and days away?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni Lynn will have to come along for the
ride.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Respectfully, Sir, but no, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Daniel, but the decision has
been made. Colonel Amherst at Holloman has already stated that it would be
preferable if Lieutenant Tarn attended the meeting.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No. Sir, it’s not going to happen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will and you know it will; Debra has
already agreed to attend.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, she hasn’t, she wouldn’t agree to
taking our daughter cross country in the times we live in.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cut him off, “No, I’m her father and I
will not allow it. Period, Major, end of discussion.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Tarn, you are treading dangerously
close to insubordination.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned forward and said quietly, “Ask me
if I care.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared at me and then picked up his phone
and dialed. After waiting a moment, he said, “Captain Williams? Bring four of
your security personnel to my office on the double.” He hung up and then said
to me, “You have until they get here to change your mind and get with the
program, Captain Tarn, the choice is yours.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and said, “So, you are just like
every other petty tyrant we have had to deal with.” Stepping around the chair I
had been sitting in, I added, “If you don’t get your way, you enforce your way,
right Major?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, now it’s Daniel. Danni told me a while
back, either, or, Major, but not in the same sentence.” I squared myself away
and added, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to run, I’m waiting to see what my wife
says. What will you do when she declines to place our daughter in danger? Throw
her in the guardhouse also? I…will not…allow it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head, picked up a clipboard and
began to read as I stood at ease before his desk. Minutes passed and finally
Williams stepped through the door behind me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Packer?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without looking up, Packer said, “Escort
Captain Tarn to the Guardhouse and hold him there until I say different.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer looked up and past me, “I believe I
was quite clear, Captain Williams. Do I need to repeat myself?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir!” Williams stepped forward and
placed his hand on my arm, “Captain? Will you come peacefully?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I will, I don’t shit on my
friends until they do it to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held out his hand and asked, “Your
sidearm please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I unbuckled my duty belt and handed it to
him, “I’ll be wanting that returned soon, Captain Williams; take good care of
it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of Williams’ men put their hands on my
elbows and one of them said, “Sir? Will you come with us, please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Packer a last time and then
nodded to them. They escorted me from Packer’s office and to the room that
Stevens and Parker had been in before they were transferred to the cells in the
loading dock. After placing me in the room, they locked the door and walked
away. I looked around and finally placed myself at ease and stared out the wire
reinforced window.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood there, at ease, for hours as the
minutes dragged by. My shoulder began to ache and my knees began to tremble,
but I continued to wait. I was waiting for Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, she appeared. She was wearing her
OCPs and a duty belt with her Glock at her side. Danni Lynn was swaddled in a
camo fleece blanket, cute. “Daniel, what are you doing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It took you this long to finally come talk
to me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would it have been better if I had come
sooner?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell me you’re not going.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was slowly swaying Danni Lynn back and
forth, “I am, Major Packer says I’m needed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped to the window and I could see
Packer and Gilly at the end of the hall waiting. “For what? Holloman knows who
you are, they know you just gave birth to our child, they don’t need you
there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, what we are doing is so important,
you know that. We are building a new world, a world where Danni Lynn and all
the other children can be safe. I know you understand, we’ve talked about it so
many times and we always agree. Can’t you see…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not taking Danni Lynn.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, you know there is no baby formula
here. You know she has to go with me so she can eat and survive. She’ll be
safe, I promise you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a feeling I wasn’t going to get my
way, “Don’t do this, don’t go. I’ll go, I’m the one that should be going
anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Asylum needs you here, Daniel, working at
what you do best. God, they are trying to protect you because…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why couldn’t she understand my concerns?
“Last time, Debra, I forbid it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a name="_Hlk49284934">“Daniel, I gave myself
to you with the understanding that I was free to do so, and I was free to
reclaim that gift. There are things in life more important than mere
existence.’ She dropped her head and looked at Danni Lynn’s face before again
looking at me. “She’s MY child, I carried her, I nourish her, and I, will
decide where she goes and when. She goes with me and when we get back, we will
discuss our future together.”</a></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk49284934;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, I’m just the sperm donor, okay, I
get it, she’s yours and not mine.”</span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk49284934;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, that’s not what I’m saying! God,
you always confuse me! Please, I’m trying not to get angry, I’m trying, but you
need to try also, please, I know you understand what I’m saying, we can work
through this, I promise, but I gave my word and I’m going.”</span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk49284934;"></span>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped away from the window and asked
sarcastically, “Is SAS Lieutenant Taylor going?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and said, “I don’t think so.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How unfortunate.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” She stepped closer, “What do you
mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer came striding up the hall and said,
“Okay, that’s enough. Daniel, put that bullshit away right now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at him and then back to Debra
before I said, “You’re a self-declared free woman, with the power to decide
what you will, and with whom you will; go ahead, go, when, if, you get back,
we’ll have your…discussion.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, what did you mean? I want to know,
now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked straight into Packer’s eyes and
said, “If anything happens to Danni Lynn, on your little jaunt, I’m going to
burn this place to the ground, with you in it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Threatening a superior officer during a
time of war, will guarantee the idiot stupid enough to do it, twenty years in
Leavenworth; do you have the time?” Gilly appeared and took hold of Debra’s
shoulders and started leading her away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Leavenworth is an historical footnote,
Major, I’m not.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me long and hard before
shrugging and simply walking away. I watched with my face pressed against the
glass until I couldn’t see them any longer and then went to the cot in the room
and laid down. I hate waiting, but I’ve always been very good at appearing
outwardly patient.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three days passed before I finally tasted
one of the meals they brought. The only reason I did was because Danni brought
it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The guards told me you weren’t eating,” She
said as she placed the tray on my lap.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not doing anything to burn calories.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Doesn’t matter, Packer said to hold you for
three days in isolation and then release you. Are you ready to go home and back
to work?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that what it was? Isolation? Is that why
none of Debra’s friends have come to see me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Williams has been rather firm about
it. Every one of us has tried to get in to see you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, don’t start on me, I’m one of the
good guys, I’m one of the people that love you, so back up a bit and let’s
start again, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, why not, it’s not like I have a
choice in the matter.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You suck at martyr.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“According to Debra, I just plain suck, so
if nothing else, I guess I’m being consistent.” I picked at the tray and placed
what I assumed was a chicken nugget in my mouth and started to chew it.
“Ketchup?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tapped a small plastic cup with a lumpy looking
white something in and said, “Tartar sauce, they claim those are fish balls
deep fried in cornmeal.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It tastes like chicken.” Lifting a limp,
room temperature, crinkled stick of potato, I asked, “French Fry? If so, why no
ketchup?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached over and took the tray off my
lap and stood up, “Come on, I was serious, Williams is letting you out.” She
placed the tray at the end of the cot and walked to the door, “Unless you want
to hang out here for a while longer?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and fought off a wave of
dizziness.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, they said you weren’t drinking water
either. What the hell, Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked past her as I said, “Let’s go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the hall, one of Williams
security guys was waiting and as I approached, he opened the door leading out
for me, “Glad to see you out and about, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded thanks and stepped out into the
main drive leading into Asylum. Danni pointed to a cart and said, “Williams
told me it was for our use, jump in and I’ll drive us home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, and as I slid in, she handed me my
duty belt. I strapped it on, checked and found the magazine loaded, but nothing
in the breech, pulled the slide back and released it. Switching the lever to
safe, the pistol decocked and I placed it back in its holster.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drove past the turnoff for our apartment
and I asked, “Where are you going?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cafeteria, what do you want for dinner?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m really not hungry, Danni.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You will be once I start eating and you
know I don’t share, so I’m getting you something.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, but I have no idea what I want.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got you covered.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited in the cart when she went in and
when she came out, my mouth started to water, “Rueben sandwich?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, and not that canned sour kraut
either. It’s made by some grandma out towards Reserve and it’s to die for!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the package and took a bite; it
even had the proper amount of mustard. “God, that tastes good!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you would like it, slow down, or
I’ll be eating alone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rewrapped the sandwich and returned it to
the bag as she drove us back to Phase Two and our apartment. Danni spread the
food out and I pulled two bottles of Bock from the fridge. I finished much
quicker than she did and she started pushing French Fries my way. I ate those
too. When we were finished, I cleaned up what was left over, washed the plastic
containers the food came in so we could return them and wiped down the table
and counters as Danni showered. When she was done, I showered and then we sat
in the Livingroom.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You haven’t asked me anything about
Debbie.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why not?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I try not to get interested in things that
are none of my business.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, come on, it’s been three days since
she left, surely you’re getting over your mad?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am over it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She waited for me to continue and finally
said, “Well?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well what? What do you want, Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to hear you say you’re sorry. I want
to hear you say you miss Debbie.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry for what? Sorry that I got pissed my
wife, in essence, told me I’m the sperm donor and nothing else? Sorry because I
didn’t want my daughter exposed to a dangerous world? Is that what I need to
apologize for? You want me to say, I miss Debra? Danni, you can’t miss what you
never had. I’m dealing with it my way, so let it go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drew her knees up and leaned her side on
the back of the couch as she said, “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you
whine so much.” I didn’t say anything, I just looked at her until she nervously
looked away, “Okay, you’re not in the mood for my humor, but come on, she was
really upset when she came back from talking with you, what did you say about
Taylor? Did you insinuate…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! You know how that shit affects her.
The one thing she has always known was you believed she would never cheat on
you. The night of the blowup at the dance? She never believed you thought that
she did it; she was worried, of course, but she knew she could prove it to you
if you would only let her. When Taylor was chasing her ass and trying to get
her into the woods? What did she do? She ran to you and stayed there by your
side so there could be no misunderstandings. Who was it, Daniel, that allowed
another woman to kiss him and grab a handful of his junk and never said
anything? That was you my friend and look what happened.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I refused to address her statements and
ignored them instead. “So, tell me, Danni, when I’m, in essence, called a sperm
donor and have no right to decisions concerning my child, should I just smile
sheepishly and say, ‘yes dear?’”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me closely for a moment and
then cautiously said, “That’s the second time you’ve used that term, sperm
donor, why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After I had been locked up for several
hours, she finally got around to dropping by…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I’m sorry, that was my fault. I
convinced her to hold off and give you a chance to cool down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Might be best if you keep your intimate
knowledge of my anger issues to yourself. All the waiting did was add to the
anger.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I said, I was sorry.” She honestly looked
contrite. “I was basing my advice on my own experiences, Daniel, and I
shouldn’t have. You and Dan are so much alike, I should have known it was not
going to work.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do you mistrust men so much?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I didn’t think she was going to
answer, but then she said, “There was a guy, that went to the same MMA club as
me. We started dating and I was enthralled with him. God, I was so naïve. We
moved in together, I got pregnant and he started staying out into the late
evenings without me. One night he came in drunk and smelling like another
woman. I confronted him and he beat the living shit out of me. I had a
miscarriage; he was arrested and went to prison for five years. He thought he
was pretty tough when he went in, not so much when he got an early release. The
first thing he did was hunt me up and he found me at the MMA club. He tried to
beat me again for testifying against him. During the time he was in prison, I
got really good at fighting; he got his ass handed to him and sent back for the
remainder of his sentence.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, you are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, at deflection; finish what you were
telling me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told Debra I was forbidding her to take
Danni Lynn to Holloman and she informed me that Danni was HER child, SHE
carried her, SHE gave birth to her and SHE was the one who provided her with
nutrition. She said SHE was the one who would decide where Danni went and when
she got back from Holloman, SHE would decide what our future together would
be.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni’s eyebrows raised and she said, “Oh,
she didn’t tell me that. Did she say that before, or after, your Taylor
comment?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Before; so, I said, I guess I was just the
sperm donor, I said I understood now, and that Danni Lynn was hers, not
mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And she said?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She said that was not what she meant and
that I always confused her. She said we could work it out when she got back,
but she gave her word and was going.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, she did give her word and she’s
standing by it. I suppose you should be proud of her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Proud of her? Is that what I should be?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know what I mean, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do I?” I stood up and brought another
bottle of bock back with me, but he popped the cap off and said, “Why don’t you
just cut Daniel’s balls off and pickle them for her?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni sat there for a moment and then slowly
got to her feet and moved to the center of the room. I knew what she was doing,
she wanted the room to fight if it became necessary to defend herself.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Figures,” he said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra trusts you, but I have no reason to.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I already told you, he would die for you
and because he would, so will I. I mean you no harm Danni, and neither does
Dan, so relax.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got a split personality telling me to
relax, oh, okay, I feel better now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his head and I said, “He really
wouldn’t hurt you Danni.” She kept staring at me until I said, “Why don’t you
take the bedroom, it has a lock on the door and I’ll sleep out here in the
Marlow chair.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe I’ll stop by the Women’s Bay for the
night.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed and said, “If that’s what you want.
Maybe you should stay there until Debra gets back and I’ll get my stuff cleared
out and get gone. There’s not much sense in the two of you having me around
when I’m not welcome.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good bye, Lieutenant.” I sat down in the
Marlow chair and got comfortable, “I think I’ll take this chair with me.” I
said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-5833657259877918912021-05-31T00:51:00.003-07:002022-06-12T19:42:19.645-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 25<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Chapter
25</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was unhappy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just reread the previous statement and it,
in no way, is representative of how Debra reacted when she returned from her
field exercise that afternoon. She refused to believe what had transpired until
she actually saw Stevens in confinement and had to listen to Stevens insult
both her, me, and Danni. I was an evil White man who convinced a truly pure
woman of color, Debra, to become a whore for the perpetuation of the White
race. Danni had allowed herself to be sucked into a lifestyle of perpetual sexual
servitude by the evil White man, me again, and was going to be used as a
breeding machine, just like Debra, to once again over-populate the world. She
went on and on, and finally, I noticed Debra was beginning to look pale and
withdrawn because some of the things Stevens said was close to her actual
experiences when she was young.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, enough of this, let’s go home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I want to hear what she has to say.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, really, I want us to leave.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni who had come with us agreed, “Come on
Debbie, let’s go and leave this crazy bitch to her ranting.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I really need to hear this, to see
this.” In an almost angry gesture, she pulled her arm free from where I had
gripped her. “If you need to go, go. I need to hear what she is saying.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The expression on her face hurt me to see,
so I raised both of my hands and nodded, “Okay, I’ll be in the Ready Room when
you’ve had enough.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni sounded surprised when she said,
“Debbie, come on, Daniel just doesn’t want you to…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You too,” Debra snapped. “Go on, go! I
don’t need to be protected!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stepped back and then said to me,
“Well, screw it. Let’s leave her to it then.” She turned and walked away; I
waited a moment longer and then followed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat together for an extended time until finally,
Danni said, “I’m going to go see what the hell is going on, I mean, shit, how
long is she going to just stand there and listen to that crap!” I started to
stand as well, but she placed her hand firmly on my shoulder, “No, why don’t
you wait here, maybe I can talk her into going home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I settled back down as Danni walked away. A
few minutes later, she hurried back in, “She’s not there! She left already!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? But we told her we would wait here
for her, why would she leave without us?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, let’s go home and see if that’s
where she went.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hurried back, but when we reached the
door of the apartment I stopped before unlocking it and walking in. “Danni,
some of the things Stevens said, she was hitting awfully close to things Debra
has told me about her past, when she was a kid.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, that’s why I’m concerned.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her quickly and asked, “Debra
told you about…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The titty bar? The private dances? Yeah, I
know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was surprised; I guess I was also a little
hurt Debra had shared that part of herself with someone other than me. “When?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Over the whole time I’ve known her. A
little here, a little there, more since she met you. A lot more since she
decided she loved you. She’s always thought she wasn’t good enough for you, you
know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s me that’s not good enough,” I said.
“She’s priceless and I don’t know why she chose me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni smiled and patted my arm, “That’s one
of the reasons she loves you, Daniel, you’re not a little egotistical prick
that could get away with being a little egotistical prick if he wanted to.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, thanks?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Open the door, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did and it was mostly dark inside, but
there was a dim light coming from the area of the dining table. I stepped in
and saw Debra sitting at the table, apparently, she had showered and was
wearing her bathrobe. The dim light was a flickering candle burning in an
ashtray. Her elbows were resting on the table and she was leaning forward, the
heels of her hands supporting her brow. There was a mostly empty beer bottle in
front of her, and another that was empty. Two quarts of beer on an empty
stomach, not good.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra?” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sniffed and said without looking up,
“Get tired of waiting for me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s going on, Babe?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just sitting here, wishing the two of you
were here, so I could explain why, I’m sitting here, wishing the two of you
were here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,” I said. “We’re here, so, I guess
sometimes wishes come true.” I dragged a chair around the table so it was close
to her and sat down, Danni did the same.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it, Debbie?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You guys were there, you heard the things
she said to me, about me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We also heard what she said about Daniel,
and me,” Danni said. “Please don’t tell me you let that bitch get in your
head.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really, really, cared for her, you
know?” Debra said. “I was starting to think of her the way you think of a
mother. She did a really good job of worming her way into our lives.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She did a good job inserting herself
wherever she needed to,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni agreed, “I’m not going to argue the
point.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hinted at things in my life to her; I
guess I wanted her advice, her, god I don’t know, her approval?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slipped my arm over her shoulders and
pressed myself to her, “I know, I was starting to feel the same way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t start feeling sorry for me, because I
don’t need it. Do you know why I don’t need it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked puzzled and I said, “No, I
don’t.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because I realized, that all the nasty
things she said to me? She was right, but she was right for the wrong reasons.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stuttered and then said, “What do you
mean, she was right? Debra, she called you a whore.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She did, and I am, but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, don’t say that, you are not a whore.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am a whore, Daniel, but the difference
is, I’m your whore and only your whore.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie,” Danni said. “Doing things for your
husband is not the same as doing it for dinner, or money, or…whatever. If it’s
done for love, it’s not being a whore.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Semantics, Danni, and I don’t mind the
term, because I do what I do willingly for the man I love. Sometimes, when he
calls me his whore…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“WHAT?!” Danni turned on me, “You call the
woman that loves you, a WHORE!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at the tabletop as I started to
panic, but I answered truthfully, “No, I don’t, I…Debra, I know I promised you
I would never give you to another man, but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She presented me with a serving of that sexy
contralto chuckle of hers as she turned and caressed my face, “Daniel, god, I
love you so much.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked confused and said, “What the
hell, guys?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra then said, “Did you think I couldn’t
tell the difference between you and the other guy?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait, what?” Danni was looking increasingly
confused.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gathered my hand resting on her
shoulder and kissed it before she said to Danni, “Remember when you were in the
cart with Daniel, and you asked him if it was safe for me to be around the
other guy, the other Daniel?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And the other guy answered?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You saw the difference right away, didn’t
you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept looking back and forth between them
as they spoke.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me and said, “If Danni could
tell the difference between you and him, after meeting him only once, what
makes you think you could hide him from me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You knew, the whole time?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I knew.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not angry with me? That I did it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said softly, “Daniel, you are
him, he is you, together, the two of you are, my Daniel.” She turned to Danni
and touched her hand, “It turns me on, sometimes, when Daniel calls me his
whore. The thing is, Daniel can’t do it and there’s other things I, sometimes,
really like done to me; Daniel can’t do those things either.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said quietly, “Debbie, do you think
it’s safe to let someone…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra sighed and said, “He’s different than
Daniel, yes, but he’s not dangerous. He doesn’t like to do it either, but he
does the things I need because, like Daniel, he wants to please me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But what if he takes over and he’s not
really what he seems to be?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He can only come through when I let him,” I
said. “And he would never force anything on Debra”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shook her head, “He comes through a
lot when you are stressed out.” She said. “Sometimes I don’t even think you are
aware of it. In moments of inattention, I’ll see little pieces of him; and it
seems to be coming on more often. At first, I was a little concerned, but not
anymore because I figured something out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The two of you are integrating, you’re
becoming one; one Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, my, god!” Danni exclaimed. “Of course!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nervously said, “What?’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie’s right! Sometimes you act suddenly
different, more in control, more…sure of yourself. In the Central Office! After
we arrived to reinforce you, you were handing out orders with authority you
normally don’t express. Remember when you told me to compose myself?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was totally not you, that was him.
Then you sort of apologized? That was both of you, together!” She settled back
in her chair and said, “Wow, Debbie is right.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s one other thing,” Debra smiled at
me as she said, “Remember, she said you were going to turn Danni and I into
baby machines, so you could once again, over-populate the earth?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gritted my teeth as I thought of the
intended insult, “Yes, and I would never force either of you to do something
like that against your will.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know,” Debra said. “But it got me
thinking, why not? It’s what you and I want, we want to have a houseful of
babies, so why are we waiting?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” I asked hopefully.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to be pregnant, Daniel. It’s been on
my mind ever since Sara told me she was pregnant. I want to feel a baby growing
inside of me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled as I stroked her cheek the way she
had mine, “I really like the sound of that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, it’s settled.” Then she looked at
Danni and said, “Danni, I’ve been in love with your name ever since I first
heard it, if it’s a girl, can I name her Danni Lynn?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hell, yes! But Auntie Danni gets to spoil
her!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lord,” I said. “Two Dannis? I wonder if the
world is ready for that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni gave an evil cackle and rubbed her
hands together before finally saying, “Well, I’m hungry, how about I go to the
cafeteria and get us some supper? While I’m gone, the two of you can get
started on that baby.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra lifted her eyebrows at me as she
smiled, and I happily nodded in agreement. Danni left and we got busy with baby
making. Have you ever heard the expression ‘Fertile Myrtle’? Two weeks later,
Debra was vomiting every morning and swearing she would never get pregnant
again. I guess we’re going to have a smaller family than we planned on.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni and Debra, both wanted in on the
interrogation of Stevens and Parker, but the Major said absolutely not. I can
understand why. He came upon Debra looking in the cage of Stevens on the
loading dock and stood and watched for a few minutes. He told me Debra never
said a word the whole time she was there, but just before she left, she pointed
to herself, drew her thumb across her throat and then pointed at Stevens. <i>“I’m
going to cut your throat.”</i> She’s banned from visiting Stevens now, oh well.
As far as Danni goes? Pretty much the same, but she talked to Stevens. She
reminded Stevens about her threat to kill me, Debra, and all of our off-spring;
I don’t know where Stevens got the idea that Debra and Danni are both, my
wives, but now it’s sort of making the rounds. You know how some people like to
gossip, even here in the Hole. I mean, I guess it’s kind of a compliment
though, that people believe two women of their quality would be willing to
share me. I figure it’s because Danni lives with us; I don’t care what people
think as long as the girls are okay with the rumors; Danni is part of the
family. I just hope someday she’ll find another guy like Dan. Someone we can
welcome to the family like Dan was.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Separating Stevens and Parker was an
intelligent move and has paid off handsomely in dividends. Without the ability
to cross reference what they tell us while being interrogated, they constantly
contradict one another. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell which one is lying,
but we’re working on turning them against each other. Stevens refuses to even
say Parker’s name anymore, she just calls her the bitch. Mike Spencer was
picked up by one of our patrols down close to Silver City a week after the
attack on the leadership of the Hole. He was in really bad condition and turned
against Stevens and Parker immediately. Yeah, he was part of the covert mission
carried out by Stevens’ group. Just not as reliable a part as they had hoped.
Stevens and Parker don’t even know we have him. He loves to talk, to anyone
that will listen to him and he’s been very valuable. It was Spencer that told
us Parker had been responsible for gathering the information sent to Denver
that resulted in the death of Daniel and the other five members of the Denver
recon team. Though we believe there may still be at least one small cell left,
the ZPGers are no longer a threat to the Hole.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia Ortiz? After she saw Colada murdered
in front of her eyes, she works harder than anyone in the Intelligence Office
to make sure something similar never happens again. Frankly, there was a lot of
suspicion concerning her presence in the Intel Office because she was
recommended to me originally by Stevens and she admits that Stevens pumped her
for information about what I was doing at the time. Fortunately for her, she
had commented to several people at the time she didn’t like Stevens, or as she
knew her from the Las Cruces group, Maria Estevan. Much of the information
Stevens wanted from her, she withheld, simply from spite.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia Ortiz? She’s still recovering from
the gunshot wound and it’s going to be a long road apparently. Dak has placed
his membership in the Militia on hold and has taken on the role of interim
governor until Felicia is fully recovered. He handles all the mundane everyday
BS and leaves the important decisions to Felicia. I’ve been paying close attention
and it looks to me like she might be prepping him to take over the reins
completely. I know she wants to return to the labs full-time and she has never
liked the political aspects of the governorship duties. She did a great job and
could in the future, but why spend your life doing something you really don’t
like?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra’s morning sickness, well in her case,
all day sickness, lasted for fifteen days; she kept count. The whole time, she
said she was never going to get pregnant again, but after the initial two
weeks, everything changed. She said she had never felt so good in her life, she
was full of energy and stamina. After resuming her duties as an instructor, she
seemed eager to take on additional duties, but I finally put my foot down and
said enough was enough. She said she could easily put up with two weeks of
vomiting, if it meant she would feel as good as she did for the remainder of
the pregnancy. So, I guess a large family is back on the to do list. I was
worried the whole time she was sick, but now, yeah, big family. I think Danni
is really glad Debra is better, she had morning sickness along with Debra,
every morning and I started wondering if she was seeing someone and had gotten
caught the same time as Debra, but Dr. Horne says sympathetic morning sickness
is actually fairly common and even some men get it. Thank god, I didn’t, even
though there were times I thought I was going to help her along.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We received a message from Holloman Air
Base, there’s a traveling Judge, District Attorney and a Public Defender making
the rounds in Sothern New Mexico and Holloman wanted to know if we would like
to have them sent our way to deal with Stevens, Parker and Spencer. Felicia
said yes, send them our way, looks like they are going to finally get a trial.
A traveling judicial system; I never would have imagined it. Felicia and Packer
have asked for their names and qualifications with the intent of seeing what I
can find out about them before we engage their services. They don’t travel
alone. They are part of a convoy that includes traders and, wait for it, a
carnival with rides and everything. There is a palpable amount of anticipation
building, especially among the younger members of our community, including the
surrounding areas.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The population of the Hole, well we don’t
officially call it the Hole anymore, has outstripped our available housing.
Currently, we are pushing six thousand and we are flat, out of room. Danni and
Debra had some sort of a disagreement and Danni decided to move out and get her
own place, but there was nowhere for her to go. Thankfully, they got over
whatever they were angry over and made-up. I guess they are more like sisters
than we imagined. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Population growth, Sara was the first viable
pregnancy in Asylum, yeah, that’s the name of the Hole now. Funny, a derogatory
term used by the ZPGers has become our official name; Asylum, New Mexico.
Anyway, Sara was first, then Debra, now? Holy crap! Doctor Horne says before
the fall of everything, the pregnancy rate at any given time ran about 4.5% of
the female population. That female population included all women, those who
were of child-bearing age and not. Here in Asylum, the average age of the
female population is twenty-eight because one of the criteria for becoming a permanent
hire for women, was the ability to give birth. So, you have lots of young women
and lots of young men mixing together. The end result? A lot of babies on the
way. Before, with a pregnancy rate of 4.5%, Asylum might have close to 120
pregnancies, but with the youth of the population, Horne says we’re pushing 22%
pregnancies, that’s almost 700 women pregnant! We are going to need more room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the advent of needing more room, Dak
and Felicia have created a Planning Committee. Their purpose is to design a
surface community for the future expansion we all see coming, with the idea of
the expansion being orderly, environmentally cognizant, and more importantly,
materials stingy. Finished wood products for building are in short supply and
no one wants to start stripping our region for lumber, so we have to be smart
about how we go about it. I suggested earth banking and rammed earth
construction because the end result would be greater energy efficiency in both
winter and summer. John Cameron and I did a lot of planning on what we thought
would be viable construction methods for the long-term and that was what we
decided on. After a lot of study by the committee, it looks like they are in
agreement and have started the actual process of designing an above ground town
for the population to expand into.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra is almost seven months pregnant, but
hardly shows at all. Doctor Horne says some women who are very physically fit,
can, and do, get pretty far into their pregnancy before actually starting to
show. However, they tend to carry the child higher than normal, which can cause
problems. She’s been complaining of severe heartburn and shortness of breath
when she runs to keep in shape. Horne wants her to slow down on the fitness
training and even give it a rest until after she gives birth and I agree with
him. I’ve seen her lips get a little blue while running and when I brought it
to her attention, she immediately stopped. If she’s short of 02, so is the
baby. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni is spending a lot of time when she
used to work with trainees to keep an eye on Debra, but she admits Debra is
sticking with the restrictions on her physical training. It gladdens me to know
Danni is looking out for Debra, but I have noticed that Debra has bouts of what
appears to be depression. Sometimes she seems to be overcome with sadness and I
don’t know what to do about it. Danni worries about me, worrying about Debra,
as much as she worries about Debra, and she has suggested that maybe the
sadness is caused by her body’s hormonal balance being off because of the
pregnancy. I’ve never been around a pregnant woman, so I’m leaning on the
expertise of others in the matter. One thing hasn’t changed though, her sexual
desire is completely undiminished. In fact, it seems to be stronger than before
she became pregnant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another thing that hasn’t diminished is
Debra’s and Danni’s desire to put an end to Stevens. They seem to think a trial
for Stevens and Parker is ridiculous and they should just be executed and the
whole situation be ended. On the one hand, I sort of agree, after all, I was
there when Parker shot Colada and then shot me, but I also recognize the need
to live by the Constitution, the Constitution we swore an oath to uphold. If we
kill them without a trial, we are basically doing the same thing they did and
we need to take the higher path. The problem with the higher path? It’s easily
undermined.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The phone was ringing as I unlocked the door
to my office and entered. Picking up the phone, I said, “Intel, Captain Tarn.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain, it’s Major Packer.” Okay, this was
an official call, otherwise he would have said, ‘It’s me.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need you in my office, the Comms Room
received a message they believe is important enough to bring straight to me
this morning.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I’m on my way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t bother walking, I’ve already sent a
cart for you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I’ll be waiting outside for its
arrival.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hung up and I walked into the data room,
“Julia?” I said. “I have a meeting with the Major, I’m not sure when I’ll be
back, so when everyone else shows up, keep them working on that information out
of Castaic, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked out of the Intel Office as a cart
driven by a Cadet, pulled to a stop beside me, “Good morning, Captain Tarn, the
Major requests your presence in his office.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He already called, Cadet, I’m ready.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” I slid into the passenger seat
and the young man drove quickly away. In no time at all, we stopped in front of
the Bunker and I slid out. I quickly entered the Ready Room and then stopped at
the entrance to Packer’s office. I rapped my knuckles on the doorframe and
waited for his invitation to enter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking up, he waved me in and indicated a
chair to sit in. After I sat down, he waved a sheet of paper in the air and
said, “We got this message earlier this morning from a group of people who have
left Denver and are on their way to a small town outside Phoenix. They want to
exchange information for fuel and food.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, and the information concerns…what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Denver Enclave and plans they have
developed for an attack on us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And they came by this information, how?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The woman, who claims to be in charge, was
the <a name="_Hlk48682028">Assistant Director of General Operations.</a> She
was the person in charge of the department heads in the Denver Facility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In other words,” I said dubiously. “She was
pretty high up on the food chain.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer nodded, “That’s her claim.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started drumming my fingers on the chair’s
armrest, “Swinging by here is a very round-about way to get to Phoenix;
shouldn’t they have turned right in Albuquerque?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded, and then said, “My guess? There
might be a good deal of resentment aimed at the powers-that-be in Denver.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How much fuel and how much food?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled grimly, “One tanker of gasoline,
one tanker of diesel, and a one-year supply of Long-Term Storage Food for 160
people.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re kidding me?” Inside I was saying,
absolutely not, no way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She claims once we have the information,
we’ll consider the price as cheap.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you discussed this with Felicia and
Dak?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we talked about it earlier.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are interested in learning more, but
are hesitant to commit to it; that’s a lot of food and fuel, and as CO of
Intelligence, we all want your input.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached out and asked, “May I read the
transcript?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed me the stapled sheets and I
started giving them a cursory once over. “There’s a lot of vagueness here; how
long before they want an answer?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They want an answer by noon, if we don’t,
they go bye-bye and we never hear from them again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “No, that’s not enough
time, so let’s stall a bit and see what they say. Tell them your person who
would sign off on this is elsewhere and won’t be back in time to meet their
deadline. In the meantime, I notice she withheld her name, let me see what I
can find out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, I’ll see what I can do about delaying
them. Take the CC cart and find out what you can from your side of the coin.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and saluted, “Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove like a madman back to the Intel
Office and rushed through the door, “Okay everyone, drop what you’re doing and
listen up.” Colada, Parker, and Spencer had been replaced months before and the
new people were much more dedicated than Parker and Spencer had been for
obvious reasons. “We have a communique from the leader of a group of people who
are supposedly leaving the Denver Enclave. They say they have info on a
possible attack against us here and want to exchange that information for food
and fuel, so they can continue on their trip to the Phoenix area. It sounds
like BS to me, but we’re going to check it out if we can. We have until 11:15
to come up with whatever we can. Julia, the leader of our possible trade
partners, claims she was the Assistant Director of General Operations, but we
don’t have a name. Find out what you can, she’s a woman, so keep that in mind.
Has there been a change in leadership recently? If so, who replaced who and
why. I want abnormal fuel use, military movements, personnel reassignments,
check out reports from Las Cruces, any odd activity, or lack of activity among
the ANTIFA guys, intel on vehicle convoys passing through, how many, what type,
we know the drill, so let’s get on it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia was the first to bring me something,
“Catherine Schwartz, was the Assistant Director of General Operations until two
weeks ago. She had a public argument with the Director of GenOps, Andrew Canton
and was replaced. Her daughter, Cynthia, has been extremely active in the
chatrooms I monitor until three days ago when she stopped posting altogether.
She went so far as to say goodbye to a boy that she had been visiting in a
private area.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How reliable would you call that report?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged and said, “On the surface, I’d
go with it, but normally, I’d be double-checking everything.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do it, someone is going to have to meet
these people and I want them ready for anything.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anthony Caballero was the next in, “Fuel
consumption is above normal in the Hospitality Vehicle Park. An excess amount
of gasoline was pumped three days ago and then consumption dropped below normal
up until this morning. I’ve got an unsubstantiated report of vehicles that were
removed from the General Services Parking Lot without authorization.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What type of vehicles?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Three buses, and three small box beds.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fuel types?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can safely assume the buses are diesel
and I would hazard a guess the box beds were gasoline.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Keep digging, we need enough vehicles to
transport 160 people.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A short time later, Kate Hightower paid me a
visit, “I’ve got a little blurb I picked up in a message sent from the UN
Peacekeeping HQ to Human Resources. Apparently, three days ago, sixteen members
of the military contingent failed to show for roll call and are unaccounted
for.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does that happen often?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, in the past, the UN troops have
acted in a very professional manner. I believe they are a very well-trained and
led force; this is definitely out of character.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Write it up and have the others print out
copies of their findings also.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 11:15, I had everyone’s printouts and
started going over them. Over the months that I’ve been heading up Intel, I’ve
developed a method of going over intelligence that works for me. I spread the
sheets out in an orderly manner, and then, using colored markers, I start
drawing connections from one report to other reports. With a little patience, I
can reach conclusions fairly fast and usually the conclusions are accurate.
Once I was done drawing the connecting lines, I stood back and stared at it for
a few minutes as everyone else stood by in case I had questions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, I looked up and asked, “Everyone
stand by what we have here?” Everyone but Julia said yes. “Julia?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know me, Captain, I like corroboration
and so far, I’m not seeing it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why not?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some of this stuff was very easily found.
What we did this morning seems too easy to me; I’m used to working harder, and
longer, for what we get.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I agree, but when we see it all together,
it’s looking pretty solid.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I agree.” She looked uncertain
though. “But someone’s going to have to go have a sit down with this Catherine
Schwartz, do you want to be responsible for their safety? Get us another
twenty-four hours to double-check.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want all of you to continue working on
this while I’m gone. In the meantime, I have a meeting with the Major.” I
gathered all the papers together and stacked them so they could be spread out
again quickly. Then I headed for the CC cart and home. At the apartment, I
walked in and gathered my away gear from my equipment stand, double checked
everything and carried it to the cart and then drove to the Bunker.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I walked into the Ready Room, I waved
to Packer who was sitting in his office with Felicia and Dak. As they came out,
I started spreading the sheets of paper on one of the tables and when I was
done, I started explaining what they were looking at. “Each item on these
sheets was gathered by my analysts, from either radio transcriptions or
information gathered from the internet. Each item is then connected to others
that support the previous item; that’s what the black arrows indicate,
connections. The more connections, the more viable the information becomes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Dak said. “But what do you think?
Can we trust these people? Should we go through with the trade?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Can we trust them? I say
no, we know who they are and what they’ve been a part of. All this information
you see here? This was all gathered and correlated since the time I spoke with
the Major this morning. It would normally take days, and maybe longer, to come
up with a chart like this.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia nodded her head and said, “Okay, we
tell them to drop dead and we go about our business.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “No, we don’t. I need more
time to cross reference, my people are doing that as we speak.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak said, “They said an agreement by noon,
or the deal is off.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If they are legitimate, they need food and
fuel.” I said. “They wouldn’t be here talking if they didn’t. We need to
negotiate a better deal, for us, and while I’m negotiating, I can feel them
out, see if I can recognize something off with them while my people continue
digging.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, no, no way am I sending the CO of my
Intelligence Office to go have a sit down with people that hate us.” Packer
shook his head, “No fricking way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, I’m the one that should go,” I
hurriedly said. “I know this chart,” I said as I swept my hand over the top of
the papers. “I’m the only person who should go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia said, “But you already said…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I answered. “I don’t trust them, but
if there is a chance they actually know of an eminent attack, we have to take
the risk. Let me go down there and talk to them face-to-face. With what I have
here,” I pointed at the table. “They won’t get much past me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak shook his head, “I say no, if they want
food and fuel, make them come here, at least we’ll be able to control things
and we won’t be giving them the upper hand.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look,” I said. “I’m willing to take the
chance and my people will be working on the problem the whole time. If they
come up with something that blows the deal out of the water while I’m on the
way, then I’ll turn around and come home, if for no other reason, we should
send someone to negotiate a better deal. A year supply of food? No way. Tankers
of fuel? No way. They even want us to give them the trucks to haul the fuel, no
way.” The three of them looked at each other and I looked at my watch, “Times
almost up,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia looked at Packer and said, “Major,
call the Comm Center and tell them to notify the people down there we are
sending a negotiation team. If we can come to a reasonable and equitable
arrangement then yes, if not? They can walk to Phoenix.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer made the call and then we waited. It
didn’t take long to get a response.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer spoke to the Comm Center and was
informed the people from Denver were willing to talk, but they wanted someone
of authority to negotiate with. They said they wanted Felicia to come down. Dak
said, “Oh, Hell, no!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They know we are not going to send the
leader of our community,” I said. “They’re starting with unreasonable demands,
so they can get what they really want or, need.” I thought about it and then
said, “Now, tell them I’ll come down to negotiate the trade, but it has to be
neutral ground. I’m not walking into an armed camp of people that hate us. Tell
them I’ll bring ten cases of MREs as a good faith gesture.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I’ll go with him to cover his six.” I
jerked around and looked straight into Debra’s eyes; she was not happy.
“Really? Are you kidding me? I’m three weeks from giving birth to YOUR child
and you want to walk into the camp of people that already tried to kill you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, it’s not that way, really! These
people are desperate for supplies; they’ve pulled away from the Denver Enclave
to form their own community in Phoenix and they’re offering information about a
planned attack on us here. I have to go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you believe they will negotiate in good
faith and not jump at the chance to kill you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do, I believe it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, then you don’t have to worry about my
safety while I cover your back, when are we leaving?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not going, Debra, period. Like you
said, you’re three weeks from giving birth to, OUR, baby and you know what
Horne said about first pregnancies; they are not as predictable as later ones.
Do you want to give birth in a bouncing truck on the way to god knows where?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s right, Debbie.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned over, so I could see past Debra and
saw Danni leaning against the doorframe. “Thank you, Danni. See” I said to
Debra. “Even Danni thinks it’s a bad idea.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is,” Danni said. “Debbie can’t go for
obvious reasons, but there’s nothing stopping me from covering your six. I’ve
got my gear and weapons loaded in the same cart you have yours; when do you
want to leave?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked at the expression on my face
and laughed before she turned to Felicia and said, “You’re not really
considering this, are you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia swept her hand above the tabletop
and said, “Daniel has provided an excellent argument for the meeting, but he’s
also provided reasons not to do it. He says the information was easily gathered
and in a short period of time.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then we don’t go. We tell them to enjoy
their walk to Phoenix.” Debra replied.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia didn’t answer right away, but then
said, “The last time we were attacked here at Asylum in force, we were lucky
you managed to organize help from Holloman. How many of us would have died if
the Air Force and Marines had not come to help us?” She shook her head and
added, “I don’t want to find out the hard way because we ignored a warning.”
She looked at Dak and finally said, “He still limps after all this time.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright,” I said. “I’m going and I’m going
alone,” I added as I looked at Debra and then Danni. “Where do we tell them to
meet us?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer immediately said, “Lordsburg, at the
rest stop on I-10 off of Motel Drive.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him in surprise as I said, “Why
there?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because that’s where your security team
will be set up when you arrive. Lieutenant Thomas has already notified his
first squad and they are loading up now at the motor pool.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major,” Danni said. “I’d like to ride along
with Captain Tarn.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Negative, but I will allow you to join
Thomas’ men. Another DMR with a 7-6-2 weapon might be beneficial. Have you got
any AP rounds?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I carry a full magazine, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, get over to…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In that case, I’ll ride with Daniel,” Debra
said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The hell you will!” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The hell you will!” Gilly said, I didn’t even
know she had joined the group. You could have heard a pin drop, until she
nervously said, “Well, I’ve told you all before my language could get a bit
salty.” Then she turned back to Debra, “You will not endanger that child, I
will not stand for it! Look at your feet, Debbie, now tell me those boot laces
are not loosened because your feet are swollen!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “What?” As I looked down and then
back up at Debra’s face as she started to turn red. “Your feet are swollen?
What did Horne tell you! He said if your feet started swelling again, he was
taking you off active duty! Well, you’re off! Get those boots off, now!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…” She started to whine, but I cut
her off.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now!” That time, it wasn’t me, it was the
other guy and Debra instantly started to comply as I kneeled down to untie her
boots. He looked up at her and shook his head as I pulled off the first boot.
“What are you thinking? You are this child’s vessel. If you are healthy, the
child will be, start thinking about it instead of the fun you have when you go
to war.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled off the second boot and then
touched her face gently, “We’ll be home safe, before you know it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly bent down and hugged her, “Come on,
Debbie, I’ll drive you home, get you comfortable and into a basin of cool water
for your feet.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded as she stood and walked to
Danni, “Danni?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got this, you go and do what Gilly
says.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and I walked her out to the CC
cart where she sat and I removed mine and Danni’s gear, before kissing her and
promising I’d be careful. “I’ll see you soon, okay?” She nodded her head again
and Gilly drove her away. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I walked back in, Dak asked, “How do
you do that? Fel would still be bitching me out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dak!” Felicia punched him in the shoulder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See?” He said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just smiled and said to Packer, “Okay,
what’s the plan?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We delay until the team is in place and
hidden. Then we agree to the meeting in order to negotiate an exchange of what
we are willing to provide and what they have to offer in return.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The MREs as a good faith gesture?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If there’s really 160 people in their
convoy, ten cases won’t even feed what they have, one meal. We’ll bump that to
sixteen cases.” Packer looked at Felicia and she nodded in agreement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, that sounds good, how much fuel are
you willing to part with?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll hook up a fuel trailer to the Unimog
you drive down. That will provide them with 400 gallons of diesel, again, as a
good faith gesture. If things pan out, okay, maybe more. It depends on what
they have to offer.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How much leeway will I have in what I can
counter-offer?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia said, “There is no way they need two
tankers of fuel to get the vehicles for 160 people to Phoenix. I understand
they will need fuel once they arrive, but they can get their fuel the same way
we get ours, by salvage. As far as food, a two-week supply of non-LTS supplies
as an offer up front, dangle three months as the max, but no more than that,
period. If they will not accept the offer, come home. We’ll just have to be
extra vigilant.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded in agreement and then asked the
Major, “Communication with Asylum while I negotiate?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll give you one of the satellite phones
with a fully charged battery.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, radio comms down below isn’t too bad,
but getting a good signal all the way to here will be problematic.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Agreed, the Sat Phone will take care of
that.” He turned to a cadet standing nearby and asked, “Has my Cadet runner
returned yet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet, but she should be back soon.” She
answered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Send her out here as soon as she arrives.”
He turned to Felicia and said, “Perhaps you should head to the Comms Center and
tell our counterparts our negotiator will be leaving shortly?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and said, “I’ll delay them as
much as I can, how much time will you need for Lieutenant Thomas to get in
place?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They should be ready to go any minute,” he
said as he looked at his watch. “Get us three hours if possible, the problem
is, we don’t know how close they are to Lordsburg, hell, they may be there as
we speak.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll try to find out where they are, in the
meantime, I suggest you hurry with your preparations.” She stepped forward and
gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before saying, “Be careful, Daniel, Debra
can’t afford to lose you and I don’t want to lose another friend.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will,” I answered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting is boring and scary at the same time.
It gives you far too much time to imagine the worse that can happen, especially
if you are a little on the pessimistic side anyway. The truck I would drive was
loaded as we waited and then a fuel trailer was hooked on and filled. Finally,
Packer gave me the go ahead and I left with a little gift to help me out if
things went bad. Packer gave me a Kevlar vest to wear beneath my fighting load
carrier. He warned me it wouldn’t stop high velocity rifle rounds, but would
perform well against pistols or carbines chambered for pistol rounds. I hoped I
wouldn’t find out the hard way if he was right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest stop in Lordsburg is at the western
end of town as the I-10 passes through it. There’s lots of room around it that,
to the casual observer, looks as though there is nowhere for the members of an
ambush to hide, but well-trained people, both friendly and not, can and could,
easily hide their selves. I pulled into the driveway and came to a halt as I
looked over the empty parking lot. This was where they agreed to meet me. I
moved the truck forward slowly and circled the buildings until I came to a stop
in the main parking lot back in front where I shut down the motor and climbed
down from the cab. More waiting.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten minutes, twenty, and finally thirty
minutes passed before I decided the meeting was a failure for some reason; I
wondered if they had discovered our security team and decided not to
participate. We had agreed I would come alone and Schwartz would bring two
people to transfer the MREs into their vehicle and hitch the fuel trailer to
their own. Looking at my watch one final time, I started climbing back into the
truck.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stand where you are, and do not reach for
your weapons!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I froze as I was, and waited for further
directions. Whoever had spoken, had a distinctive British accent. Behind me, I
heard someone speaking in a conversational tone, but they were far enough away
that I couldn’t make out what was said. Then the same voice as before said loudly,
“With your left hand, remove your carbine and place it on the driver’s seat of
the truck!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t like that idea at all, “I don’t
think so, friend, there’s the possibility we can come to a mutual arrangement,
but not while one of us is helpless and the other is armed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are playing a dangerous game!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Am I?” I responded. “The only interactions
we’ve had with people like you have been violent and started by you and yours.
Naw, I’m keeping my weapons.” More conversation undirected at me. “Great,” I
said. “Your people demand someone with the authority to negotiate and they send
a grunt. I’m done, fuck you, Shits!” I reached for the door of the cab.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop!” More low talking and then, “My
superiors are on their way and will be here soon. All we are asking is that you
disarm until they arrive, once the discussions are started, you can have your
weapons returned to your possession.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I raised my hands as I slowly turned around
and faced the direction the voice seemed to come from, “That’s a stupid
requirement and you know it. If you’re giving my weapons back, why take them to
begin with? Like I said before, I don’t trust you and I’m beginning to believe
I am justified in that distrust.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a moment of silence and then, “We,
me and my mates, had nothing to do with any attacks you have suffered from the
Enclaves.” Now I knew exactly where he was and turned to face him fully, I
hoped Danni, or one of the other DMRs, realized I was giving them his location
the best I could.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Easy to say,” I said. “Not so easy to
believe. Stand up and show yourself.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do I know you don’t have a sniper out
there with me in the crosshairs as soon as I show myself.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I have a sniper out there somewhere, I
guarantee, you are already in the crosshairs.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another pause, and then I caught the first
movement as he began to stand, “I’m not the only man out here; if I get shot,
you die, understand?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Perfectly.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
he stood, he glanced around while paying the most attention to a low hill less
than 300 yards away. Then he started walking towards me, “My Commanding Officer
and the civilian leader, Catherine Schwartz, will be here in a few minutes;
they were twenty miles out at the state border.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded in response, but said nothing as I
studied his Ghillie suit, weapons and uniform. The Ghillie suit looked
well-made with the burlap strips attached to the shoulders and backs of his
blouse and pants. His weapon was a bullpup, like my own and I remembered the
standard issue weapon of the British ground forces was a bullpup. Slung across
his back was a long rifle that was ghillied also. Was he an actual, active
duty, British soldier? “Your home government send you here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, we were a mercenary company working in
Africa. The UN hired us to provide increased security up in Denver.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“None of the forces we have fought wore
Multicam or OCP camouflage; maybe you were telling the truth.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He indicated his camo uniform and said,
“It’s not Multicam or OCP, we call it Multi Terrain Pattern, MTP. Basically,
it’s OCP, but a larger pattern than what you are wearing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like it, it seems to blend better.” What
the hell, it beat standing there staring at each other.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just out of curiosity,” he said. “You lot
wouldn’t be looking for recruits, would you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s just say, we’re looking for
employment with someone more to our liking.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Explain.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like I said, we were mercs working all over
Africa. We had Brits, Yanks, Aussies, Canadians, you name it, but most were
Yanks; ex-top tier operators, all of us.” He placed his finger in his ear and
listened for a moment. “Copy.” He said and then to me, “They’re almost here.”
He looked to his left and I looked the same direction, “Things started falling
apart and we were stranded in Somalia. We went there with the hope of catching
a freighter to the UK, Europe, or anywhere it might be easier to get home from.
We weren’t having any luck and then a UN headhunter offered us a job working
security at medical research facilities here in the States, Canada, or Laos.
The Aussies got an offer for Downunder and the Canadians went North, we were
offered Denver, or Laos.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why did you pick here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“None of us spoke Laotian. At least here we
can talk to the locals.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard the sound of vehicles decelerating
and looked as two trucks coasted off the freeway and came down the off-ramp.
“That’s them,” he said. I nodded and continued to watch as the trucks turned onto
Motel Drive and then into the parking lot where we waited. “See the woman
sitting in the center? That’s her, Schwartz; careful with her, she’s a mental
bitch.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sure what he meant by ‘mental’. But
it was easy to figure it out once she got out of her truck and walked up to me.
“So, you’re Daniel Tarn, you’re the man responsible for the deaths of so many
good people.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” I asked. Instead of answering, she
raised a small semiautomatic pistol, aimed at my chest, and shot me three times
before anyone could grab her and seize her weapon. I staggered backwards,
bounced off the side of my truck and then dropped to my knees as my hands
pressed against my chest. It didn’t hurt so much at first, but then, holy shit!
Imagine someone walking up and hitting you in the chest with a hammer as hard
as they can. I couldn’t catch my breath as I leaned forward and dropped my
hands to the pavement to support my weight. As I saw the first droplets of
blood hit the pavement and spatter, I realized I should have listened to Debra,
I should have stayed home with her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone was shouting commands and several
people were running around and finally it started getting quiet as another
person I didn’t recognize helped me to turn and lean against the front tire of
my truck.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everyone! Drop your weapons and get down on
your knees! Hands on your heads! Do not resist!” I didn’t recognize that
British voice either. My ears were ringing fiercely from the repeated
close-range muzzle blasts and I still couldn’t catch my breath. I raised my
hand back up and touched the muscle above my collar bone and it came away
stained and wet with blood. I realized the man working on me was one of the
guys from the truck, the ones that shot me; I started trying to force him away
with one hand as I drew the Air Crewman’s knife to stab and slash him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa, Captain, stop! I’m trying to get a
bandage on your wound!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone grabbed my wrist and twisted the
knife out of my hand, “Daniel! Stop! He’s trying to help you!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni?” In a panic, it was all I could do
to gasp her name.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes! It’s me! Now hold still and let the
medic work on you!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hard…to…breathe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Off course, it is! You just took two rounds
to the chest and one through the scalene muscle above your collar bone! Thank
god the vest stopped the two shots to your chest. Just concentrate on your
breathing, you’re going to be okay, I promise.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gradually, I was able to regain my breath,
but I couldn’t draw a big one like I needed. They got my shirt off and then the
vest and I could see two bruises developing. I kept hearing Danni’s voice
rising in anger and eventually I was able to start making sense of what she was
saying.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t care who she is, I don’t care if
she’s a mother, she’s a murderous bitch and needs to be put down!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I heard Thomas, “We’ll be the same as
her if we do it, Danni, you know it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The same as her? No, we won’t! We came here
to help, even though we knew they were the same people who have tried time
after time to kill us all! Daniel came to help them get away from the Enclave
and she shoots him pointblank! No! We are not the same!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then another voice spoke up, “Look,
Lieutenant,” a British accent. “I understand your feelings, we came here with
good intentions in order to trade information, for food and fuel. Schwartz
thought she could handle dealing with your Captain, but I guess the death of
her husband and son were too much for her.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then
they shouldn’t have come to Asylum with the intent to murder everyone there,
and frankly, Higgins, you speaking in her behalf is not helping the final
disposition of you and your men.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean? We surrendered in good
faith after she shot your Captain, I ordered our medic to commence immediate
emergency treatment for him; now you threaten our lives?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked in their direction as Danni walked
away and headed for me. Thomas immediately started talking to the Brit who was
in command, I think he was trying to relieve him of any fear Danni may have
created.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knelt next to me and softly said, “I
want to shoot the bitch, Thomas says ‘no’, but you are ranking officer. Let me
kill that bitch, Daniel, she deserves it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They say she came to negotiate, why did she
change her mind?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She holds you personally responsible for
the deaths of her husband and son. You discovered the planned attack on Asylum
and her husband was one of the men killed in the attack. Her son was killed
when we ambushed that supply train for the ANTIFA asshats in Las Cruces. He was
one of the security guards on the train. According to Higgins, it was a fairly
safe assignment until we proved it wasn’t.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Higgins? Who is that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major Ronald Higgins of the Royal Marines,
retired. He is in charge of these guys.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was he in on this shit?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Apparently not. We separated all the
prisoners and we’ve been talking to them. They all seem to agree they wanted
away from the shit the ZPGers were doing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The 160 people in their convoy, are they
all Higgins’ men?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, only sixteen, including Higgins, they
came along to provide security until a settlement could be established in
Phoenix.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The ones left behind, are they with the
ZPGers, or Higgins?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged, “According to Higgins, a Lt.
Colonel Ricket commands the battalion and there is an underlying plot to escape
and rejoin in Phoenix once the community is established.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded as she stood up and then reached up
with my left hand, “Hand up, please?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, I can interview this Major Higgins.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The medic working on me said, “Hold on,
Captain, let me put a sling on your arm, so the weight isn’t pulling on that
wound.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Keep your ass where it is,” Danni said.
“I’ll bring his over here.” Then she walked away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The medic watched her walk away and then
said, “Discipline must be a little less formal in your unit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes,” I agreed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched a little longer as he unfolded
the sling and then said, “I’m surprised you would allow your girlfriend to come
on a mission with you. We’ve taken in some women also, but we don’t allow them
to serve alongside their men.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him and said, “I’m married, and
the Lieutenant is my wife’s best friend; she’s not my girlfriend.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh,
I’m sorry, the way she reacted when you went down, I thought surely…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re very close,” I said. “My wife and her
are almost like sisters, hell, they may as well be sisters.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked back at Danni and she was coming
back with the Brit in tow. When they arrived, she said, “Major Higgins, Captain
Tarn of the Grant County Rangers. Captain Tarn, Major Higgins of the Royal
Marines, retired.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you’ll forgive me for not standing,
Major.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Under the circumstances, quite
understandable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you. May I inquire as to the location
of the rest of your people?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me for a moment and I could see
the wheels turning, before he said, “Will they be safe from reprisals, Captain?
I assure you the attack on you came as a complete surprise and none of the
other people under my care were involved in Mrs. Schwartz inability to control
her emotions.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No reprisals against those who are
innocent, Major.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have your word as an officer and a
gentleman?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are currently bivouacked at another
rest stop named Texas Canyon along this same interstate highway.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “I’m familiar with it. Do you have
enough fuel for them to return here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, what do you have in mind.” He looked
genuinely curious.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You lead your people to Asylum, they get
fed, I try to convince the powers-that-be to consider allowing you to stay and
we work up a nefarious plot to overthrow the leadership of the Denver Enclave
with you and yours installed as leadership and allied with us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My understanding is, that when you
overturned the New Mexico Enclave, Asylum, as you now call it, you had quite a
bit of problems with the previous leadership resulting in several failed
attempts to regain control.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s true.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood there a moment longer and nodded,
“Alright, it’s worth the study if nothing else.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are your people in need of food right this
moment?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some of us, including myself and the men
with me, we last ate yesterday.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds like you left at the spur of the
moment.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We did; an opportunity presented itself and
we seized it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you really have information concerning
an eminent attack of Asylum?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Possibly, but it’s mostly conjecture.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, the offer still stands. I’m going
to head back now, and begin making arrangements for your arrival. If the people
under your charge decide to continue on to Phoenix, we won’t stop you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does that include Mrs. Schwartz?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I could answer, Danni said, “Most
definitely, not. She attempted to murder a resident of Asylum, she is coming
with us, and staying with us, one way or another.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A case could be made for diplomatic
immunity,” he replied.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have not established diplomatic
relations with the Denver Enclave nor have we done the same with your splinter
group.” Danni replied.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins looked at me and I shrugged, “What
she said, I consider Catherine Schwartz too dangerous to let her run loose.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will I be able to speak with your superiors
about the arrangement?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, but don’t expect them to be
lenient or particularly forgiving. We frown on attempted murder, but we do
follow the Constitution.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How will she receive a fair trial in your
town?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a traveling court that makes the
rounds, they are scheduled back by here in about another two weeks; she’ll be
held incarcerated until then.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then I agree, but only the people who come
willingly; no one will be forced to come?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Agreed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked briefly with Thomas and he agreed
to take the truck and trailer I drove down and deliver the fuel to Texas
Canyon. I returned to Asylum with most of his squad and Danni. By the time we
reached the Bunker I was well past feeling uncomfortable and literally gritting
my teeth at every bump in the road. If you’ve ever ridden in any military
transport, no matter the country of origin, they automatically hit every bump
in the road. I’m absolutely convinced it is designed into them from the get go.
The medic had given me some pain pills to take if it got too bad and finally, I
pulled them from my pocket and dry swallowed them. Danni gave me a canteen and
I washed down at least one that hung up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we stopped in front of the Bunker,
Danni and several of the men from Thomas’ squad helped me down from the cab of
the truck. Packer met us and told me there was a crash cart on the way to
transport me to the clinic. I sat down on a bench outside and tried to ignore
the nausea I was starting to suffer from.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer pulled a chair over and sat down
facing me, “Are you up for a partial debriefing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major, he’s in a great amount of pain; he
refused morphine just like he always does.” Danni was pulling a Debra and
hovering around me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll answer as long as I can, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We really should transport him to the
clinic, Major.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer glanced at Danni and then back to me,
“How bad is the pain?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not good, Sir, but we may as well do
something that might take my mind off of it while we wait.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“These troops you encountered, weapons?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All, but one, were equipped with that
Bullpup rifle the Brits use, the other had a bullpup, but also had some sort of
long rifle that…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Accuracy International, Sir,” Danni said.
“Chambered in .338 La Pua. Much more capable than any 7-6-2 NATO weapon like my
M1a.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded, “Yeah I’ve seen it in action in
the Middle-East. Get an adequately trained sniper behind it and you want it on
your side. Any other weapons? Automatics? Grenade launchers? Anything else?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, Danni answered, “If I remember
correctly, the British bullpup is full auto capable, they also use the same
STANAG mags we do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I thought so, what with Great Britain
being one of the founders of NATO. Uniforms? Body armor? Talk to me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just closed my eyes and let Danni
continue, “Same uniforms as the Brits used; sort of a larger patterned OCP, I
like it better than ours. We were already in position when they dropped off the
guy with the .338 and I saw where he concealed himself with a ghillie type
suit. Even knowing where he was, I kept having trouble relocating him. Body
armor is standard for British ground pounders; Osprey vest with ballistic
plates and PALs, and that odd-looking round Kevlar helmet they use. I was a
little surprised to find out that one of their team was definitely from the
American South.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They were mercenaries working for the
British military,” I said. “All spec ops before joining up and being sent to
Africa. One of their guys, the sniper, told me they were in Africa when the
pandemics started and stuff started breaking down. They moved into Somalia to
reach the coast and try for a freighter to sail into the sunset on, but no joy
there. Then they were offered a job by the UN as security forces and here they
are.” I cleared my throat and swallowed, it seemed to be getting harder to do.
“They were a battalion size force when they left Africa…” I started wheezing as
I breathed. “Their Aussies and Canadians went to work in their home countries,
Brits and Americans came here.” I struggled to get a breath in and then started
choking…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel? Daniel, can’t you breathe? Daniel!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was all I remembered until I woke up in
the clinic. There was a tube down my throat, at least I thought there was,
because my teeth kept closing on something. My hands were secured and a machine
next to me was making a beeping and sighing sound. I was on a ventilator and I
panicked. I started struggling and trying to rip out the tubes, but I couldn’t
reach them, memories of Becker came flooding back and I fought harder to
escape.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Stop!” It was Danni, where was
Debra! “Daniel! Hey! Cho! A little help here!” She leaned over me and tried to
hold me down, but I was lifting her off the floor. “Cho! Damn it! Get in here,
NOW!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, shit, hold him down, I’m going to
inject a sedative into his IV!” She left the room and I continued to struggle
against the straps that held me down and then Danni was astride me, her hands
holding the sides of my face and her lips almost touching mine as she spoke
calmly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, listen to me, come on, calm down,
come on now, calm down, that’s it, that’s it, calm down,” her voice began to
settle me down. “There we go, okay, relax, just relax, you’re going to be okay,
I promise you, okay? I’ll never lie to you, never, you are going to be okay.
Relax, relax,” Her lips began to brush against corner of my mouth as she talked
to me. “There you go, that’s it, let the machine breathe for you, that’s it…”
Her voice became lower and slower as she spoke, “Good, that’s it, the medic,
the one that gave you the pain pills you took when we reached the gate? You had
an allergic reaction to them, but you’re going to be okay now. Do you
understand?” Mary Cho rushed in with a syringe and started to insert the needle
into the aperture of the IV line, “No, Mary, he’s okay now, don’t give him the
sedative.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure?” Then she spoke directly to
me, “Daniel, just shake, or nod your head, are you okay?” I nodded. “I can give
a you the sedative and you can sleep through a lot of this, do you want it?” I
shook my head, ‘no,’ and she released her hold on the IV line and added, “I’ll
keep this handy in case you change your mind, okay?” I nodded again and she
busied herself checking the IV needle in my hand, the tube down my throat, and
then she listened to my heart with her stethoscope. She followed that with an
O2 monitor she once again attached to my index finger, “Good, excellent! I’m
going to do an EKG, but I think you’re going to be good to go. Just relax and go
with the flow, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I popped my wrists against the binders
holding them and tried to say, ‘off,’ but she shook her head and said, “I’m
sorry, but no. If you’re still calm an hour from now? Maybe, okay?” I snapped
my wrists against the restraints in frustration. “I’m sorry, Daniel, but Doctor
Horne was adamant; just another hour and we’ll see how you are doing, please?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and she walked out the door, Danni
straightened up and then slid off my hips and placed her feet on the floor. “I
didn’t hurt you, did I?” I shook my head. “I didn’t know what else to do; I
guess it worked though.” I nodded as she took my hand and squeezed it; I
squeezed hers in return. “Try and sleep, I’ll be right here with you, okay?” I
nodded again and then just stared at her, where was Debra? “Daniel, it’s two in
the morning, she was totally wiped out from worrying about you and Doctor Horne
sent her home. It’s okay, Gilly is with her tonight and will bring her back in
the morning, try and sleep.” She leaned over me and began to gently massage my
temples. “I promised Debbie I’d be here for you, so go to sleep, all is well.
Go to sleep.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">I
woke up as Mary released the strap on my right wrist and I immediately reached
for the tube in my mouth, “Oh, no, don’t do that!” She said as she grabbed my
wrist and dropped her body weight on it, “I promise you won’t like it. Okay?”
Frustrated, I closed my eyes and nodded. “Good, Doctor Horne and Doctor Lopez
will be here shortly and remove the tube, okay? Normally I would do it, but they’re
a little concerned about the residual swelling in your throat.” I nodded again
as Danni walked in with the scent of soap around her. Her hair was wet and laid
limply on her head instead of all spiked out the way she normally had it. She
was wearing a hospital gown and I frowned.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, no, I’m fine, I just needed a shower
really badly and Mary invited me to use the shower for the patients.” She did a
little pirouette to show me she was wearing two gowns and all the vital bits
were covered, “I don’t know for sure, but I think I make hospital gowns rock.”
I tried to smile around the tube but then I realized my jaw was aching, a lot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outside the curtain, I heard two voices and
then Horne and Lopez entered. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” Lopez said. “You’re awake, are you
ready for that tube to come out?” I nodded, vigorously. “Good, Lieutenant
Monroe, you might want to step outside, this can get a little unpleasant
sometimes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Doctor Lopez, what’s unpleasant is
watching one of the best friends you ever had choking and unable to breathe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I imagine so, alright then, Captain,
we’re going to give you a light sedative that will make you feel almost asleep,
but not quite, we call it twilight.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head. “He’s not going to like it,
Doctor Lopez,” Danni said. “He doesn’t like not being in control of his
faculties.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really,” he said as he looked at me. “A
real tough hombre huh?” I just stared at him until he blinked. He shrugged and
said, “Suit yourself, but Mary isn’t going to like cleaning up all the vomit,
so that’s on you.” He looked at Horne and said, “Let’s get this done.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uh, yeah, I didn’t vomit, but next time? I’m
taking the injection and twilight myself through the whole thing, guaranteed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At seven AM on the money, Debra walked
through the curtain and stood there staring at me until Gilly said, “Debbie,
you know what Doc Horne said…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra released a heavy sigh and then walked
up on the right side of the bed, leaned over and gave me a kiss, “Hi, Honey, I
really missed you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She straightened back up and it hit me, she
looked like a pregnant woman! She actually had a big belly! Well, you couldn’t
actually say big belly, but yeah, she looked like she might be close to six
months pregnant. “What the hell?” I said. “What happened!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and ran the palms of her hands
over her belly, “The baby dropped, I can officially breathe again, but now I
have to pee about every ten minutes, I’ll be right back.” She rushed out as
Gilly chuckled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow.” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know,” Gilly said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni laughed and said, “Be glad you were
unconscious when it started, everyone thought she was in labor.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You should have seen her last night after
the doctors sent her home, Sara came by with little Teddy and visited for at
least three hours and they talked the whole time. Sara was amazed how her whole
physical appearance and emotional demeanor changed from two days ago when she
last saw her.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yeah, she was really getting,
uh…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bitchy?” Danni asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra came walking back in and said, “Watch
it, Danni, your day is coming.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room got quiet as Danni said, “Is it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God, Danni, I’m sorry.” Debra stopped in
the process of walking past and gave her a hug instead.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t worry about it. It’s been months and
I think people tip-toeing around isn’t helping any. I think what I need is
normalcy, you know? I’m actually kind of looking forward to meeting that little
thing inside of you. We’re still on for Danni Lynn if it’s a girl, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “When can I leave?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra turned and looked at me as she said,
“You’re staying here for at least another day, remember you were shot again.
Speaking of which, what the hell were you thinking letting that…that…woman,
walk right up to you like that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t you Babe me! First you make me stay
home, and…and thank god the Major gave you that Kevlar vest! She would have
never have gotten close to you if I would have been there beside you,” She
turned to Danni and said, “No offense Danni.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“None taken, I would have taken her out, but
she was lined up with Daniel and I was afraid of a through and through.” Then
she said, “Daniel, did Henderson ever perfect that silenced rifle he was
working on?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The one chambered for .45 acp?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I could have taken her out with that
and not been worried about the bullet passing through and hitting you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why don’t you stop by and ask him?” I said.
“He would love to have someone new show interest in one of his projects.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t think he’d mind?” She asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, hell no, everyone loves it when someone
new asks them what they’re working on. He probably has one sitting around you
could take to the range.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll look into it.” She started gathering
things and added, “Look, I’m out of here. I didn’t get very much sleep last
night, so I’m heading home and to bed. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for filling in Danni, you did a
really excellent job calming me down last night when I woke up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked at me and said, “What
happened?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni walked around her, bent over me and
kissed my forehead as I said, “I woke up completely disoriented and strapped
down, I panicked, I thought Becker had me again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I should have been here, I should have…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni told her, “Stop it, you had other
things going on, so relax, no one thinks you did anything wrong.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Still…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, you had someone here to watch over
me, someone you trusted and rightfully so.” I reached out and ran my hand over
her belly as I added, “You know, if you were to let me come home…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She immediately turned beet red and said,
“Daniel! Gilly’s right here for goodness sake!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” I said. “I was just going to say I
could rub your feet for you and get the circulation going.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly started laughing and then said, “Men,
they all use the same lines, it must be the testosterone or something.” She
turned to Danni who was at the door smiling at my protests of innocence, “I’m
going to walk with you, Danni, so I can leave the cart for Debra.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” and then to us. “I’ll see you two
later.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left and I turned back to Debra, “Okay,
come on, show it to me!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hon, I’m all fat now and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Show it to me, now.” She glanced at the
curtain and then walked over and pulled them closed. Then she came back to the
bedside, lifted the oversized blouse she was wearing, exposing her bare
stomach. I was mesmerized by the sight of her swollen belly and ran my hand
over it, “Debra, you’re not fat, you’re beautiful and I want to see it all; I
want to go home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shivered and said, “I want you home,
but…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please? Go talk to Horne and see if he’ll
sign me out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure? I mean, you still have a hole
in you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely certain,” I said as I lightly
dragged my fingernails across her stomach causing her to shiver again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” she hurriedly said. “But first, I
have to pee again.” She quickly left the enclosure and I used the remote
control of the bed to raise it fully upright before swinging my legs over the
side. I sat there waiting until I heard her coming back while talking and
laughing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled the curtain aside and walked in
with Mary Cho. “So,” Mary said. “You’re all eager to get home for some quality
rest, huh?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and nodded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, believe it, or not, Doctors Horne and
Lopez both said if you wanted to leave, I could release you barring any
abnormal readings. So, let’s take some and see if you’re good to go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later, I was dressing with
Debra’s help and a few more minutes later she was helping me undress in our
bedroom. When she was done with me, she started removing her own clothing. She
was so beautiful it took my breath away. She ended up doing most of the work
because she said it was too uncomfortable for her because of her belly and I
couldn’t hold myself up off of her because of the gunshot wound, so yeah, she
did most of the work, but she enjoyed it immensely. Well, until she achieved
her orgasm, did you know an orgasm could start labor?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in the throes of her orgasm when the
contraction hit her and she literally folded over on top of me. When I realized
something wasn’t quite right and asked her, she released her breath and said,
“Wow, Doctor Horne was right.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He said to start expecting false labor
contractions.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why? Are you alright?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She straightened up and smiled at me while
she caressed her belly, “Yeah, it’s okay. He said it was my body gearing up for
the big one; kind of like running a bunch of ten-kilometer races before taking
on the marathon.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well if you say so.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She slipped off of me and leaned against the
wall and she looked so spectacular, I grabbed my cell phone and snapped a
picture of her in the all-together. She laughed and said I was being silly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten minutes later, she had another
contraction. Then another nine minutes later. When they were happening every
five minutes like clockwork, I told her, false labor my ass, and drove her back
to the clinic. Two hours later, Danni Lynn Tarn made her debut. Initially,
there was some concern that she was three weeks premature, but Horne now thinks
that Debra was pregnant before we made the decision for her to get pregnant. It
doesn’t matter, she’s beautiful and has a thick mass of curly hair, just like
her mother.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was out of the loop for a few days and
then Packer pulled me back in. I met with him in his office and he filled me in
on what was going on.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-67671993455508563092021-05-23T23:09:00.002-07:002022-06-12T18:34:53.545-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 24<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Chapter
24</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mystery woman continued to thwart our
attempts to identify her. I guess everyone was looking in the wrong places.
Debra was the one who suggested she thought it was someone that I, or we knew;
someone close to us, but it was hard to imagine who it could be. Who could be
so close to us, so friendly with us, without our discovery of their duplicity?
It was a long and tortuous road and like most such roads, the search contained
many curves. It started with an innocuous comment that Julia found in a ZPG chatroom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, a fricking chat room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Tarn?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia,” I said as I finished the sentence I
was writing before looking up. “You know I prefer a more relaxed atmosphere
here in the office.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I know, but Lieutenant Monroe bit
my butt yesterday when I called her Danni during training.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay, what do you need, Analyst Ortiz?”
I said as I smiled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, that’s not fair,” she whined. “You
know how the other Cadets have started calling me Anal Ortiz.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckled and said, “Yeah, now that you
mention it, I may have heard something like that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bristled and said, “From who?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From you,” I said. “Otherwise, I would have
never heard about it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I thought maybe Tony said something.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, oh, trouble in paradise?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no paradise, he’s the jerk that
started the Anal Ortiz crap.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn, well, better to find out he’s a jerk
now than down the road somewhere important. He doesn’t know what he’s missing
out on.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled as she slid a sheet of paper
across my desk and said, “Another reference to MS again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked it up and read through it, “The
chat room?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, those idiot kids don’t realize the
stuff they spill about what their parents are doing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lucky us, any correlations?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but I’m adding this to it.” She pointed
to a name and said, “This guy here?” I nodded. “Rubin Cisneros, he’s the one
that was bragging about his dad being head of Intelligence in Denver and also
on the Enclave Leadership Council.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I remember. So, the mysterious MS
again. I wonder who they are?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could be a group involved in intelligence
gathering, or maybe an individual.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What have you got so far?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A lot of B.S. so far, and nothing we can
latch onto. A few vague comments about MS being connected to the Mexico
Communist Party, then another about being from a wealthy family down in South
America, and a connection with intelligence there. Those are the most
interesting. MS gets talked about a lot, but mostly from a childish boogeyman
point of view.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Explain.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Apparently, MS was in charge of a youth
camp in Peru and got a bit heavy-handed with some of the girls that were, shall
we say, promiscuous?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Heavy-handed in what way?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Apparently, MS, had the letter ‘B’ branded
on their left breasts.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why a ‘B’?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bicho. It’s sort of an exclamation like,
oh, uh, you see a big bug and you shout Bicho! Oh, here you go, my grandmother
sneezed really hard one time and a bunch of snot was hanging from her nose; my
grandfather yelled, Bicho! really loud. It sort of means like, yuck! Or nasty,
sort of. It’s kind of hard to translate.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Were your grandparents from Mexico?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nah, my grandma was from Costa Rica and my
grandad was from Venezuela and they met here in the States. Bicho is actually
sort of an exclamation you hear from people from Venezuela.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Keep that in mind while you research MS,
there might be something we can use to narrow down who they are.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but I’m leaning towards an individual
in case you’re wondering and probably female,” she answered as she started to
leave the office.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait,” I said. “Why female?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“MS was in charge of young women and they
were from a militant feminist group. So, I’m guessing the person in charge of
them would be a woman?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good point, stay with it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kept seeing references to MS and logging
them in. Julia started concentrating on the topic whenever she could and
finally came charging into my office with a stack of papers. “El Paso! And I
was right! MS is a woman!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, mostly, but I found a reference to MS
as, she, and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From the chatroom?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, a communique from Cisneros to a group
of ANTIFA in El Paso at UTEP, last year.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“UTEP? What’s that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and said, “University of Texas,
El Paso. How could you not know what UTEP is?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged, “I guess I was too busy making a
living. What was the communication about?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“MS was taking over the chapter of ANTIFA
and would be arriving at the beginning of the next semester.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, that gives us a starting point. See
if you can find a new student or transfer with the initials, MS, but you might
begin with Hispanic surnames.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just looked at me for a moment and then
said, “Daniel, you do know that UTEP was almost 85% Hispanic, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I didn’t, but we’re talking about what,
several thousand maybe?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tens of thousands.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but we’re still talking about new
students or transfers. The transfers will be the fewest, so start with them and
then go to new students.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, okay, but geez, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get Mike, or Carol to give you a hand, the
radio transcriptions this week are a little light anyway.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all stayed fairly busy that day and Maria
brought our lunch like she usually does. I’ve taken to eating a salad for lunch
when I can because Maria fixes Debra, Danni, and I dinner also. I’ve noticed my
love handles are getting a little more noticeable; I’m going to start rising
earlier so I can run and workout before work. God only knows how chubby I might
be if Debra didn’t burn so many calories off me with sex.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just beginning to start wrapping
things up to close the office when Mike and Julia walked in. “What’s up, guys.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia said without preamble, “Mary Stevens.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mary Stevens, Associate Professor of
Political Science, University of Texas, El Paso.” She smiled as she added, “MS
wasn’t a student, SHE, was a new Associate Professor.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No shit! Great work guys! So, tell me what
you know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in
Political Science from Berkley, twenty-three years ago. After graduation, she
joined the Peace Corp and travelled to Peru, where she taught young children
English until she abruptly disappeared. Her disappearance was reported as a
kidnapping at the time, but it was later discovered she had left willingly with
the man who would eventually become her husband, Pablo San Martin of the San
Martin Fisheries. He was killed during the run-up to the Socialist revolution
in Venezuela, but she was some sort of leader in the counter-revolution. She
was arrested and imprisoned because she supported the wrong socialist faction
when the power struggles started. She disappears for an extended period of time
and then shows up as a VP of Diversity for a group called A Sustainable Earth
located in San Francisco. Somehow, she comes out of Venezuela with a doctorate
in Political Science and teaches at Berkley for a short time and then transfers
to UTEP. Then, she disappears. While at Berkley, she was Faculty Advisor to the
ANTIFA chapter in Frisco and as we know, she also was in charge of ANTIFA at
UTEP.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started leafing through the papers they
handed me and asked, “Any mention of an Intelligence background? Training,
anything like that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope,” Mike said. “But she was out of the
picture for a very long time, so, who knows?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Photograph?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing,” Julia said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure? When I was taking classes the
professors always had pictures attached to their bios. Did you check that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike nodded, “Yeah, I checked personally, no
picture at either university.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s unfortunate.” I stacked the sheets
of paper neatly and said, “Good work guys, see you in the morning and we’ll hit
it again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left and I sat at my desk as I went
through what I had been told. Damn, no picture. Of course, that would have been
too easy. I locked up my computer and papers and headed home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the apartment, I changed from my uniform
and hung it up for another day’s use. It didn’t make sense to me to wear a
fresh one every day. If I was in the field and sweating? Sure, but I was behind
a desk with AC cooling the room. I poked around the kitchen and finally settled
on Maria’s corn chips and salsa for a snack. I opened a bottle of homebrew and,
I guess I shouldn’t call the beer homebrew anymore; the Exchange staff started
making it with Marvin’s and Dan’s help, but after Marvin was killed, they make
it completely themselves. I don’t think it’s as good, but it’s good enough.
Well, damn good, but not as good. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began thinking about MS, or Mary Stevens,
and was wondering if a new angle could be worked on. After around ten minutes,
I went to the phone and dialed the group phone at the women’s Old Worker’s
Barracks; I wanted to speak with Julia. Apparently, she was in the showers and
would be notified to return my call. I started pacing and was lost in thought
when the door opened and Danni walked in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, Daniel, you’re pacing, Debra told me to
look out for that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She did?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” she walked to the three gear racks
we kept in the Livingroom and stripped off her equipment. “She said when you
start pacing, she can see smoke come out of your ears.” She looked at me with
her head cocked to the side and then said, “Nope, no smoke, but?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have a person we’re looking for over at
Intelligence and we’ve made some headway, but not what I want.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Any way I can help?” She finished putting
her gear away and walked to the fridge, but saw my almost full beer bottle and
fetched a glass instead. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started to pour into the glass and I
said, “Sorry, Danni, but you’re going to be drinking after me if you do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and poured anyway. “Sit down and
tell me what’s going on.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat and scrubbed my face before I said,
“MS.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned and started to open her mouth
when the door opened and Debra walked briskly in after slamming the door. She
went to the gear racks and started placing her equipment on her stand, much the
way Danny had. “That little fucker!” She grumbled before turning and saying,
“There better be another beer in there!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is,” Danni said as she went to the
fridge and pulled another bottle and then two glasses from the cupboard. She
used the bottle I originally had opened and filled a glass she pushed to me,
then opened the newer bottle and filled one for Debra. “So, who is the little
fucker that has you incensed?” She asked as she pushed the glass to Debra.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A seventeen-year-old, first-class little
cretin named Toby Tyler.” She lifted the glass to her lips and drank almost a
third of it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess he really lit your tailfeathers,” I
said. “I can’t remember the last time we haven’t seen each other all day and
you didn’t greet me with ‘Hi, Honey, I missed you!’”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sighed heavily and rose from her chair,
gave me a kiss and whispered, “Hi, Honey, I missed you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I was kidding.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “I’m not,” as she sat
back down. “It’s a routine and I find solace in routines, especially the ones
involving you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, the little fucker named Toby, what’s he
guilty of?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He obviously wants to shag my ass and he’s
about as subtle as a bass drum.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“First, I informed him that officers and
trainees were forbidden any type of liaison. Then I told him he wasn’t my type;
I preferred a man. Then I finally told him I was married, and you know what
that little fucker said? Do you know what he said!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was getting really pissed and even Danni
scooted her chair back in anticipation of a true explosion as I said, “Uh, no?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He said, you!” As she pointed at me with
the hand holding the glass of beer. “Wouldn’t miss a slice out of the middle! A
slice out of the middle! That little fucker called sex with me, a fucking slice
out of the middle!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni had a slight glitch in her throat as
she said, “Is he still alive?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Unfortunately, yes. Ted grabbed me in a
bear hug from behind, but I managed to plant the heel of my boot in his
forehead. Then Thomas ran over and dragged him away.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was speechless.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well?” Debra said as she stared at me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sputtered a bit and then said, “Uh, he has
impeccable taste in women, but he needs to work on his pick-up lines?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni was in the process of sipping from her
beer, but the guffaw that erupted from her blew a portion of the beer out of
the glass and all over her face. The cold brew caused her to gasp, but then she
started laughing hysterically.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through gritted teeth, Debra said, “Danni
Lynn…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oops.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone started knocking on the door and I
said, “Saved by the bell,” as I quickly rose and answered it to find Major
Packer and Gilly waiting as they looked puzzled at the laughter. “Sir, would
you and Mrs. Packer like a drink?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly smiled and said, “I’ll have whatever
Danni is having.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra frowned as Packer stepped in, looked
at her, then at Danni and said, “Yeah, make that two.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hurried deeper into the kitchen as Debra
set an additional chair at the table and the Packers sat down. I took two
glasses from the cupboard and another bottle of beer out of the fridge, then
set them in front of the Major and his wife. Once Packer started pouring, I
fetched a towel and handed it to Danni, which set her off again as Debra
finally cracked a smile.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So,” Packer said. “Can I assume young Tyler
might live another day?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe,” Debra said as her smile changed to
a scowl. “If he can keep his fantasies in his bedroom, and between himself and
a box of tissues.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, my!” Gilly stated and then burst into
laughter the same time Danni did, again. “Debbie, you are priceless!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra finally broke out into a genuine smile
and started to laugh also. She finally sobered up and said to Packer, “I guess
I really screwed up, Sir, what kind of punishment am I looking at?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Punishment? There’ll be no punishment for
you; Mister Toby Tyler though, is going to rue the day he came here. I have one
question for you, do you believe he is salvageable?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took a deep breath and then released it
between pursed lips, “Only he can determine that, Sir, but I will say this,
Banner and Menendez say he is exceptional as a tracker, and Thomas says he has
a lot of potential as a scout. I’ve been working with him on the rifle range
and he was good when he arrived, but he’s done nothing but get better since he
started.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer nodded and said, “Menendez talked to
the young women and girls in his training group and they all say he hasn’t been
a problem. He seems to be fixated on you. Do we want to keep working with him?
Or send him home?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra sighed and then said, “Contaminated,
maybe?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was home schooled and he was somewhere
everyone refers to as Reserve, when Silver City was sprayed. He was on a hunting
trip with his father who is also the minister of a small Baptist church.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s good,” she said. She glanced at me
for a moment and then said, “Maybe if he was introduced to my husband? Not in a
threatening way, but so he could put a face on the name and rank?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have no objection,” he looked at me.
“Daniel? Do you want to see if you can end the problem?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m willing to give it a try if you think
the boy is worth the trouble.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He is showing promise and I’d rather he was
shooting for us, than at us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Okay, but It should be unrelated
to the incident in question, maybe I can come up with…” The phone began to
ring. “Excuse me, Sir, but I believe that’s one of my analysts retuning a
previous call.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded to me and I
picked-up the phone, “Hello?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, it’s Julia.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, look, have you seen any reference in
the transcriptions of either radio, or internet, traffic referring to the Hole?
I don’t mean by that title, but anything referring to our location.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we’re referred to as the failed New
Mexico Facility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, tomorrow morning I want you to…” I
stopped as I thought for a moment and then said. “You still attend the Cadets
Morning Formations, right? Before you come to work?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In the morning, meet me and my wife in the
Ready Room before formation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir. Is there anything else?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll talk at work, Good night, Julia.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bye, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned to the table and sat back down.
“It’s possible I may be able to kill two birds with one stone,” I said.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">“Meaning?”
Debra asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia Ortiz, as you know, is one of my
analysts and she’s is a member of the Cadets. One of the boys in her unit
thought it was cool to refer to her as Anal Ortiz.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra squirmed a bit and said, “Yeah, I
remember those days.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, I’m going to dump some praise on her at
tomorrow’s, Morning Formation, and send a signal to Toby Tyler at the same
time.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning, Debra and I were waiting
in the Ready Room when Julia joined us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good Morning, Captain Tarn, good morning
Lieutenant Tarn.” She gave us a snappy salute, which I returned.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning, Ortiz. I asked you here
because I wanted to prepare you for this morning’s formation. As you know,
certain trainees amongst the Cadets receive provisional ranks for actions and
efforts considered consistently excellent.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because of that practice, this morning I
will be awarding you the rank of Provisional Sargent because of the outstanding
work you have performed in the Intelligence Office; will you accept it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, come on, Daniel, I can hear it now;
Anal Ortiz, the brown noser!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cadet, Ortiz,” Debra said. “All of us are
in uniform and conducting official military business; conduct yourself
accordingly.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She straightened up and came to attention,
“Yes, Lieutenant.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “This was just a heads-up,
Julia, I wanted you to be prepared to receive what you deserve. Now, hustle out
there and join your team before Reveille.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As you wish, Sir.” She snapped her hand up
to salute and I returned it before she jogged out to join her team.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think?” I asked Debra.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could go either way. I can remember times
when it didn’t turn out well for me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope I know what I’m doing, Debra.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She squeezed my hand and said, “So do I.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly came out of the back hall and
practically ran to us, “Here it is, straight from the embroidery machine!” She
handed me a patch that had the word ‘Cadet’ and Sargent chevrons on it. “It has
hook and loop on the back, so all you have to do is press it onto the patch in
the center of her smock.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Gilly.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “Reveille in five minutes, Hon.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right, let’s go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We exited the Ready Room and then marched
side-by-side to the front of sixty-two Cadets that were standing in two platoon
formations. When we reached them, we both stopped, did an about face and faced
the flagpole. Moments later, Reveille began to be played over the exterior
loudspeakers and a detail of Cadets began to raise the flag. Debra and I raised
our hands and saluted as it went up. This was something that the Major had
reinstated after I had finished my Militia training, so it was the first time I
had experienced it. Watching the flag of our once great nation being raised
again, caused a visceral emotional reaction in me; I could feel my eyes
beginning to grow wet. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
flag reached the top of the pole as the last notes of the music ended and we
concluded our salute, did another about face and gazed over the assembled
Cadets. Debra, as one of the training cadre, spoke first. “Cadets! At ease!”
They shifted from a position of attention and to one of at ease. “Before you
leave morning formation for training, or work details, we have a guest who
wishes to address you. May I present, Ranger Captain Daniel Tarn, Commanding
Officer of the Intelligence Office.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped forward and started, “Good
morning, Cadets.” I paused for a moment and then continued. “You might wonder
what the duties of an Intelligence Analyst could be. Though that information is
classified, I can tell you it can often be considered a mind-numbing mental and
physical grind. We work long hours and with little official recognition of our
efforts, but the one thing we are proud of, is our record of finding, and
ending, threats to our home, our friends, and our fellow citizens. As I said,
we seldom are afforded recognition for our efforts, but today, one of our own
will be recognized for that unfailing effort and the expertise she has
demonstrated in the performance of her duties.” I paused again, and then said,
“Cadet Julia Ortiz, front and center!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had already located her in the ranks, so I
shifted my face and watched as first, she hesitated, but then stepped forward,
made a right face where she marched to the space that separated the two
platoons, made a left face and marched forward until she stood before me.
Raising her hand in a salute, she said loudly, “Cadet Ortiz, reporting as
ordered, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">“Cadet
Ortiz, in recognition of your unfailing dedication to your duty, for the
efforts you have performed in the defense of the community, the Cadets, the
Militia, and the Rangers, for your actions that have directly resulted in the
defeat of three planned attacks on our home and people that would have
certainly resulted in the deaths of many of our citizens, I hereby award you
the rank of Provisional Sargent of the Cadet Corps, do you accept the honor and
the responsibilities of the rank and position?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir! Yes, Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached into my shirt pocket and drew out
the patch, after I showed it to her, I pressed it to the Velcro patch on the
front of her Militia Smock and said, “About face, Cadet Ortiz.” She did an
about face and stood before the assembled Cadets. “Ladies and gentlemen of the
Cadet Corps, May I present, Provisional Sargent Julia Ortiz!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shouted out, “Can we get a, Hooah?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hooah!” The assembled Cadets shouted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sargent Ortiz, about face,” She turned and
faced me as I extended my hand, “Congratulations, Sargent, you may return to
your unit.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook my hand and then snapped me a
salute as she said, “Sir, thank you, Sir!” She marched back and resumed her
place in the ranks.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paused for a moment and then continued,
“Sargent Ortiz has an important position, but her job is not more important
than any other work performed by the Cadet Corps. Each of you has a job serving
the community we call home. Each of you must perform your assigned tasks to the
best of your abilities. You may consider your position to be a small cog in a
growing machine, but what happens when a small cog fails? The machine grinds to
a halt. Do not be jealous of Sargent Ortiz’s success, instead, strive for your
own.” I hesitated and then asked, “How many of you believe in a higher power? A
power that will assess your life and its meaning, at the end of your days?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few hands were raised, then a few more,
and finally almost all of them. Peer pressure among the young can be a powerful
force. I scanned the two platoons arrayed before me until my eyes rested upon
the young man Debra had pointed out to me earlier. I pointed my finger at him
and said, “You, Cadet, step forward.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did and I said, “Do you believe in Our
Lord Jesus Christ, do you believe in his father, the Lord our God?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m the son of a Baptist Minister, Sir, I
better!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number of Cadets snickered or outright
laughed, but Debra nipped it in the bud, “Silence in the ranks!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, tell me, son of a minister, can you
recite verses?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not all of them, Sir, but my father is
working on it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Book of Exodus, Chapter twenty, verse
seventeen, are you familiar with it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, yes, Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s your name, Cadet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cadet Toby Tyler, Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Front and center, Cadet Tyler.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler marched forward and stopped in front
of Debra and I as his eyes skipped back and forth between our name tags. How he
could have missed the similarities in our last names when I was introduced, I
have no idea, but he certainly noticed it now. He swallowed, blinked his
eyes slowly and then simply stared at the vicinity of my Captain’s bars as he
saluted and said, “Cadet Tyler, reporting as ordered, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned his salute and said, “Why don’t
you recite, Book of Exodus, Chapter twenty, Verse seventeen.” It wasn’t a
question; it was an order.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You shall not covet…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not to me, Cadet, to the Morning
Formation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir,” He performed an about face and loudly
started, <a name="_Hlk48151033">“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You
shall not covet your neighbor’s wi</a>…” His voiced squeaked as it broke and he
went silent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped forward and whispered into his
ear, “Sometimes rote memory fails us, sometimes we need to memorize the
meaning, instead of the words. Would you like to start again?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When you’re ready, Cadet Tyler.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or
his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About face, Cadet.” He turned and faced me
as I quietly said, “Training Instructor Lieutenant Tarn has decided to allow
you to continue your training if you will agree to mind your manners. Do you
agree to this?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A wise decision, Cadet Tyler, I would
regret the need to inform your father of why you were washed out. Return to
Morning Formation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
saluted me and said, “Sir, thank you, Sir.” He then turned and saluted Debra.
“Ma’am, thank you, Ma’am.” She returned his salute and he returned to stand
with his team.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once he was in the proper place, I resumed,
“Do not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. Do not covet the
accomplishments of your fellow Cadets, instead, earn your own. Once, the nation that is our home, was called a shining city on a hill. It was torn asunder by
people who wish to remake, not only America, but the world, to fit their vision
of political servitude. That nation has fallen along with the other nations of
the world, but we are Americans and we kneel to no man, or adversity. Together
we will regain our strength and once again raise other nations beside us, but
we cannot do it if we covet that, we have not earned. Every one of you will be
there when we rise to freedom again. The Individualist nature of the American
people raised us to greatness once, and it will do so again, if we are willing
to do the necessary work required. Stand tall Cadet Corps; greatness awaits
each of us.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped back and nodded to Debra as she
stepped forward and shouted, “Morning Formation, Attenhut! Dismissed!” We
waited as the cadets broke into groups and headed to where they were required
to be. I noticed Julia striding towards the interior of the Hole flanked by a
group of admirers and I wondered if one of the guys might be named, Tony. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn, Honey, have you ever considered a
career in politics?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head as Julia disappeared into
the bowels of the Hole, “I hate politics.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All the more reason to get involved.” She
stepped closer and smiled up at me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think I did any good?” I asked as I
grasped her hand and started towards the Ready Room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, Julia has a bevy of boys and girls
oooing and awwwing over her, and I thought Tyler was going to shit when you
growled in his ear, but what you saw this morning is the most respect he has
ever shown me. We’ll see.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t growl in his ear.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The hell you didn’t.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did I?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and said, “I need to get to the
range; I’m meeting a class this morning for field exercises, so give me a
kiss.” I leaned down and kissed her, but as she jogged away, over her shoulder
she mouthed, “Grrrr!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just shook my head and headed for the
Intelligence Office.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived, Julia was talking sixty
miles an hour as she related the mornings activities to Pina, Mike, and Carol,
but as I walked through the door, she stopped, drew to attention and said,
“Sir, may the Provisional Sargent speak freely?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Granted.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She rushed forward and wrapped her arms
around me, “Thank you, thank you, thank you! All the other cadets were blown
out of the water and you should have seen Toby Tyler’s face when he was
returning to his place in the ranks, he was white as a sheet! What happened?
Why was he so scared looking? Why did he salute Debra? I mean Lieutenant Tarn?
What did you whisper to him that caused him to start turning white? Why…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa there, Sargent, one question at a time
and maybe later when we have our morning break. Okay, everyone, a little change
in focus today. Key phrase, ‘failed New Mexico Facility,’ I want any term used
in communications that can be attached to that phrase. After that, second key
phrase, or more precisely, word. The word is ‘Asylum,’ have any information
regarding those terms correlated and printed out by 9:30 am and bring it to my
office for a conference. Let’s get to work people.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pina spoke up and asked, “Are we dropping MS
or Mary Stevens?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought for a moment and then said, “No.
Pina, you keep working Mary Stevens. Carol, you take ‘failed New Mexico
Facility, or just ‘New Mexico Facility.’ Mike, Julia, go with ‘Asylum.’”
Everyone hit the keyboards and I hit my office chair after retrieving my
computer from the safe. At eight o’clock, Banner called and asked me to check
on Danni because she went home sick. I said I would, and went to the apartment
immediately. Danni was lying on the couch and didn’t look good at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni? What’s wrong? Ted called and said
you were sick; do you want me to take you to the clinic?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head and said, “No, I
upchucked and I’m starting to feel better now. I think maybe that last burrito
in the fridge went bad.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Should I call Maria? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She was already here. She walked in and
said something like, beecha, or something like that and bailed. Guess she has a
weak stomach.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I get you water? Tylenol, anything?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, “Water, please, my mouth tastes
horrible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got you covered.” I went to the fridge
and grabbed her a bottle of water, when I removed the lid and handed it to her
she took a drink and then spit it out in a waste basket strategically placed
beside the couch.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, my, god, can you empty that into the
toilet please? The smell is really bad.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked in and almost gagged when I saw
what she had left in it. Picking it up, I took it to the bathroom, but I had to
add water to make the contents fluid enough to be poured out. I turned on the
vent, added some bleach to the wastebasket, then more water to slosh around and
then dumped that as well. I gave her basket a brief and tentative sniff before
returning the wastebasket to Danni’s side. “I sanitized it for you; do you want
me to run you a bath? Take off your boots? Anything?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I wasn’t feeling so bad, I’d…uh…boots,
please.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I untied her boots and slipped them off her
feet, then I stripped off her socks. Reaching up, I began to release the riggers
belt in her pants to loosen it, but she quickly grabbed my hands and said,
“Don’t, things are difficult enough as it is.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just figured tight belt, upset stomach,
you know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, you did, Danny was the same way,
always wanting to help. Thanks, Daniel, I’ve got it from here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You sure? I can…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really, I’ve got it, but if you could grab
my bathrobe and leave it nearby, I’d appreciate it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fetched the robe, reminded her of the
office phone number in case she needed anything and told her to call; I was
only ten doors away. She nodded and then I left.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 8:30, Julia tapped on my door frame,
“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come in.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She entered, but was followed by Pina, Mike,
and Carol. “I thought we were going to do this at 9:30?” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia’s eyes were wide with concern, “We
couldn’t wait, Daniel, she’s here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked out the windows and saw no one,
“Who, is where?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pina
said, “MS, Mary Stevens, she’s here, in the hole, and she’s been passing
information outside.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Show me what you have.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started going through sheets of paper as
one after the other, each of them began to tell me what they had learned. When
it finally came Carol’s turn, I glanced down at the papers in front of me as
she leaned forward and then I was shocked by the report of a gunshot. I don’t
think she realized what the report of a gun would sound like inside an enclosed
room and it surprised her, it slowed her transition towards me. Pina sagged
forward and her head bounced as it hit the surface of the table. Julia leaped
from her chair and wrapped her arms around Carol’s chest and her upper arms
trying to pin the gun hand, but Carol brought up the small pistol and fired a
second round at me. I felt a slight tug under my left arm as I pulled my own
sidearm, slipped the safety off and pointed it at Carol, but Carol twisted and
brought Julia around between my weapon and herself as she fired another round
in my direction. I rushed forward and swung the pistol over Julia and landed a
heavy blow against the side of Carol’s head causing her to collapse on top of
the conference table.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Son-of-a-bitch! What the hell! Someone in
my own fricking office!?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia said, “Pina’s dead.” Her voice was
trembling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mike?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He ran out when Carol started shooting.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Julia, Danni is home sick, she said Maria
walked in as she was puking and said, bicha, but I think Danni meant bicho.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maria said she was from Mexico, but…Daniel,
Maria Esteban in English is…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mary Stevens, I know!” I started for the
door.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! What about Carol?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Secure her!” I shouted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“With what?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was exiting the office, I shouted back,
“Try a bullet to the head, it worked on Pina!” Outside, I didn’t slow down, I
ran for the apartment as fast as I could. When I reached the door, I slowed and
approached it cautiously, it was partially open. From inside, I heard Danni
screaming, “You, Bitch! We trusted you!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran through and found Danni, wearing only
an open bathrobe, astride Maria, Mary, pounding her face with both fists. I
holstered my sidearm and rushed forward as I said, “Danni! Don’t kill her! We
need her alive!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The hell we do! She walked in here and said
she was going to kill you, Daniel! She said with you gone, it would be easy to
retake the facility!” She did stop punching her though as she looked up at me,
“She said they were going to take out the whole leadership of the Hole, Daniel,
everyone!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the phone and dialed 9-1-1, then
realized there was no dial tone, the phone lines were out. “Damn it! They’ve
cut the phone service!” I said as I turned around. Danni had rolled Stevens
over and was holding her arms pinned behind her. ‘I’ve got to warn the Major
and Felicia!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In my patrol pack, in the top lid, plastic
restraints!” I opened the lid of the ALICE pack and removed a handful of
plastic cuffs. She slipped a set over Stevens’ wrists just as the woman began
to regain consciousness and start to struggle. Grabbing two handfuls of Mary’s
blonde hair, Danni sharply smacked her forehead onto the linoleum floor,
causing Stevens to once again, go limp. Settling back on her heels, she reached
out and beckoned for another set of restraints, “I’ll hog-tie her and the bitch
won’t be going anywhere.” I averted my eyes as I handed her the cuffs and Danni
realized her robe was completely open and exposing her entire front. “Well,”
she said. “I guess there’s no mystery about whether my natural hair color is
white, or not.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess not,” I said, “But Debra already
told me, as she put it, the carpet matched the drapes.” Danni began pulling up
Mary’s feet and looping the cuffs through the ones around her wrists. I
indicated the third pair of cuffs and added, “I’m taking these with me to the
office, Julia is holding another one of these assholes over there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They got through your security measures?”
She seemed shocked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, she was one of my analysts.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go, I’m going to gear back up; come get me
when you’re ready.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to my gear stand and grabbed a
bandoleer of magazines and my bullpup, “I’ll be back in a minute.” I ran back
to the office and found Julia sitting in the middle of the conference table
astride Carol.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She giving you any trouble?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Julia said. “After I hit her in the
head a couple of times with her own pistol, she decided to calm down and
whimper and cry about how unfair life is.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Pina’s body and started to
smolder, “Yeah? Well, she’s about to find out just how unfair death can be.” I
kept her pinned as Julia slid off and then cuffed her hands behind her back.
“Come with me, Julia.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I led Julia into the main portion of the
office, then forced Carol down on the floor face down and set a chair from the
waiting area on top of her. “Have a seat,” I told her. Julia sat in the chair
as I said, “I’m going to bring Stevens over here for you to keep an eye on
while Danni and I try to spread the word; all you have to do is shoot them if
they give you any shit, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Got it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rushed back to my apartment and found
Danni tying off her boots, “How are you feeling?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pissed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m talking about the nausea.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So am I.” She lifted her M1a and said,
“What about Miss Sunshine here?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to have Julia watch her while we
go hunting.” I reached down and grabbed one of Stevens’ upper arms as Danni
grabbed the other, together we dragged her to the Intelligence Office as she at
first started bitching about the manner we were dragging her knees and by the
time we arrived, whining because we were hurting her unnecessarily. I was
surprised by what was clearly a Valley Girl accent as she complained about her
treatment and it sounded ludicrous from a woman her age. We left her in Julia’s
care with the admonition to shoot to kill and keep the office locked until we
returned. She said she would.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After closing the door, I said, “We need to
be in two different places, I’ll head for the Central Office and warn Felicia
and Dak. You head for the Major and send me reinforcements, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn straight, I’ll see you soon, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You bet.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began a fast jog in the direction of the
entrance to Phase Three; Central Office was in the old Marlow residence in
Phase Four, I had a way to go and I didn’t know how much time I had to do it. I
began looking everywhere for a cart I could commandeer and finally located a
laundry cart at the end of one of the residential alleys. I approached it as
one of the sanitation workers threw another bundle of laundry into the back and
got in to move farther into the alley.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop!” I shouted. The driver braked as I
ran up beside the vehicle and breathlessly said, “We are under a concerted
attack and I need your cart, bail out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” She asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is an emergency! The leadership of the
Hole is under attack and I need to get to the Central Office to warn the
Governor, now get out!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m a Militia member, Captain, get in and
I’ll drive you!” I ran to the passenger side of the cart and sat down. She put
the cart in reverse and backed out of the alley and then accelerated towards
the door to Phase Four. “I don’t have a weapon with me, Captain Tarn, but I’m
qualified with a handgun, or rifle. If you loan me one of yours, I’ll get it
back to you!” I hesitated, but then drew my Ruger and placed it on the seat
next to her, then my two spare fifteen round mags. “Thank you, Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s your name?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nancy Norton, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, listen up, the attack began minutes
ago, so I’m hoping it hasn’t gotten to Central Office yet. Be very wary of
anyone armed and not wearing a uniform, do you understand?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stick close to me, you’re not in uniform,
so let’s try and avoid a friendly fire incident, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When we stop, I might be able to fix that;
one of my pickups this morning is a guy in my squad and he always puts his
smock in the wash the day after training. I’ll check and see if it’s in there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We entered Phase Four and I stayed on Level
One instead of dropping down to Level Two where the main entrance was; we would
use the service entrance on One. After entering Level One, Norton drove part
way to the Central Office and started to slow down.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Should we approach with caution, or go in
like gangbusters?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Speed is important, but there’s not much
sense running into an ambush either; park the cart.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled to the side and stopped as I
exited and brought my bullpup up to my shoulder at a low ready, “Hang on!” She
said as she started tossing laundry bags out of the back. She quickly located
the bag she was searching for, opened it and withdrew a Militia smock which she
pulled over her head and then secured the belt around her waist. “Whew! I’m
going to have to take a shower after wearing this thing!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ready?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll take the lead; you cover our six.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” I began rapidly walking towards
the Central Office in a crouch with the bullpup pointed ahead of me, and then
Norton said from behind me, “Uh, Sir, you realize you’re bleeding, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay, I was just wondering.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached the door of the service entrance
and stopped. The door had been patched from the first time we had been forced
to break in when the search was on for Becker, but the locking pins had never
been replaced because we didn’t have the parts for it. Facilities had mounted a
simple drop-in-place bar on the inside that prevented the door from being
opened from the outside. I motioned Norton forward to the door as I went down
to one knee and aimed, “When you’re ready, open the door as fast as you can and
stand behind it, it’s bullet-proof.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She placed her hand on the lever and then
pushed down and tried to pull on the door, it was barred from within, “Damn
it!” I said. From within, I faintly heard several muffled gun shots. “Alright,
let’s get down to Level Two and see if we can…” I stopped talking as I heard
noises from the door and re-aimed at it. It suddenly burst open and two men
scrambled out and then froze as they stared at the muzzle of the bullpup.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re comms, we’re comms!” One of them
said. I motioned them to the right and then had them kneel down, put their
hands behind their heads and cross their ankles. “Captain Tarn, you know us! We
see you all the time when you come for the radio scripts!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I said. “I also knew the person who
tried to kill me twenty minutes ago.” I turned to Norton, “Keep them here and
keep them covered.” I turned back to the man who had spoken, “How many
attackers?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Four, I recognized two of them, they work
in the cafeteria and bring us coffee and snacks every day.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he answered, another man stepped into the
interior hall that led to the door they had just escaped from, when he saw me,
he aimed the handgun he carried and started to fire, but I put two rounds into
him before he could squeeze the trigger. “You two!” I pointed at the parked
laundry cart and said. “Take that cart and head for the Ranger Bunker, tell
anyone you meet coming here, what you told me! Hurry up! Go!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them took off at a run as I stood
and moved into the open doorway. I looked at the man I had shot and then said,
“Norton, he’s wearing another one of those red armbands. If you see someone
wearing the same thing, shoot to kill.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slowly started down the hall as I strained
my hearing, but there was nothing, no sound what-so-ever. Stopping before the
corner, I stole a glimpse around it and almost had my eye shot out, “Fuck!”
Other than the single individual wearing an armband, there had been no one
else, so I extended my hands and fired half a magazine in the area I thought
the man would be. As I fired, Norton stepped past me and fired several rounds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ceasefire, Captain, he’s down!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped around the corner and said as she
stepped forward beside me, “Dangerous move there, Norton.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but I figured he would be busy
trying to find cover; which he didn’t.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded ahead and said, “It’s quiet up
here, according to the two comms guys, there should be two more of them, watch
yourself.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, shall I take the lead?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nooo, I’ve got it,” I said a little
irritated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, everyone knows how important you are,
apparently everyone, but you. Drop the macho bullshit and let me take the
lead.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a double fucking negative, resume
your position in the file; what there is of it.” I started into the room and
saw we were adjacent to the stairs leading down to Level Two. At the bottom
were two bodies, both were comms people I had seen before. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From below, I heard a woman’s voice mutter
softly, “Don’t move, don’t even think about it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped out for a quick look and then back
as two bullets impacted the wall behind where I had been. The woman below,
wearing a red armband, had her left hand wrapped in the collar of Dak
Sorensen’s shirt. I turned to Norton and said, “See the elevator?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get over there, and push the call button,
if it’s already on this floor, push the button for Two and send it down. If
it’s not, when it arrives, do the same, understand?” She nodded. “Stay low, so
she doesn’t see you from down there.” She nodded again and quickly crawled
away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey!” I shouted. “I think there’s been
enough shooting and killing, how about we talk a bit?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shouted back, “I’ll talk, you listen!
I’m taking this son-of-a-bitch with me, anyone tries to stop me, you lose the
Governor’s husband, am I clear?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Surely you want more than just to escape?
Let’s talk about it, no one else needs to die!” To my left, I heard the
elevator ding and the doors open, “I’m going to come down and we can negotiate
face-to-face, just hold your fire and we can all walk away.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who are you? How do I know you have any
authority?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m Captain Daniel Tarn, I think you know
the name, am I right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a pause, and then she said with an
entirely different tone, “Yeah, I know you, come down, please.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doors of the elevator began to close and
I said loudly, “I’m coming now!” I rose up to one knee and switched on the
laser on the bullpup, then I waited until I heard the elevator car ding its
arrival and the doors start to open below. There was a sudden flurry of gunfire
as I stood and aimed downwards. She was firing into the opening doors as I
placed the dot of the laser on her jawbone and fired three rapid shots. The
first bullet impacted the hinge of her jaw, the second passed through her
cheekbone, and the third passed through her skull and brain. As she started a
boneless collapse, Dak snatched the handgun from her loose grip, spun around
and emptied what was left in the magazine at a point in the room I couldn’t
see. Dropping the gun, he rushed out of the line of my sight.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran to the stairs and started down as
Norton joined me, but she stopped on the mid-floor landing and swept the area
with my Ruger, “We’ve got one still moving!” the Ruger barked and then she
shouted, “Clear!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I reached the bottom, Dak was
scrambling out of a closet with a large first aid kit which he dropped beside
one of the prone people on the floor. As he turned her over, I realized it was
Felicia. “Fel! Fel! Come on Baby! Look at me! Fel!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped to my knees beside her and seeing
the growing stain on the front of her blouse, I ripped the front open and saw
the small hole below her right breast that was leaking blood and bubbles. “Dak!
Pressure bandage! Now!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started fumbling through the kit saying,
“Oh, God!” over and over.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Norton knelt down and said to Dak as she
pushed him away, “I’m training to be a combat medic, Sir, this I know how to
treat; please move aside!” Turning to me, she handed me a set of shears as she said,
“Lose the bra!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hooked my finger between the cups, pulled
it up, sliced through it, and flipped the cups away. She had a wad of gauze she
placed over the wound and said, “Pressure!” I pushed down as she turned away
again and withdrew another sealed item. Ripping it open, I saw it was an
adhesive, self-sealing, plastic cover for the gauze, “Move your hands!” I did
and she applied the plastic seal over the wound. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard noise from above and pointed my
carbine towards the head of the stairs, but thankfully, it was Danni who
appeared with her M1a at her shoulder pointing down at us, several other
Rangers joined her as I shouted upwards, “We need a medic and a crash cart,
now!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni began running recklessly down the
stairs as she said, “No, no, no, no!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked around and saw Peterson, a ranger
who is normally a radio operator in the field, “Peterson! Check out the radio
systems and see if they’re off-line, if they are, get them up and running!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Marrken!” Another ranger, “Secure the Level
One entrance! Anyone with a red armband, shoot the fucker!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced around and told two more rangers
to open and then guard the Level Two entrance before turning back to Danni and
Norton, “How is she?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked up from checking what Norton
had done already, “Sucking chest wound is never good, but if we get her in to
the clinic and surgery, she should be good to go.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak looked up and said, “Should be?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni grabbed his hand squeezed, “Will be!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and went back to cradling
Felicia’s head. “She, Fel, she saved my life. They were going to shoot me, but
she ran into me and knocked me out of the way and they shot her instead. I
guess they figured they’d hang onto me after that. If they couldn’t use the
Governor to escape with, maybe the Governor’s husband might work. The woman,”
he glanced at her corpse. “She was fricking crazy and I mean crazy. She kept
talking about being a hero of the revolution, that her memory would live
through the ages; where do they find these idiots?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni shook her head and said, “God only
knows,” she paused and then pointed at the left side of my camo shirt. “Daniel,
that better not be your blood.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted my left arm, gazed at the blood
stain and sighed, “Oh, yeah, I got shot, again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peterson, from where he was checking radios,
laughed softly and said, “The legend continues.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I noticed it earlier,” Norton said. “And brought
it to his attention, but…” She trailed off as I shook my head ‘no’ at her. She
busied herself with other things.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Show me,” Danni said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If Debra sees that, and I haven’t even put
a bandaid on it…” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I heard a hitch in her voice and
said, “Lieutenant Monroe, compose yourself.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then turned away, “Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a distinct inflection of
disappointment, so I quickly added, “Look, Danni…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cut me off without looking at me,
“Either, or, Captain, but not both in the same conversation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scooted next to her and whispered, “Let’s
try the option where I don’t hurt your feelings, okay?” She nodded without
looking at me. “I hate it when I do something that causes, you, or Debra to be
disappointed in me.” She turned her head and looked me in the eyes, “When you
guys get pissed at me, I usually deserve it, I accept I screwed up, resolve to
try harder and carry on, but when I hurt you, it kills me inside.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes started getting moist and then she
softly said, “Do you mean that, Daniel, really mean that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She became all business and said, “Show me.”
As she pointed to my bloody shirt. I removed the sling of my carbine, my
bandoleer, my duty belt, and then started unbuttoning my shirt. When I had it
off, she grabbed my tee-shirt and pulled it up as I held my left arm level with
my shoulder. “Small entrance wound, but not .22 caliber. No deflection in the
bullet path, a .22 probably would wander around some. No exit wound, definitely
not .22 Long Rifle and I can’t remember the last time I even saw a .22 Short.”
She gently probed the path of the wound channel from the outside and finally
said, “Yeah, there it is, it’s embedded in the scar tissue from your last, ‘Oh,
yeah, I got shot.’”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peterson laughed a little louder this time,
“Peterson?” I asked. “Is there something humorous about someone walking around
with a bullet in them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced around at the bodies, and Felicia
unconscious on the floor, her body struggling for breath, “Sometimes, Sir,
humor is all we have, otherwise, I don’t know, maybe we might want to just give
up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yes, I see your point, carry on,
Peterson.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir.” Military protocol, it gives structure
in an unstructured world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the men at the front door leaned in
and said, “Sir, the crash cart is here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Let’s get Felicia ready
for transport.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni nodded and Norton assisted in getting
Felicia ready. Two EMTs entered the Central Office with a stretcher and set it
down next Felicia before hooking her up with an IV and an oxygen mask. They
quickly loaded her up and drove away with Dak in tow. I turned to Danni and
asked, “Danni? I’ve been afraid to ask; is Debra okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Should be, she took a team of trainee
snipers out for a class on building expedient sniper nests. She probably
doesn’t even know something has happened.” Danni produced a chair and directed
me to sit backwards in it; as I crossed my arms and leaned on the backrest, she
proceeded to work on my wound. “This is going to hurt, but it’s better than
leaving it untreated for god knows how long while the real doctors work on the
more serious wounded.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I understand, just don’t give me a suture
by suture description of what you’re doing, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, if that’s what you want.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared out across the room without
focusing on anything; I couldn’t see what she was doing, but suddenly my side began
stinging like a bitch. “Son-of-a-bitch! Okay, never mind! Tell me what’s coming
so I can brace for it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calmly, Danni said, “Make up your mind.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just did! Tell me!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, that was alcohol to disinfect it.”
After a moment she said, “What’s your name?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Norton answered, “Nancy Norton, Lieutenant,
I’m training in the Militia to be a combat medic.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, from what I’ve seen so far, you’re
doing quite well. Hold this right here…Good.” Then Danni reached around and
started wrapping my chest with a roll of gauze.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re done?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned forward and said, “Yeah.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about the bullet? Doesn’t it have to
come out?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and said, “Number one, this
isn’t an old B grade western movie. Number two, I’ve had basic and advanced
combat wound training, but I’m not a surgeon, so no, I’m not going to cut the
bullet out of you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, well, why didn’t you say so to begin
with?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned forward and looked at me face to
face, “Were you really going to trust me to cut out a bullet? With no
anesthesia?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, yeah, I mean, why not?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peterson broke out laughing, “Oh, man! Wait
till I tell that one at the pub and I won’t even have to exaggerate! The funny
thing is, everyone is going to believe it! Priceless!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and said, “Good grief,” as
Danni handed me my shirt and I started slipping it on with her help. Danni
softly laughed and then handed me my camo uniform shirt, so I could put it on.
A crew from sanitation arrived and I pointed out the dead that were ours and
the ones that weren’t. I noticed they treated ours with respect, the others
were wrapped in plastic sheeting and unceremoniously dumped in a trailer behind
their crew cart. I wondered if they would be buried, or incinerated like the
ones from the battle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Norton, Danni and I walked upstairs and then
started for the exit to Phase Three. Norton handed me my sidearm and magazines,
and then stripped off the borrowed Militia smock. “Damn, I’m glad to get that
off,” she said. “I wonder where my work cart is at?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At the Bunker,” Danni said. “We’ll need to
walk the whole way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Crap.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to stop at the Intel Office and
pick up Stevens and Parker,” I said. “Julia must be getting a little anxious by
now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Major sent a team to take care of it,”
Danni replied. “She’s probably at the Bunker by now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s pick up the pace a bit, I’m
kind of looking forward to interviewing Maria.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni nodded, “You’re not the only one,” she
said. “I want to know why she thought she could pull this whole thing off. It
almost seemed like a spur of the moment operation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It probably was,” I said. “Parker must have
let her know somehow we were getting close.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Major was truly pissed. When the team
that tried to take him out arrived, they killed three unarmed rangers in
the Ready Room and then shot at Gilly also. Surprisingly, they considered Gilly
the spiritual leader of our community and saw her as a threat because of it.
Naturally, Packer himself was a target, but the attackers misjudged his and
Gilly’s abilities. Packer killed two of them and Gilly shot one. The rest were
taken out by Danni when she arrived to warn Packer. Head shots, every single
one.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly and the Major seemed shaken by the
whole episode, especially Gilly; she was the one who recommended Maria as my
babysitter to begin with. I have to give it to Stevens; she did an excellent
job of fooling a lot of good people. The thing I found the most interesting,
was when I went to where they were being held and looked inside. Carol was
looking her normal introverted self, but Stevens was totally the opposite of
how I thought she would act. I guess I still expected Maria; a testament to how
good she was at worming her way into people’s lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She saw me looking through the wire mesh
reinforced window of the room they were locked in and approached the glass. “I
know what you’re thinking,” she said. “You think you can stand there and scowl,
and we’ll quiver in fear. I know how this crap works; you need us as future
bargaining chips in case we capture some of you. You want something to trade
when it comes time, so don’t even think you can intimidate us. We will tell you
nothing, nothing!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gazed at her forehead and said, “That’s a
nasty bump you’re sporting there, do you need a medic to treat that for you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s exactly what I would expect from a
bunch of low-brow reactionaries like yourself. You don’t have the intelligence
to realize how out of your depth you are. Do you think you can torture us like
the pack of Nazis you are? Go ahead! Torture us, rape us! It doesn’t matter to
us because we will be martyrs for the cause!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Make up your mind Stevens, are we going to
keep you in comfort for the future? Or are we going to rape and torture you?’
Behind her I could see Parker’s reaction to everything Stevens was saying.
Parker was unhappy with Stevens giving us ideas on how to treat them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to Packer and asked softly, “Do we
have somewhere we can isolate Parker? Somewhere they can’t interact?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we’re getting another room ready as
we speak.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, I don’t think we want them
communicating with each other.” I thought for a moment and then said. “Can we
set something up on the loading dock where they can see out?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It might take a while, what are you
thinking?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m wondering what their reaction would be
if they could sit in a cell and watch us build a set of gallows?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer smiled as he said, “I really like the
way you think. I’ll get on it, but the accommodation will necessarily be rather
primitive.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, maybe a bucket to crap in and no
privacy, night or day? The nights are getting cool, maybe a single light wool
blanket, so it itches when they sleep with it? No cot, just a pad on the
concrete?” I thought some more and said, “Maybe we give them some comforts and
every time they become disagreeable, we take a comfort away?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Better and better, Daniel, better and
better.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From inside the room, Stevens shouted,
“Where’s my lawyer? We have the Constitutional right to legal representation!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Mary, you have it all
wrong. This entire facility is a military installation and because of that, you
will be subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It’s not conducive to
the expression of Constitutional Rights.” I waved as I turned away, but then
stopped and said, “You murdered civilians under the protection of the military,
on a military installation. You murdered military personnel, on a military
installation. The penalty for your crimes is capital in nature, but you are given
some leeway in the manner of your execution. You can be hung with hemp rope, or
piano wire, your choice.” I smiled and walked away with Packer by my side.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were out of sight, the Major said,
“Most of what you told them isn’t true.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t think it was, I was just
fertilizing the garden with fear. Do you think it worked? Plus, I’m willing to
bet she’s never even seen a copy of the UCMJ.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer just smiled.</span></p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-3958378119692028162021-05-17T08:05:00.001-07:002021-06-10T08:48:42.601-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 23<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
23</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia has appointed a committee to develop
ideas for community activities and it’s paying dividends. We’ve had a Las Vegas
Night and it went over pretty big; I’ve never understood the penchant some
people have for gambling, but apparently, it’s going to become a regular thing.
One of the regular events has become a lecture series and I attend those when
possible. Another one I like is Debate Night; a topic is chosen and the
participants have a week to prepare. It amazes me the heated arguments that can
result from topics like, ‘Should the meatloaf served in the cafeteria be
replaced with another entrée?’ </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Track and field. I can see that getting
popular real fast. People seem to really get into it on a personal level and
there’s always a huge turnout for any of the events. Surprisingly, Major Packer
came up with a twist and it sees even more people show up to compete and to
watch. It’s like the Olympic Biathlon, but instead of skis, it’s boots and
fighting gear. Each person who competes is required to start the competition
with a basic load in a pack, your spare mags, everything. The thing is, you can
go light if you want, but there are things you have to do along the way. Build
a fire and heat water for coffee or tea. Build an expedient shelter, et cetera.
One of the hardest challenges, is to find the course using a compass. There are
two events, one for professionals and one for amateurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first week of competition, Debra took
first place in the women’s bracket and a Ranger by the name of Carhill, took
first place for the men. It was actually a lot of fun. Debra’s final point
score was only seven below the guy that won the men’s bracket. Most of the
amateurs were Militia, but there was a smattering of non-Militia also. It seems
to have influenced another influx of volunteers.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latest activity has me a little nervous
though, a weekly dance. Debra is really excited and, well, I’m not. Dancing in
our Livingroom? No problem. Dancing in front of people I probably won’t know?
My stomach gets queasy just thinking about it. I’ll do it for Debra though,
even if it kills me. Besides, Debra says when people are dancing, they don’t
exactly watch the people around them that are also dancing, so it’s kind of
like dancing in the Livingroom. We’ll see.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was a little
late getting home from the office, but Danni saved my bacon there. She showed
up and demanded an audience with Captain Tarn about an emergency situation and
frankly, she wasn’t pulling any punches.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was cursing as she entered my office,
“God Damn it, Daniel! Get your ass to the apartment right this fucking minute!
Debbie is starting to look like she’s going to start crying because you haven’t
shown up yet!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am! I swear! It’s this message we just
transcribed looks promising and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached across the desk and slapped the
screen down on the lap top; thankfully, it was designed for rough abuse. “Your
chances of looking promising to your wife are rapidly diminishing! Half the
crew is over there waiting on you to show up, are you coming, or not!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I am! I’m actually looking
forward to it. Geez, Danni!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not seeing it! I talked to your office
staff earlier and every one of them are planning to go and you’re holding them
up also!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the hell do you think? Look at them
all staring at us as we speak!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia stepped into the office and asked,
“Permission to speak freely, Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Granted.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you ever heard the expression, ‘happy
wife, happy life?’ If I was your wife, I’d be getting a bit tense right about
now, but I’m not your wife, so then there’s this, if I miss a dance with Tony
because you make me late? You’re not going to believe how miserable life can be
with a pissed-off analyst.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to smile, but went with serious
instead, “Excellent advice, Ortiz. Wrap things up and clear out of here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sir.” She left the room, but as
she entered the work area, I heard her say, “The Captain says wrap it up! If we
hurry, we can get there on time!” As I watched, everyone started rushing about.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well?” Danni asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’m coming.” I picked up the computer
and the papers scattered around my desk and stacked them in the safe Dak had
provided me. “Let’s go.” As I walked through the office work area, I started
double checking everything was put away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, this is my job. I am responsible for
the security and safety of every person in the Hole and I take that
responsibility serious!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fine! And you could have taken care of all
of this an hour ago, come on!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damn, she had a quick answer for everything!
“Okay, okay, let’s hurry.” I took off at a jog and she kept pace with me. “Why
aren’t you ready to leave? It’s going to get crowded if we both try to shower
at the same time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t have a date, so I volunteered to
fill in for Banner tonight, so just hurry up for Debbie’s sake.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni,” I said. “I’m sorry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached the door and she held me up by
placing her hand on my arm, “You know, Dan didn’t like dancing either.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He didn’t?” I patted the top of her hand and
asked, “How did you get him to do it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “My secret feminine
wiles, in other words, no dance, no sex. I’m just looking out for you my
brother.” She laughed as she jogged away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I entered the apartment and Debra started
shoving clothes into my hands, “Shower and shave, Hon! Pretend you’ve got a
major inspection in twenty-five minutes!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to enter the bathroom and stopped
as I started to say, “Babe, can you get…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, Debra, you look absolutely stunning!”
And she did. She was wearing yellow high heels with a strap around her ankles.
The yellow skirt was short, at least four or five inches above her knees and
pleated so it would flair out as she spun. She has the best-looking legs of any
woman I have ever been with and she seldom has to shave them. The blouse she
was wearing was yellow also, but instead of being tucked into the hem of the
skirt, or hanging loose, she had it knotted below her breasts. The thin
material of the blouse couldn’t be seen through, but there was ample cleavage
and her nipples were beginning to press against the thin fabric. Her makeup was
perfection and her curly long tresses framed her face and draped over the front
shoulders of the blouse.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do I? I hoped you’d like it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do, there are going to be so many
jealous men when I walk in with your hand on my arm.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one will notice if you don’t hurry, now
get in the shower!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, there was some jealousy alright, but
it was good natured. We found the table where the crew was seated and joined
them as the first song started to play. It was a slow song and Debra dragged me
onto the floor and we danced. The thing is, the song we always danced to at
home, I knew how to dance to, but here I was trying to dance to other music.
Towards the end of the first song, Debra was beginning to wince every time I
stepped on her toes.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry babe, I really am. It’s just, how
do I dance to these songs? They’re different from what I’m used to.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stopped right on the dancefloor and
began to say, “You’re trying to use the same steps we use for Hysteria.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song ended, but she didn’t allow me to
take her back to the table. Most of the other dancers were waiting also. “Just
flow, Honey, and don’t worry about the steps, do what feels right, I’ll follow
you and we’ll be fine, okay? You refuse to admit it, but you have a natural
rhythm and if you follow your instincts, we’ll be great, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave her a quick nod and said, “Okay, I’ll
try, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey, don’t try, no buts, just do it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next song started and I did what Debra
told me to do. The song was a little more upbeat and I started to respond to
the music and I held Debra against me as we moved about the floor. Finally, the
song ended and Debra blew a curly strand of hair out of her eyes. Then she looked
up at me and said, “See? I told you, you could do it and you didn’t step on my
toes, not even once!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, really. Let’s go to the table and get
a beer; I’m thirsty!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the way it went, at first, Debra was
pulling me up for the next dance, but after a while, it was me pulling her to
the dancefloor. I was starting to gain confidence and having fun with my wife.
Several, no, a lot, of men asked permission to dance with her and depending on
her expression, sometimes I would allow it and sometimes I made an excuse for
her. I noticed she would willingly dance with fellow Rangers and Militia
members, but she was more selective with others. Finally, I asked if her choice
of dance partners was about knowing who they were.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it’s not that, I’ve danced with some
men I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.” She paused and then said, “It’s the
smell, there’s something about the way they smell. Not bad, but, just wrong
somehow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Late into the evening, they announced last
song and then they said it was a special request. Debra and I gravitated to the
floor and waited until I recognized the first notes with surprise. Hysteria.
She smiled up at me and we started to dance. I honestly don’t remember the
actual dance, all I remember is the dampness of her bare waist with
perspiration, the way it glistened between her breasts, the tiny beads of
moisture on her upper lip, the way her nipples pressed against the fabric of
her blouse, and her scent, god her scent was over-powering me with desire. The
first time she spun as I held her hand above her head, I noticed she was
wearing thong panties and so did every guy who was watching, but I didn’t care.
God she was so beautiful, so graceful, so sensual. We ended the song the way we
did at home, with full frontal contact, her hands behind my neck and mine at
her waist. She kissed me passionately as she began to tremble and then she
moaned into my mouth as she seemed about to collapse. I tightened my hold on
her and supported her weight, as she softly said into my mouth, “Oh, god, I
love you so much.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her scent was stronger than I had ever
experienced it before and the only thing I could think of, was to get her home
so we could make love. “Are you ready to go home?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head and said, “Not yet, let
me, uh, get my breath back, just hold me…please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did and then glanced around the floor,
there was no one within thirty feet of us and every single person was staring,
at us. Finally, Sara Banner stepped forward with Ted by her side and began to
applaud. Then others began to clap also as they laughed and shouted
encouragement and praise for our dance. I felt like melting into the floor. So
much for no one noticing us.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra glanced around and then pressed her
face into my neck as she whispered, “Oh, my, god.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Table, chair, now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I directed her from the dancefloor and to
our table that was mostly empty, but everyone was drifting back and resuming
their seats.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow,” Nadia said. “If I could dance like
that…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich gave me an evil look and said, “You
just set male supremacy back a hundred years.” Then he laughed and said, “I
can’t blame you though, that was really sweet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak was looking a little chagrined, but
finally said, “Those twirls; I kept covering my eyes, but I peeked between my
fingers every time, I couldn’t help it, sorry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia punched him in the shoulder and said
“Dak!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, why don’t you dress like that and
dance like…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hit him again, “Dak! I swear, if you say
one more thing…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ted and Sara rejoined the table and Sara
said, “Oh, my god, that was amazing! Debra! I knew you could dance, but the two
of you together? Oh, my goodness!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gave her a faint smile and said, “Thank
you, Sara, I’ve never…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she turned
to me, “That was so sweet of you to request our song to be the last one of the
dance, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you did?” I answered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t request it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you know how we usually finish that at
home and I didn’t think, you know…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aren’t you glad I took time off for the
last dance?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and Danni was standing next to
Debra with her hand on Debra’s shoulder, “You requested our song?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I knew neither of you would and you two have
spent so much time practicing it, I figured why not? That dance floor is a lot
bigger than your Livingroom and by god you guys used it all. You, my brother,
were a perfect partner for Debbie and you made me proud of you. In fact, if I
didn’t need to get back, I’d go ask for at least one more song just so I could
dance with you, but,” she glanced at her watch and said. “I have to run; I’ve
already been gone longer than I promised.” Then she dropped a rolled-up towel
in Debra’s lap and whispered to her, “You better take this for the walk home; I
get off in two hours, so I’ll see you then if you guys are still up.” She
hurried away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s the towel for, Babe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hush!” She squirmed in her seat and looked
around as she said, “I wish more of these people would hurry up and leave.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s okay,” I replied. “We can leave now
and be home in a few minutes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia and Rich stood up and announced they
were heading home and then Dak and Felicia did the same, leaving Ted and Sara.
After they walked away, Sara said quietly to Debra, “My wrap might be a better
choice than the towel; it won’t be so noticeable.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh no,” she whined. “Was my skirt…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but I imagine it is now.” Sara smiled
as she said, “Many of my countrywomen have the same, shall we say, situation?”
She laughed and said, “Including myself on occasion.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra put a grateful expression on her face
and said, “Sara, you are such a sweetie!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara stood up and stepped behind Debra’s
chair, “Stand up and I will hold the wrap behind you.” Debra did and Sara
adjusted the fold of the wrap and then brought it around Debra, “Hold it here
and all will be well.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sara, thank you so much!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara took Ted’s hand and said, “Are you
ready for bed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ted chuckled and said, “Boy, that could draw
a lot of different answers, but yes, I am.” He took Sara’s arm and waved to us
as he led her through the crowd towards the exit.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about you?” I asked. “Want to go home
and fool around a little?” I could smell her scent and it was driving me to
distraction.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I want to go home, and I want to fool
around, but I want to fool round a lot.” She smiled and we started threading
our way through the crowd. It took a while because several groups stopped us
and commented on our dance, but eventually we escaped. Once we were away, Debra
seemed to relax and snuggled up to me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I said, what was all that evasive
talk back there about?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up and with a puzzled expression,
but finally she said, “You really don’t know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Know what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and said, “God I love you.
Daniel, when the dance was over, and we kissed? I was so aroused by dancing
with you to our song, that I…well…I had an orgasm. A big one, a really big
one.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re shitting me!” I took a couple of
more steps and then said, “That’s why you were so tensed up! Geez, your body
was hard as a rock.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can we not analyze the whole incident?” She
said. “It was very embarrassing and sometimes I get really…um…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “Wet?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That earned me a shot to the shoulder; a
hard shot to the shoulder, “Watch it buddy!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I didn’t mean anything bad, and I
love it when it happens; it means I really pleased you and it makes me feel
good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at me rather dubiously and
then said, “Really? You like it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I do. Why do you think I kept
asking you if you were ready to go home?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “My scent?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Incredibly strong, I was having trouble
thinking straight.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, yours was too. I think it was part of
the reason I reacted the way I did.” We walked along together as she held my
arm with both hands and then she said, “That’s never happened before.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I admit there have been times I became
very aroused when I danced, but, no, never.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Sooo, I guess I’m kind
of special?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We turned and started walking towards the
door to our apartment as she said, “I don’t have the words to describe how I
feel about you, Daniel. I try to tell you, but nothing I say can
really…Daniel?” She said as she pointed ahead of us.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down past our door was a Security Cart with
its warning lights flashing. Two of Williams’ men were standing guard in front
of the Intelligence Office’s door. “Ah shit! Go change, Babe, I better go see
what’s happened.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go,” she said. I trotted ahead and
approached the two men.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Captain Tarn,” The Sargent in charge said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sargent Sloan, what’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We received an alarm that someone entered
an incorrect pass code in the keypad and we were sent to check things out.
There was no one here when we arrived, so we were told to wait until you came.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, but you say no one got in?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Apparently not, do you want us to stay
until you check the interior?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” I said as I entered the passcode into
the keypad. The lock clicked and I pulled the door open and walked inside. I
went straight to Pina’s desk and powered up her computer, clicked on the security
icon, then on the video file. “How long ago did the attempted entry occur?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ten fifty-seven pm.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I place the curser on the time bar, slid it
backwards to ten fifty-five and then clicked on Play. There was no movement on
the screen until ten fifty-six when an individual walked into view, paused as
they looked around, and then punched in the wrong code to the keypad. The
person tried the door and when it didn’t open, quickly walked away off-screen.
They were wearing a set of over-sized coveralls that were supplied by
Facilities for its workers, a hood, and a throwaway face mask. There was no
chance they could be identified from the video. “Damn it!” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned off the feed and clicked on a
camera that would record someone coming from the direction the first video
indicated. You could see the person come around a corner from the service lane
behind my apartment, walk to the door and disappear from the view of the
camera.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?” I looked up and Debra was standing
just inside the door of the office. She had changed out of her skirt and was
now wearing a pair of sweats.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant Tarn,” Sargent Sloan said as he
nodded to her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What happened?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Someone attempted to enter the office with
the wrong code and it tripped an alarm in the Security Office; we’re trying to
see if we can identify who it was from the recordings of the cameras outside.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked around the desk and stood next to
me as I replayed the second video. “Not much chance of that,” she said. “It was
a good choice on her part to wear those baggy coveralls.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and said, “Her?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, she’s tall and long-legged, the limp
in both legs throws it off a bit, but yeah, definitely a woman.” She replayed
the video and then froze it just before the person stepped into view, “See
that? That little movement just before she walked into view? That was her head,
I bet she was pulling those rubber boots on just before she walked out and into
view. I bet, yeah, I bet she had some sort of uncomfortable object in her boots
to hide her natural gait. She knew about the cameras, or suspected there would
be some and realized a disguise involves more than just a clothing component.
She hid her walk and mannerisms along with her appearance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sloan nodded and said, “Smart.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra replied, “Or well-trained, but it
gives us a hint, or two, of who she might be.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled Pina’s chair over and said, “Have a
seat, Babe.” After she settled, I asked, “Explain?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The only reason for hiding her walk and
mannerisms is, she knows you and you know her. Maybe not well, but there is the
chance you would recognize the way she walks, her shape, her body type. She hid
all of those from you. Yeah, she’s either close to you, or somewhere around the
periphery of your life.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Great, so now the suspect is a friend?” I
didn’t like that, at all. “Unless, she wants me to go there and start being
suspicious of everyone I know and trust.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Possibly, but I wouldn’t overthink it;
Occam’s Razor.” She looked up and smiled at me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second security man looked back and
forth between her and I and asked, “Occam’s Razor?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Back during the medieval period there was
a…” I started.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra placed her hand on mine and squeezed
as she said to the man, “The simplest answer is usually the correct one.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay, so the Captain probably knows her
somehow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would be my assumption,” she answered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned Debra’s smile and said, “Well,
we’re not going to solve this tonight, so why don’t you return to your normal
duties, Sargent, and I’ll get this place locked up again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” He turned to his fellow and
said, “Lets hit it Crip.” They walked out as I sighed and raised up from where
I had been sitting on Pina’s desk.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s lock up.” I pulled Debra up from the
chair, shut down the computer and we walked to the door where I locked it and
we started home. “Sorry, Babe, are you still in the mood?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always, but what about you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, because there’s something I want to
do. I’ve been teetering on the edge for a while and after tonight, after you
danced with me, I guess I’m ready.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, you know how I feel about you doing
things for me that might make you feel uncomfortable, or you dislike. If you’ve
been, ‘teetering’, then you are not comfortable, so, no.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s hard to explain, Honey.” We reached
our door and I opened it to allow her to enter and then I followed. Inside she
turned and waited as I locked the door and then faced her. “It’s not that I
dislike it,” She said. “But I’m concerned you may not accept it. Hell, you know
how independent I am and you’ve always encouraged my independence. You like
that I’m strong willed and demand to be treated as an equal,” I nodded. “I
guess maybe I was a little uncomfortable with the idea even though I enjoyed
the way it made me feel when I thought of it, which is damned often.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m in the dark here, Babe, but let me say
this. Most of the things we do? I never dreamed of before you introduced me to
them, but you have never taught me something I wasn’t willing to do for you
because I love you. If this is something you want, then even if it seems
outlandish to me, I’ll do it, for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what you say now, but I wonder?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s only one way to find out, Babe, and
talking about it as you try not to, is not the way. Just show me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then said, “Alright, I’m
going to take a quick shower and freshen up, can I get you to change out of
your clothes and just put on your bathrobe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have this sort of picture in my head of
how it might go, can you move the Marlow chair into the center of the
Livingroom and then sit in it as you wait?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She placed her hands along the sides of my
face to give me quick kiss and then said, “Daniel, I love you so much.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, and I love you the same.” She smiled
and went to the bathroom and closed the door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I entered the bedroom and changed from my
clothes to the bathrobe, went to the Livingroom and centered the chair as she
asked me to. I looked at the clock and saw Danni wouldn’t be back for another
hour and then sat down to wait. Fifteen minutes later, I heard the bathroom
door open.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will you close your eyes for me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that what you need?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell me when and I will.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, and keep them closed until I tell you,
alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re closed, Babe.” They were. I waited
nervously and with determination not to exhibit any shock or possible disgust
when I opened them again. More than anything, I didn’t want to see dejection or
disappointment in her eyes. Then it happened, her scent. It was strong, at
least as strong as after the dance. I could hear her breath as if she was
almost gasping. Rapid inhalations and then exhales.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel,” She said in a quiet, but hurried
voice, “Open your eyes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished mere minutes before Danni
returned and I suppose it was for the best. I don’t think Danni would have
understood why we were doing, what we were doing, and probably would have
ripped my head off. I admit I was very hesitant with what Debra wanted at
first, but when I came to realize she truly wanted what we did that night, I
did what was necessary to give her what she needed. I’m looking forward to
doing it again, but not for me, it’s for her. Don’t get me wrong, both of us
enjoyed the hell out of it, but she is the only one who will ever indicate when
it is time for it again. After Danni returned and we all eventually went to
bed; Debra and I are once again sleeping in the bedroom with Danni sleeping in
the Livingroom, Debra told me she would wear something special when it was time
to do it again. It’s a gold choker with two fine chains that dangle from it,
she bought it in East Los Angeles when we were there for John’s funeral and
that’s how long she has secretly desired to do, what we did. She seems different
now, more at ease, less nervous about what she has always referred to as my
‘prudish side,’ as she puts it. Seeing her more at ease in her everyday life
was worth stepping out of my comfort zone for her. Yeah, it was worth every
moment to see her so, fulfilled. I just hope she never realizes what I did,
because it’s the one thing she asked me to promise to never do. I shared her
with the other guy, the other me, and she loved every moment of it.</span></p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-6578645190366827522021-05-10T19:15:00.004-07:002022-09-02T20:21:50.849-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 22<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
22</span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day was quiet for the most part,
Gilly came by and said she was putting together a memorial service for Dan and
the others we lost in Denver and wanted to know if Danni had any preferences
for music, Bible phrases, or anything of that sort. Danni just shook her head
and was quiet, but finally she said, “Just one thing. Daniel had a tattoo on
his back that read, ‘Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.’ Can you work that into your service? I think he would
like that.”<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely, and I think it does more than
just memorialize Dan, it demonstrates the whole purpose of the Rangers. We
train for battle, to serve and protect.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I suppose it does, thank you, Gilly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Listen, I have to go for now, Felicia and I
are going to look over a couple of areas in the old worker’s barracks with the
idea of building a small chapel, but I’ll be back with Jerry this afternoon.
We’re bringing a gas grill for the steaks, potatoes, and corn on the cob.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced up at the ceiling and looked at
the sprinkler heads that were nearby, “Uh, Gilly? A gas grill might not be a
good idea. If it gets hot enough, we might find ourselves in the midst of
deluge.” She looked puzzled, so I said, “Fire sprinklers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, oh my. We didn’t think of that. Well, I
guess we should think of something else, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, come on!” Debra said, “I’m stuck in
this bed and now I can’t have a real grilled steak? Really?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly smiled and said, “You’ll get a steak,
I promise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to help you to the bathroom,” I
said, “I’m sure we can figure a way to get you to that steak.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni perked up and said, “Why not the rifle
range? There are the tables where the instructors set up the spotting scopes
and their score pads, we could eat there and be out of the weather if it turns
bad. I’ve been there when there’s no one else and you can hear the wind in the
pines; it’s kind of peaceful when no one’s shooting.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would be nice,” Gilly responded. “The
range then. Daniel, will you need help getting Debbie there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can drive her over in one of the carts,
but a wheel chair would be useful once we’re there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t bother with that,” Debra said. “I’ve
got a pair of crutches I can use. I’ll take a pain pill before we leave and I should
be good to go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni shook her head, “Doc Horne said you
should keep your leg elevated except on bathroom breaks. What if it starts
swelling again?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, guys, I’m going to look silly
sitting out there with my leg strung up.” She threw a quick smile at me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe,” Danni said. “But you’ll look even
sillier in the clinic with only one leg because you developed a blood clot and
the doctor had to cut it off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That made me uncomfortable, “Danni’s right,”
I said. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly said, “It’s not a problem, I’ll call
the clinic and have them send a wheel chair over.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ted Banner is a consummate grill artist and
he’s extremely well-organized. Between him and Lieutenant Thomas, they got all
the steaks, corn, and potatoes done at the same time. I have a hard time
running one grill, they had three going at once. The meal was outstanding and
though Debra complained occasionally about being ‘strung up,’ she seemed to
make it through without too much discomfort. Danni and I waited on her hand and
foot.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As everyone was finishing up, Packer brought
the true purpose of the cookout to the forefront.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, as I said before, I want written
after action reports from each of you about the missions to Denver and when I
say, written, I mean typed; I’m tired of trying to decipher the chicken
scratches that some of you call handwriting.” That drew a few groans. “Suck it
up, Buttercups. Lieutenant Thomas, I want to start with you.” Thomas suddenly
looked pensive. “I know you feel like you failed in your mission and lost sixty
per cent of your team, but the numbers also show you managed to save forty per
cent while under extreme pressure from opposing forces. Shit happens and after
interviewing the survivors, each one has stated your quick and decisive decisions
while under fire were the reasons the ones who survived are here today. I’ve
already advanced your rank to Lieutenant, but it wasn’t officially announced,
are you willing to accept the increase in responsibility?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Respectfully, Sir, I feel that I failed and
do not deserve the honor.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nonsense, we are a military unit, and we
all recognize the possibility of losing people under our command; it’s part of
the job we chose.” Packer turned to Danni and asked, “Sargent Monroe, do you
feel Lieutenant Thomas failed in any way?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir. The ambush carried out against us
was professionally executed and I still firmly believe the Lieutenant’s actions
were correct and well-executed. His actions under fire are the reason I’m
sitting here today.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer nodded, “I agree.” He looked back at
Thomas, “You’re a well-trained operator, Lieutenant, and I need your expertise.
I’m asking you to reconsider your refusal of command as an officer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas looked uncomfortable, but finally
said, “I’m willing to serve in whatever capacity you wish, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, that’s settled. Everyone? May I
officially introduce, Lieutenant Matthew Thomas of the Rangers.” All of us gave
him some applause as recognition. “Next on the agenda, Sargent Monroe, your
expertise in training the Militia has for too long, gone unrecognized. When I
look at the professionalism of our citizen militia, I am constantly filled with
surprise and pride. Quite often, Lieutenant Bellows is occupied with other
concerns and I need an officer that can be fully committed to the training and
leadership of the Militia, are you willing to accept that responsibility? I’m
not going to require an immediate answer, we all know this is a difficult time
for you and you have our heartfelt condolences.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni nodded and said, “Yes, Sir. I need to
be busy; I need something to do, I need…” She took a gasp of air and I could
see she was close to breaking down. Debra reached out and squeezed her hand and
Danni seemed to draw strength from the contact. “Yes, Sir, I accept the
promotion.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Excellent! You may end up regretting that
decision, Monroe, because you are going to be one busy soldier; be in my office
tomorrow at eight in the morning with a synopsis for the training of our young
adults and children. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present, Lieutenant Danni
Monroe.” Again, we applauded as Danni managed a smile.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, Militia Member, Stacy Menendez.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stace got a sudden wide-eyed expression, “Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your demonstrated expertise in serving as a
Tracker in the Militia has drawn considerable notice. Your Squad Leader has
spoken quite highly of your abilities and in the recent mission to Denver, you
demonstrated a high degree of devotion to the safety of your fellow soldiers
and loyalty by volunteering to put your life at risk for their rescue. I am
promoting you to the rank of Corporal and assigning you as Assistant Squad
Leader. Do you accept?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She swallowed, hard, and said, “Uh, I guess
so, I mean, yes, Sir!” That drew some laughter and she squirmed a bit in her
chair as she turned red.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia was given the rank of Corporal and the
position of Assistant Squad Leader; I could see her raising through the ranks
rapidly with her no-nonsense practicality. Rich was promoted to Sargent and
became a Squad Leader. Finally, he came to Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everyone is already aware that I have
promoted Debra Tarn to the rank of Lieutenant, and with good reasons. She is
doing an excellent job of training our Designated Marksmen and is extremely
good at the profession herself. That alone is more than a good reason for her
to receive a rank commensurate with her duties, but her recent actions while
participating in her last mission demonstrates extreme loyalty to her fellow
team members, expertise in combat, perseverance, and resilience. Ladies and
Gentlemen, may I officially present, Lieutenant Debra Tarn of the Rangers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone applauded once again and Debra
colored with embarrassment at the comments some of them offered. I was filled
with pride to have her acknowledged and gave her a kiss on the cheek.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lieutenant,” Packer said. “I know some of
the highlights of your escape, but few of the rest of us do. Would you mind
recounting the events?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As you wish, Sir.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cleared her throat and shifted in the
chair she was sitting in as Danni and I both said at the same time, “Are you
okay?” I figured the pain pill she had taken earlier might be wearing off.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, took a breath, and started.
“Danni and I were pinned down. She was partially underneath one boxcar
returning fire and I was under another car on a parallel track. Every time we
tried to join one another, we were turned back by machinegun fire, by the way,
Lieutenant, I recognized the sound, they were PKMs.” Danni nodded in agreement.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wouldn’t mind the Rangers and Militia
having a few of those,” he responded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra agreed, “Me too. Eventually, we heard
Lieutenant Banner's rally point signal and I shouted at Danni to go; she didn’t
want to be separated from me, but we had no choice. She took off for the rest
of the team and I headed the opposite direction. I planned to loop around and
meet up with everyone at the rally point. Unfortunately, they kept pushing me
farther away and cutting me off from the directions I needed to go. When I
would get tired of running, I would take a break and start sniping at the
pursuers; that always gave me a little breathing space to figure out where to
go next. I ran out of water a few times, but was able to refill my canteens
from a small river running through the area. Then, one of the times I went to
the river, my water purification filter was literally shot out of my hands and
I had to start using unfiltered water. When I had the time, I would grab a bite
to eat, and use my spotting scope to observe the region. Almost every day, I
would see planes landing on the other side of the city, something I think we
should investigate. The first day, I realized I wasn’t going to be able to
rejoin the team at the rally point, so I concentrated on trying to move in a
southerly direction, but they ended up pushing me out of the city and into the
mountains east of Denver. There’s not a lot of trees or brush up there, but
there was plenty of rocks, crevices, draws, and dry stream beds to seek
concealment. I lost count of the days, ran out of rations, and finally they
were really closing in on me and I thought it was coming down to basically
shooting it out with them. I had moved back into the city the day before
because of the high numbers looking for me in the hills, but they caught sight
of me and were boxing me in. I had wandered back close to the railroad tracks
and damn if a train didn’t start passing through. It wasn’t very long; only
about six or seven cars and the locomotive. I jumped up from where I was
concealed and ran for it. I managed to grab hold between two of the cars and
drag myself up and out of sight. The train kept accelerating and it was headed
South, so yeah, I went along for the ride. The train never did reach a really
high speed, so I stayed with it until I recognized the mountains East of Las
Cruces. I was hoping the train would turn West and get me closer to home, but
no joy there. After I bailed off, it continued in the direction of El Paso, so
that might be something else we need to check into. When I jumped from the
train, I ended up tumbling and that’s when I injured my knee and broke my
wrist. I guess the train was traveling faster than I thought. When I finally
got my wits back, I realized I was close to Interstate 10, so I started walking
that way. Well, not really walking, more like hopping on one leg. I finally
gave up the idea of walking home when I reached the overpass and tried that
little walkie-talkie. It was on the fourth or fifth channel I tried that I was
answered by the ham radio guy that contacted the Hole. He radioed back and said
help was on the way. Then those fucking, oh, sorry, Gilly, those Antifa guys
showed up and started harassing me. I guess they saw me when I jumped from the
train. They spent some time trying to get me to come out from under the
overpass, but finally decided to come get me instead. That was really stupid
and they had no idea what they were doing. I took out all four of them and then
our people showed up and brought me home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer nodded and then asked, “At the
airport, were you able to establish how many planes were arriving daily?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never more than one or two. Things are kind
of quiet now days and you could always hear them when they came in our took
off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On the train, were you able to establish
whether they were carrying cargo, or were they empty?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was able to climb up on top of the cars
and see over the sides. All, but one of the cars were empty. One was loaded
with boxes that were stamped as UN Food Relief. At least that was what was on
the boxes I could see through the open vent. Unfortunately, the level of the
boxes was lower than I could reach, so I kept being hungry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer thought for a moment and asked, “On
the train, security?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I moved to the front of the boxcars just
behind the locomotive and was considering whether it might be possible to
hijack the train when two guys, who were obviously security, stepped out of the
engineer compartment for a cigarette break. They were both armed with AKs and
one had a grenade launcher attached under the barrel. Both men were wearing
that Lizard Skin camo, carried a full complement of mags, and the Grenadier had
a bandoleer of grenades for his launcher. Both men were wearing body armor, seemed
bored and inattentive to their surroundings. I’m willing to bet they were on a
scheduled trip they had done often before.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good report, get it written up and include
anything else you remember.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer sat there quietly a few moments as we
waited and then he said, “Militiaman Tarn.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puzzled, I answered, “Yes, Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve been taking advantage of you and not
giving you the acknowledgement, you deserve.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He snorted.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I squinted my eyes and dubiously said,
“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There it is, that word, you still use it a
lot.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need an Intelligence Officer, Tarn, and
you are just the man for the job.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good grief, Major, I’m way too busy for
anything else on my plate. Between my Militia training and duty, my work at
facilities, doing research for you, and now, caring for Debra, I’m already out
of hours in the day.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve already spoken with Morgan; he says he
can do without you if he can lean on your knowledge when necessary. As far as
your training, both Bellows and Monroe say you are definitely good to go. As
far as your Militia duties? As my Intelligence Officer, that will be your duty,
your job, but as a member of the Rangers instead of the Militia.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra reached down and squeezed my thigh as
she smiled at me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, Sir, I mean…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tarn,” he said in exasperation, “You’re
already doing the job, take the title and rank that goes with it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni chuckled and said, “Maybe he likes his
wife on top of things.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni!” Gilly gasped.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra broke into laughter, “Well, he does!
Occasionally.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer frowned, “All right you two, it’s not
proper to make a joke at a superior officer’s expense.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The laughter died out as Danni said,
“Superior…officer?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,” the Major said. “The position
comes with the rank of Captain.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Danni and then to Debra, both
had surprised expressions. Then I looked at Major Packer and said, “I would be
honored to accept your offer, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really quiet in the apartment that
evening. I kept seeing Debra and Danni stealing glimpses and making vague hand
gestures of, and to, each other when they thought I wouldn’t notice. Inside I
was laughing, but I maintained a serious demeanor. Maria came by and asked if
we wanted breakfast in the morning, which was unusual, because normally she
would call on the phone. I told her only Debra would, and would she mind
spending days with her for a while. She said, of course, and she loved spending
time with her little Chiquita. Ted, Sara, Felicia and Dak stopped in and we had
a couple of glasses of home brew to celebrate. Banner regaled Sara, Felicia and
Dak with some hilarious interpretations of both Debra’s and Danni’s reactions
to my promotion. Neither one of them seemed all that pleased with his
retelling, but they did laugh with the rest of us. There seems to be some
eggshells on the floor, so I think I’ll trod carefully for a while.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time everyone left and Danni retired
to the bedroom, Debra seemed her normal self and insisted I give her some
‘special attention,’ which I eagerly did, but with a twist that involved a
blindfold and a couple of thin leather belts restraining her wrists above her
head. Wow! I have definitely discovered another dimension to my lady. We are
going to play that little game again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning, Danni and I left for the
Bunker a little early after Maria arrived, with the intent of having coffee in
the Ready Room before the start of the work day. That was when I learned Danni
hadn’t gone to bed, but had spent a portion of the late evening working up a
brief plan of how she wanted the military training of the Cadets to go. Then
the conversation took a curve.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I want you to know that Debbie and
I are not upset you were promoted higher than either of us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not? Boy, you could have fooled me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, maybe a little at first, but that’s
because it came as a total surprise. We knew, both of us, what Packer wanted to
do, hell, we were the ones who initially suggested it, but we didn’t know he
was going to go all in. We figured you might receive the rank of Sargent.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t understand.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know how much Debbie worries about you;
she would work herself into being sick with the worry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, I tried not to worry her but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know it, she would tell me about what was
going on between you.” She leaned forward and said, “Stop the cart, what I want
to talk about right now is not something Debbie wants spread around.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately braked to a stop, “What? What
is it? Is she okay? Is something wrong?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa! Geez, Daniel, that was like four
questions at the speed of a bullet. Nothing is wrong with her, well except a
broken wrist and a dislocated knee…and…uh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it, Danni!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She gets a little loud when she cums.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choked and I could feel my face burning,
“Danni, you do that on stuff on purpose, don’t you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and said, “Yeah, I do; you’re so
cute when you get outraged because a woman gets a little salty.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good grief!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, that was a little overboard,
even for me, but that’s not what I wanted to talk about.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, cause that stuff…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The other guy, the other you, the one she
told me about, is it safe for Debbie to be around him? I don’t think you would
even consider it; I mean the night of the Spring Ball, you were absolutely
furious and even after she hit you, you still didn’t raise a hand to her, but
what about him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remained silent for a moment and then
said, “When I realized she had told you about him, it hurt me, very much,
especially after seeing what I thought I had seen. It still causes me
to…withdraw a little. I trusted her when I exposed that part of me, Danni.
She’s the only person who ever knew besides the psychologists and psychiatrist
I had to see when I was a kid. Be honest with me, please, did she tell anyone
else?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, absolutely not, I swear to you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, absolutely not, Daniel, and I swear on
that also. I think Danny suspected something because when you threw him against
the wall, he said it wasn’t you and he hoped to never see that look on your
face again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I still feel bad about that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That wasn’t you, was it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and no. I was really confused, Stacey
almost had me stopped and probably could have calmed me down, she was being
persuasive, but then Debra started angrily shouting at me and it reignited the
whole thing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, she can be rather mercurial, but
answer me, Daniel, is she safe?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I could answer, he swept me aside,
“Of course, she is. Who Daniel loves, I love, who Daniel hates, well, let’s
just say I can take care of things when necessary. I am him; he is me, and I
can’t do anything like that without his permission. The night of the Spring
Ball? When the brawl broke out? He turned me loose and I took care of
business.” He looked Danni up and down before finally saying, “Danny boy has
gotten better at hand-to-hand combat with the lessons he’s taken, but you’re
the best there is around here, if you care so much for him, why don’t you train
him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni sat there frozen for a moment and
finally squeaked out, “Daniel? Uh, I kind of want Daniel back now, can I talk
to Daniel now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Probably best not to mess with things you
don’t understand,” he said. “You don’t need to worry though, he loves Debra
with everything he has, he would die for her, gladly. You though?” He hesitated
and then, “Yeah, he’d die for you too; you’re the sister he never had. If he
could, he would trade his life for the life of your Daniel.” And then he was
gone.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni was staring hard at me with her hand
over her mouth and I hurriedly said, “Danni! Listen! It’s me, I’m sorry he
talked to you! It’s me, Daniel, I don’t know how…it’s got to be all the stress
and raw emotions I’ve been going through, I, would never hurt Debra or you, I swear…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop it!” I shut-up in mid-sentence as she
reached over and placed her hand over mine on the steering wheel of the cart.
“Daniel, what you, what he said. You would’ve given your life for Danny’s?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I would; he was my brother.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For long moments she stared at me and
finally said, “Your life belongs to Debbie now, don’t throw it away, ever. I
don’t want her to feel what I’m feeling.” Then she pointed towards the entrance
to Phase One, “Drive, I have a crushing need for a cup of hot coffee.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived in the Ready Room, there
were already a number of Rangers and Militia sitting around the tables,
drinking coffee and talking. As Danni and I walked in, everyone stood and gave
us a round of applause before approaching and telling us congratulations for
our promotions. Danni seemed to soak it all in and laughed at my embarrassment
to all the attention. Shayla Lincoln hung back a bit and when the crowd started
drifting away, she approached us.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s going to take getting used to, you
know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, “What will, Shayla?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Calling you, Sir,” she said. “And calling
you, Ma’am,” she said to Danni, “While I salute.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe,” I said. “But the first time you
call me, Sir, over a beer, it’s going to put a wrinkle in my finish.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and gave me a hug, then the same
with Danni as she told her, “If you need anything and I can help, don’t
hesitate, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll remember that, Shayla, thank you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each grabbed a cup of coffee and sat at a
table as Packer kept calling people into his office. The numbers waiting slowly
diminished until there were only myself and Danni left. Then the Major called
Danni in and I sat alone while they talked in his office. I watched through the
window until she stood, said a little more, and then saluted until he returned
hers with one of his own.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she walked past me, she slowed and said,
“The Major will see you now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you heading back to our apartment? Or
are you off to duty somewhere?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have some things to take care of, and
then I’ll be back at your apartment later this morning.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I don’t understand why I’m so nervous
right now; I’ve been in the Major’s office so many times I can’t even
remember.” She smiled and started to walk away, but I stopped her, “Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, am I supposed to salute the way you did
when you went in? Or, what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you were wearing your smock, yes, but
you’re not, so no. You are out of uniform, but you still speak with respect.
Just talk to him the way you normally do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I can do that,” I said as Packer came
out of his office.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel? Come on in.” Then he turned and
re-entered his office.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me a quick hug and kiss on the
cheek, “Relax, Captain, you’re here because you belong here.” Then she walked
away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hurried to Packer’s open door and entered,
“Good morning, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have a seat, Daniel, there are some things
I want to go over with you.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” I sat in a chair, but on the
edge of the seat.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Relax, Daniel, one of the things I want you
to do is, anytime you and I are together, the way we are right now, I want you
to appear relaxed and confident, alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The people who serve under you must always
feel you are in control, always. If they think you are unsure of yourself? They
will be unsure of you, understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I understand.” I slid back and
tried to look relaxed, but Packer just smiled and said, “The more you practice,
the easier it will be. Just act like your normal self when you were here
before; you had it down pat.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned around and pulled a satchel off
the shelf behind his chair, laid it on his desk and then pushed it to me, “This
is for you, courtesy of Intelligence over at Holloman. That’s a top of the line
laptop that has Gupta’s encryption code downloaded on it. Gilly says it is much
more capable than the laptop you normally use.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? Thank you, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do not, under any circumstance, leave that
computer unattended unless it is in a secured location. Holloman was very
adamant about that, clear?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to give you a little leeway and
let you choose any staff you might need; anyone in particular you might be
interested in assisting you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is there anyone on staff that could help
with technical issues I might have?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one who is a member of the Rangers, the
Governor may know of someone, so touch bases with her. There are the people
from NMSU Las Cruces, they might help, but I suggest you avoid Stella; I don’t
think I have to explain why.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, you don’t. There is a young girl who
was a student at NMSU, she was rather helpful with my research at one point,
Julia Ortiz?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked thoughtful for a moment and then,
“I thought maybe I recognized the name, but what with Felicia, and all. She’s
not in the Militia? I know she’s not in the Rangers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir. She was thinking of joining the
Militia, but was concerned with the weight of all the equipment, she’s rather
small and petite.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, I’ll check into it and see what I
can…No, you check into it, it’s your Intelligence Office and I’ll be damned if
I’m going to micro-manage my way into an early grave.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, “Yes, Sir. Will my office be here
in the Bunker?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not necessary, find a room, maybe with the
help of Sorenson? And get it set up to work from. I want direct phone
communications with your office and I want them secured.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned around again and pulled a thick
packet from another shelf and then tossed it to me, “This is a week’s worth of
radio transcriptions from the Communications Shack, see what you can find in
there that might be useful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I’ll get started right now.” I
rose to leave, but he looked back up from a paper he had begun to read.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I almost forgot, go by the sewing room
and see Gilly; her and Mrs. Bellows are putting together your uniforms.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uniforms, Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I can’t have my junior officers
showing up in civvies for work.” He looked over the frames of his glasses and
added, “Get a haircut, you’re not Bon Jovi, you’re a soldier, so start looking
like one. And when I say a haircut? I mean high and tight.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swallowed, but said, “Yes, Sir,” before I
walked out the door. I kind of liked the way my hair looked. Bon Jovi? Who, or
what, the hell was that?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the sewing room and Gilly met me
at the door, “Hi, Daniel, are you here for the uniforms?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, come on in and we’ll get you measured
up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed her in and saw Bellows’ wife
sitting behind a sewing machine as she sipped a cup of coffee. “Hello, Mrs.
Bellows.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi,
Daniel.” She looked at me with a critical eye and said, “He’s going to be a
little tough to fit, Gilly. I’m certain we don’t have any his size.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and said, “Get out the measuring
tape and write it down, we’ll get started this afternoon.” She looked at me and
said, “Sorry, Daniel, but we really need to finish a batch of smocks for the
new Militia trainees for this afternoon, but I’ll tell Jerry to relax until we
can get them ready for you, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Gilly, he seemed rather set on my
appearance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The old high and tight speech?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, “Yes, Ma’am.” She waved me off and
I left for Dak’s office.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I reached Dak’s office his secretary
sent me in and we talked for a few minutes while he looked through a database
of available rooms. Then he asked, “How big of a room do you need, Dan?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I really don’t know, maybe something I can
grow into if needed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started flipping through a program and
stopped, “Ah, here we go, there’s a data processing room in Phase Two that originally
served its purpose while construction for the permanent processing room was
being built.” He laughed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“PH2L2-71. That’s the room number. It’s
built into the outer wall of Phase Two and is only ten doors away from your
apartment; you’re in 61.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would be outstanding, how big is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,” he glanced over the specs and then
said, “800 square feet, that’s pretty big, all things considered and it has
toilet facilities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can we go take a look at it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, let me get the keys for it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to ascend three steps after we
entered because of the raised floor, but we looked it over and I decided,
though it was going to take some work, it looked promising. “I’ll take it,” I
said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak smiled and said, “Are you sure? It’s
awful close to home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s one of the pluses,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It could be considered one of the minuses
though.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why? While Debra is laid up, I can check on
her anytime I want and go home for lunch, yeah, this will be great.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It also means she won’t have time to cool
off when she leaves home to come confront you about leaving the toilet seat
up.” He was joking about a time when she was on birth control pills and became
somewhat, well, a lot, emotionally erratic.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hmmm, well, there is that, but as long as
she’s off the pill, we should be good to go. How soon can we get going on
this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As soon as I get back to my office, I’ll
make the calls and put an expedite order on it. I’ll have tech services get
over here and remove all the un-needed com cables, install a secure phone line
and make sure you have access to the inter-facility computer network. I bet we
can have you working in here within two weeks.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Too long,” I said. “I’ll start working from
home, but I need this ready to go ASAP. I’ll go talk to Morgan now and see if I
can get a push on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” he sounded dubious. “I’ve seen you
get the ball rolling before though, so maybe you can do it again.” He held his
hand out with the dangling keys and added, “The keys to your domain, have fun.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went our separate ways and I went
straight home. I walked into the apartment and said Hi to Debra and Maria; they
were watching a recording of a TV series about dragons and war. Debra seemed to
brighten up as soon as she saw me, “Hey, Hon! You’re home earlier than I
thought you would be!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just passing through, Babe, but I wanted to
let you know some news.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it?” She asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Maria said, “It’s almost time for
lunch, Daniel, are you hungry?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No thanks, Maria, I’m kind of in a hurry.”
I turned back to Debra and said, “You’ll never guess where my new office is
going to be!” She didn’t say anything, but she was smiling. She hates trying to
guess things, “If you look out the front door? You can literally see the door
to the new Intelligence Office!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re kidding!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, while you’re recovering, I can come
check on you and we can have lunch together, every day.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She raised her eyebrows and said, “And you
can stop in for a quickie any time you want!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria disapprovingly said, “Chiquita! You
should be more dignified!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra laughed and said, “Come on, Maria,
we’ve been swapping stories and I know how undignified you can be, so relax a
bit. Can you make Daniel a sandwich before he leaves?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria chuckled and said, “Of course.” She
entered the kitchen and started gathering the makings.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t have time, Babe, I have to get over
to Facilities and talk to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan? The reason Danni and I first came up
with this whole idea was to take pressure off of you, not add to it. You are
already trying to skip meals and I’m not having it. Sit down and let Maria make
you a sandwich.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to object, but when I saw the
steel in her eyes, I conceded defeat. “Okay, Babe, but maybe I can eat it on
the way?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, at least that’s something. In the
meantime, come here and give your woman a kiss.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did, and Debra really got into it; I
considered sending Maria home for a little while, but resisted the temptation.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard Maria from the kitchen say,
“Necesitas practicar tu dignidad!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said with a laugh, “English please,
Maria, you know we don’t speak Spanish.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are rejecting your heritage, a proud
heritage.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled up at me and said, “Somehow,
she figured out I was half-Mexican and she’s determined to teach me Spanish.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well it certainately wouldn’t hurt; it might
even be beneficial,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want to, but if you think I
should?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Up to you, Babe.” I looked and Maria was
wrapping the sandwich in wax paper. “I have to go, Babe, I’ll see you later,
okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Eat… your… sandwich, and I love you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I love you too.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria handed me the sandwich, a small
plastic cup with a lid, and a bottle of water. I held up the cup and asked,
“Salsa?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re the best, Maria.” I hustled out the
door and headed for Facilities as I dumped the salsa on the Ham and Swiss
cheese sandwich and started wolfing it down. Maria’s salsa made everything
taste better. Then I stumped to a stop as I realized I had left my new lap top
in the apartment. Damn it! Less than two hours and I already screwed up! I rushed
back to the apartment and burst through the door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?” Debra was surprised by my sudden
re-entry.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, Babe, but I left the computer here.”
I looked around as I said, “Where is it? I left it on the table.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Maria saw it and tried to catch you,
but you were gone. She was going to put it in the bedroom, but I guess she had
to use the head.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bathroom door opened and Maria came out
headed for the bedroom, “Maria,” I said. “Thanks for thinking about putting
that away, but I need it.” I held out my hand and she placed it in my grip.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are always leaving things laying
around. Women have enough work without following you around and picking up
after you.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed a little testy, so I tried to
unruffle her feathers, “I’m sorry, Maria, I’ll try to be more thoughtful.” She
just nodded and then walked past me into the kitchen. I waved to Debra as I
rushed out, “Later, Babe!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morgan wasn’t in the Facilities main office;
his receptionist informed me he had taken several of the crew foremen to the
cafeteria for lunch, so they could have a meeting as they ate. I turned around
and hustled back to the cafeteria. Once there, I scanned the large room and
then walked to the table they were sitting at.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Morgan?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, we were just talking about you,
what’s up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, as you know, I’ve sort of been
drafted, to volunteer, to be the Intelligence Officer for the Rangers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, personally, I think it’s a bit of a
step down, but hey, I guess they need you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anyway, I’ve picked a room in Phase Two for
my office, but it needs some work done on it before it can be usable.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Which one?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“PH2LV2-71,” I said. “It was the temporary
data center before they shifted it to Phase Four.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, that changeover was a bitch. So,
what’s up? What do you need?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On the surface, not very much actually. I
need almost all of the comm cable removed, the computer floor taken out, a
secure phone line, the restrooms look good to go, it has a small kitchenette
that’s good, um, a secure computer line established, some minor relocation of
electrical outlets, you know, the usual stuff.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When do you need it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hate to sound like the usual, Morgan, but
seriously, ASAP.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? You’re not screwing with me at all?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My job is the continuance of this facility,
Morgan, and the safety of everyone here. Serious enough for you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, if it was anyone else, I’d call
bullshit and slide your request to the bottom of the work list where it’s
supposed to be, but I do know you.” He turned to the three foremen and said,
“Eat up guys and then we’ll take a ride out to Phase 2 and see what we can get
done with the rest of today and this evening.” Then he looked back at me, “Do
you want to have lunch with us?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No thanks, I ate a sandwich on the way to
your office and drank a bottle of water on the way here; I’m good to go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Same ole Daniel; you need to stop and smell
the roses once in a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what my wife is for, she’s my rose.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I kind of thought so, did you buy that
perfume for her, or is it something she had when you guys met?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The perfume she’s been wearing, sometimes
it smells like roses and sometimes it has a sort of roses and musky cinnamon
scent to it? I’ve been wanting to ask her where she got it so I could get some
for my wife.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, geez, Morgan, I’ve never seen her put
on perfume, but since you mention it, yeah, roses. I’ll ask her about it and
get back to you, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waved and took off for the kitchen in the
back of the Cafeteria. As I walked behind the counter, the woman food handler
gave me an evil look and asked me what I thought I was doing. “I’m looking for
Julia Ortiz, she works here washing dishes, if I remember correctly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re a little old for her, aren’t you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I said…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, no! Geez, I have a different job I need
her for. Her talents are being wasted here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah? Doing what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Computer research, correlation of data,” I
racked my brain for terminology to dazzle her with.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Knock it off, I’m not a dumb ass. Is it
really a job? One she’s suited for?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, she’ll be working for the
Rangers and the Militia.” I started to walk past and she stopped me again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa there, hot shot! This area is
sanitized three times a day and I don’t want you spreading your nasties around.
I’ll go get her, it’s almost time for her shift to end anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she walked into the back, I heard her
shouting Julia’s name. A few moments later, she followed as Julia came out
wiping her hands on a towel, “Oh! Hi Daniel!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you know this guy?” The food handler
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I was working part time with him on a
computer project.” She looked back at me and asked, “Need a little more help?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A lot more, as in permanently helping with
data, you up for it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Seriously?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Seriously.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On, hell, yeah!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jules! What have I told you about that mouth!
When dirty stuff comes out, it leaves room for dirty stuff to get in!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, Maggie, I’ll try to remember.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, now get out of here and I don’t want
to you see back here unless it’s to eat. Got it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we were out of earshot, I said, “Wow, I
bet you’re glad to be done with her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh? No, no, she’s really nice to me. She
sounds all mean and everything, but she’s really sweet to us younger girls, and
as you noticed, really protective too.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you say so.” I had my doubts. “Okay, I
want you to go home, get cleaned up, and then come to my apartment. We’ll be
working out of there temporarily until Facilities has our office finished and
then we’ll move there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, is your wife going to be there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why? Did Maggie tell you to always have a
chaperone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smacked my arm and said, “No! It’s just,
all the kids in the Cadets idolize her and Sargent Monroe, I mean Lieutenant
Monroe. Your wife because we all heard about the mission to Denver and
Lieutenant Monroe because she looks out for the girls in the Cadets.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Cadets? I thought you were over
eighteen!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’m only seventeen, is that going to be
a problem with me working for you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, I don’t know, we’ll see. I really want
your expertise though.” We walked a little farther and then I said, “Where are
you staying?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s called the Old Workers’ Barracks for
some reason. A bunch of us girls live all together in a dormitory.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay, I used to live there once upon a
time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You did? You don’t seem to be all that
old.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t seem old enough to be living in
an old workers’ home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, Julia, why do you think it’s called the
old workers’ barracks?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well the people who were already there
called it that, so I sort of figured the old workers used to live there. I
mean, it seemed logical to me. This place isn’t very old, I figured they
wouldn’t call it that because it was old, so they must have put the old
workers’ in there so they have a place to live after they couldn’t work
anymore?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess that would sound reasonable to
some, but the reason it’s called that is because those barracks were where the
workers who built this place lived while it was under construction. Now the job
is finished, so most of them left and went back to their homes and that’s the
reason it’s called, the old workers’ barracks.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smacked the side of her head with the
palm of her hand, “Geez, I saw the flaws in the reasoning, but bought into it
anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always question presumed authority, Julia.
It can make life easier, but mostly it makes life more interesting.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I guess so, I’ll see you at your
place, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure thing.” She trotted away as I smiled
to myself; she was extremely smart when it came to computers, but she was a bit
naïve, like me, in other ways.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went home also and when I walked into the
apartment, Debra waved me to her with her index finger over her lips. I leaned
down and whispered, “What’s up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled my ear close to her lips and
said, “Danni came in a few minutes ago with two duffle bags. She said she
wanted to talk to you when you got home; she’s in the bedroom.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, gave her a brief kiss and then
went to the bedroom door and lightly knocked. “Danni? Debra said you want to
talk to me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come in, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door and after peeking past its
edge I walked in, “What can I do for you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was sitting on the edge of the bed with
her back straight and her knees pressed together; on her lap was an OCP camo
battle jacket that was folded neatly. I could see a name tag that read SMITH.
She pulled the shirt up and after pressing it to her chest for a moment, she
held it out to me, “Dan and you are, were, the same sizes. I couldn’t stand the
idea of giving his cammies to Gilly to be altered for someone else, so I
brought them here, for you.” Her eyes were bloodshot and her nose was red.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Danni, no, you keep them; alter them
for yourself someday.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Dan would want you to have them, he
really would. He had a really good set that were almost new he was going to
give you when you eventually went Ranger; he always said you would someday. I
already went by and told Gilly you wouldn’t need her to alter any clothes for
you; I told her I was giving you Danny’s.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tapped a duffel bag with the toe of her
boot and said, “This is all his clothes, his uniforms. There are seven sets of
blouse and trousers. There’s also some spare OCP pouches, a rigger’s belt,
holster, mag pouches and such for a duty belt. He wore his Glock on the front
of his vest, so, it’s gone now. When he went down, I grabbed the first thing
handy to try and drag him to cover. It was that hatchet you brought him from
Home Depot in Las Cruces; god he loved that thing. The way he had it attached
wasn’t very good though and it ripped off his belt. I knew he really liked it,
so I stuffed it down in my vest. Then I tried to pull him again, but he was
already gone. It’s in the duffel too,” She looked up at me, “He would really
get a kick out of it if you carried it like he did. Did you know he would
practice throwing it at targets?” She laughed sadly, “He was terrible throwing
it, but every once in a while, it would stick in something and get him all
pumped up to keep practicing. There’s other stuff you can have too. His Kevlar
bump hat for his NVDs, but the NVDs are gone. He had them in his patrol pack
when…” She trailed off as she started to tremble. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a sound I was all too familiar with
and looked at the door as Debra came stumping in on one crutch, “Debra, what
are doing out of bed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My sister is in here grieving; no way am I
laying out there with my leg up in the air when she needs me.’ She tossed the
crutch on the bed and lowered herself down beside Danni with a little help from
me. Wrapping her arm around Danni’s shoulders, she said with emotion in her
voice, “Come here, Sweetie, I’ve got you, I’ll always have you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left them alone and after I walked out, I
could hear Debra talking softly to her. I wandered around the apartment a bit,
checked in the fridge for a snack and then walked next to the hospital bed with
the trapeze attached to it, that was when I smelled it, the roses and musky
cinnamon. It had to be some type of perfume. I filed it away with the intent to
ask Debra what it was called.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the table and opened the satchel
the computer and files that Packer had given me were in and started going
through the files. It was page after page of transcripts. Good lord, this was
going to be extremely boring. I immersed myself in it though and soon I was
startled to discover three voices in the living room instead of two in the
bedroom. I looked up and found Julia having an animated conversation with Debra
and Danni.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,” Danni said. “Look who just realized
the world existed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have shaded a little red because
Debra and Danni laughed a bit. Julia just looked back and forth between the
three of us and finally shrugged. “I need to moderate that somehow,” I said.
“If anyone ever decides to assassinate me, it will be entirely too easy for
them to sneak up on me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra snapped, “Don’t say that, never say
that!” Both Danni and Julia were startled by the outburst. She glanced around
and then said, “Sorry, I guess I’m feeling a little...”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “It’s my fault, if I wasn’t
constantly…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra cut her off, “No it isn’t, you get to
do that, it’s what we need when we are grieving.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shifted in my chair and said, “Yeah, well
I have a question. Normally I just sort of use scissors to trim my hair, but
Packer says he wants me looking more professional. Is there a barber shop
somewhere around the Hole?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “I know there’s a women’s hair
salon, but I never noticed a men’s barber. There must be one somewhere though.
Most of the guys around here are fairly well-groomed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So,” Danni said. “The Major wants your hair
high and tight, huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked out of the room and after a few
short minutes she returned with a set of electric hair clippers. “When I was
overseas, all the guys would ask me to cut their hair or shave their heads, I
got pretty good at it and always cut Danny’s hair when he needed it.” She
tossed me a towel and said, “Take off your shirt and when I’m done, you should
take a shower. If you don’t, you’ll be itching like crazy tomorrow.” I stood up
and stripped off the tee-shirt I was wearing and Danni said, “Wow, you’re
right, Debra, your husband is in great shape, Oo, la, la!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra laughed and said, “You can’t have him!
He’s mine!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia looked around a little wide-eyed and
finally said, “You guys are strange.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Danni laughed as I said, “Julia,
welcome to my world.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swung the towel around and settled it over
my shoulders before pinching it closed in front with my hand. Danni pushed my
head to one side and started cutting my hair off. I could hear Julia talking
softly to Debra and Debra answering her, but I couldn’t make out what they were
saying. Finally, Danni stepped away and gave me critical look and then nodded.
“Good,” she said. I started to remove the towel, but she said, “Not yet, I need
a soap and razor now.” Into the bathroom she went and then came out with a bowl
of semi-hot water. She dipped her hands in the water and used a bar of soap to
lather up before applying it to the sides and back of my head. “Debra?” She
said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Danni was applying the soap to my head,
she seemed to be working her fingers into my skin, “Your man is really tense
and the muscles in his neck and base of his skull are hard as rocks. Giving him
massages will be good therapy for your hand when that cast comes of.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was getting drowsy.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How bad is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve felt worse, but not by much.” I heard
the bed shifting around and then Danni rapidly said, “Get your ass back in that
bed and your leg in the sling!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will, but he’s been under a lot of stress
and I want to feel it for myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I felt it for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jerked upright as I realized I was almost
asleep, “Wha, what?’ I turned and looked at Debra and said, “Back in bed!
Julia, help her get that sling back on, please.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did as Danni dipped her hands in the
bowl of water, applied it to my head, and started using a razor to shave the
sides and back. When she was done, she used a wet washrag to remove the leftover
soap and then a small towel to dry my head off. She continued to massage my
neck through the towel and once again I started to get drowsy. “Relax Daniel,
that’s it, just relax and let it flow, flow with it Daniel…” And then she
placed one hand at the back of my head and the other under my chin before she
twisted my head; my neck, and my back cracked from the base of my skull to the
middle of my shoulder blades.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn, Danni!” Then I realized a lot of
tenseness I had been feeling was gone, just gone. “Oh, wow, that’s feeling
pretty good now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought it might.” She brushed the hair
from the towel onto the floor and then pointed to the bathroom, “I’ll bring you
a change of clothes, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped into the bathroom and looked at myself
in the mirror over the sink. Huh, not too bad, in fact, I kind of liked the
look. “Dan?” Danni was standing in the doorway with a set of OCP cammies, my
RAT boots, socks, underwear, and a brown tee-shirt. “After your shower, try
these on to make sure they fit. I’m pretty sure they will, but try them on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will,” I said, “Thank you.” I showered,
dried off and then dressed in the uniform. When I was done, I noticed that
Dan’s name tag had been removed and another one had been added in its place, TARN.
Over the other side from the name tag was an embroidered tag that said, Grant
County Rangers. When did that happen? In the center was the rank symbol, the
twin bars of a captain, black on a subdued background. I braced myself, and
then stepped into the hall and then the Living room. I simply stood there until
the girls noticed me, and then Danni stood to attention and saluted me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She has to, Honey,” Debra said. “You’re
both in uniform and she’s a junior officer; you should return her salute.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned the salute as Debra and Danni had
taught me, and Danni finished her own. “Wow, that was incredibly
uncomfortable.” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni laughed and said, “Yeah, it was for me
too after I put the Lieutenant’s bar on that the Major gave me. All my friends
and people I’ve served with over the past three years saluting me; I think some
of them purposely searched me out just to see me squirm.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia suddenly asked, “Was I supposed to
salute? You know, because I’m a Cadet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Danni said. “You’re not in uniform,
but when you are, then, yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t have a uniform,” she said. “Just
that poncho thing they call a smock.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is your uniform,” Danni said.
“Eventually, even the Rangers will be wearing them as our uniforms get old and
wear out. Some of the newer Rangers are already wearing them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay.” Then she looked at me and said,
“When we are working on the computers and looking at the transcripts, am I
supposed to wear my uniform since I’m working for you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh…” I had no idea.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” Danni said. “You’re only a Cadet, but
you are working in an official capacity for the Rangers and the Militia.” She
thought about it for a moment and then said to all of us in general, “I need to
incorporate lessons on military bearing and protocol for the cadets early in
their training cycle to relieve any nervousness concerning what they should do
and when they should do it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I said. “I’m constantly worried I’m
going to, unknowingly, step on someone’s toes.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Debra said, “I guess I’ll get used to
the short hair on you, but I always liked having my fingers in there; it made
for a great handhold when…” She stuttered to a stop as she glanced at Julia.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Geez, Lieutenant Tarn, I’m not a child, you
know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked a little longer and then I called
Julia to the table where we sat and I started explaining what I wanted her to
do. I gave her my old lap top to use and said I wanted her to start copying the
radio transmission transcripts into it with the intent of being able to eventually
use queries to establish correlations in reports.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, and then said, “Okay, I don’t
mind doing this, but wouldn’t it be better to hire some data entry people to do
it? It would probably go a lot faster and allow you and I more time to actually
look for the correlations you want to find.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From her bed, Debra said, “Bingo!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at her and saw she was rapidly
scribbling on a pad of paper, then I looked back to the transcript I was
looking through and asked, “Babe, what’s the name of the perfume you wear?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scribbling never ceased as she answered,
“I don’t wear perfume, Honey, you know that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia stopped what she was doing and asked,
“You don’t? Why not?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra stopped writing and looked at her,
“There are two reasons: One, when you are on a combat patrol, scouting,
tracking, or any activity that might require stealth, you do not want to give
yourself away with the artificial scents you might be wearing. Two, and the
most important to me, my husband says he prefers my natural scent to something
store bought. At first, I thought he was just being sweet and complimentary,
but now, I’ve come to believe he truly does love my natural scent.” Then she
looked at me and asked, “Why are you asking, Honey?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Earlier, when I was talking to Morgan, he
asked the name of the perfume you used because he liked it and wanted to,
someday, get the same for his wife.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I don’t use…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but he said something interesting;
he said the perfume smelled like roses and sometimes sort of rosy with a hint
of musky cinnamon combined.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s nuts,” she said as she frowned.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni rose from her seat on the couch and
leaned over Debra as she sniffed Debra’s tee-shirt. Then she said, “Nope,
nothing, all I can smell is Debbie.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought he was off-base too, but when the
two of you were in the bedroom earlier, I could actually smell you from your
sheets and realized he was right, it was roses and cinnamon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ewww, you were sniffing your wife’s dirty
sheets?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Julia and said, “What? Of course
not! All I had to do was stand close…” I realized the impish grin from Julia
was for my discomfort. “God, not another one.” I turned my attention back to
the report I was retyping into the computer.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never mind, it’s not important anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Debra said, “Julia, would you mind
coming here for a minute?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia did, and as I watched, Debra pulled
her tee-shirt out from her body and said, “Take a sniff, do you mind?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia leaned down and audibly sniffed, then
did it again before straightening up and saying, “No roses and no cinnamon,
just a lady smell.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel? Come here please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said, “I’m busy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey, please? This scent thing has really
got me thinking.” I stopped and looked up at her and realized she was serious.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up and walked over to her, “What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled the tee-shirt out and said,
“Please? Sniff it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please? It might be important somehow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sighed, but did as she asked, before
standing back up.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well?” Danni and Julia were closely
watching me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roses, definitely, but there’s still a hint
of cinnamon mixed in, though not as strong as when, uh, as when…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s alright, we’ll talk more later.” She
reached out and grasping my wrist, brought it to her face and sniffed, then she
motioned to Danni, who did the same. Debra said, “When I smell Daniel, he has a
distinct scent that has a strong effect on me. What do you smell, Danni?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni
shrugged and asked, “Am I supposed to smell something? He just got out of the
shower.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “Danni, could I get you to drive
me over to talk to Sara?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked puzzled and said “Now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, now.” She looked at the clock on the
wall and said, “Julia, didn’t you say earlier that you were going to meet some
friends at the cafeteria at 4:30?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia looked at the clock as well, “Yeah,
it’s starting to get close.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra invited her to leave by saying, “You
can come with us and we’ll drop you off, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia looked at me and asked, “Is that okay?
Are we done for the day?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, go ahead, I’m going to go over to the
new office and see if Facilities has gotten anything done yet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni helped Debra to the bedroom and when they
came out, Debra had changed into sweats, a tank top and sandals. She used the
crutch to get out to the cart and then the three of them drove away. I glanced
at all the papers on the table with the computers, then walked out, locked the
front door and headed to the future home of the Intelligence Office.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The raised computer floor was neatly stacked
outside and when I entered, there were at least six workers hustling around.
Morgan was helping one of the foremen snap lines on the bare concrete floor. I
walked up and said, “Wow, you guys hit the deck running, didn’t you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morgan looked up and smiled, “Do you know
how long it’s been since I actually worked on a project? I’m actually enjoying
myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Glad I could entertain you. I was thinking,
we need this quick, so how about we skip flooring and just patch the concrete
and seal it.?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds good; we’re almost out of carpet
anyway. How about some area rugs?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and said, “Naw, those things
are forever tripping people, let’s go with bare concrete.” I looked up and
asked, “Secure comm lines and phone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have them scheduled for tomorrow. What
about the restrooms and… Whoa! What happened to your hair!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed, “The Major decided I had to up my
professional appearance, so high and tight it is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me critically and then said,
“Well, it’s not my cup of tea, but shit, you make it look good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Danni likes it I think, but Debra
hasn’t fully got on board yet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Any way, the restrooms and the kitchenette;
the restrooms were originally laid out, back-to-back and in the rear of the
space. If we leave them as is, we can significantly shorten the remodel time;
sound good?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, they were separated from storage and
the kitchenette by a hall, but it takes up floor space. Let’s delete that hall
and it will give us another, what, maybe 60 square feet of open floor space?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, that was all wasted before. I assume
you’ll need a private office?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I want it to double as a
conference room and I’d like some windows in it, so I can see the main office
floor space.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, we’ve got some fairly large windows in
the boneyard we can repurpose.” He looked around and asked, “I assume you want
to keep the Tee Bar ceilings with the walls just to the Tee Bar?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I’ll need sound bats above the
conference room and my office for security. Oh, and blinds, to close off the
conference room.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Got it. What about furniture?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A desk for me in the office, nothing fancy,
but utilitarian and comm capable. A reception desk with phone hookup and comms,
uh, and give me three more desks for data entry, all comm ready as well.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just three data entry? You have a lot of
space for more.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Three for now, but I may need more down the
road, so put the desks closer to the front, so we can add behind them if
needed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Paint?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Neutral flat colors, like, uh,” then I
glanced down, pulled the front of my jacket forward, and said, “Match the base
color of this, and trim in the next most used contrasting color as long as it’s
not black.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at the cammie pattern and said,
“Probably have to be mixed in the paint department, that okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, of course.” I thought for a moment and
then said, “Security, this room must be well-secured.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be. I’ve got video cameras,
electronic locks, keypad entrance, the works. I guarantee you’ll be good to go
from the start. Hey, you want a print reader? I’ve got one on a shelf taking up
space.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds good,” I said. I gave it one more
look over and said, “Fire sprinklers look good as is, if the conference room is
placed…is that what the snap lines are for?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled, “Yeah, Perkins came over and told
us where to add the walls for the office so we had coverage inside and
outside.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The heads that are in the hall we are
taking out, any conflicts?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, the ones in the hall to the restrooms
were too close to the ones in the storage area once we took the wall down.
Perkins already plugged them off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s a good man, he’ll do well for you.” I
nodded and asked, “Projected time until you’re finished?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re pushing this one hard for you, Dan,
four days max, but you’ll be in here with the paint drying.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn, Morgan, outstanding!” I looked around
one last time and then said, “Well, I have work of my own and I need to run by
Dak Sorensen’s office and see if I can procure some employees; I’ll see you later,
okay?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You bet!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left, but as I did, I saw the front door
of my apartment was partially open, what the hell? I locked the door; I know I
did! The computers and the files were on the dining table! I ran to the door
and burst inside to find Maria, sitting at the table and sewing a patch onto
the back of an OCP Patrol Cap. The files had been pushed to one side and a
sewing box was sitting where they had.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Daniel, I came to fix dinner for
you, Debra, and Danni, but everyone was gone, so I used the key Debra gave me
to open the door.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I saw the door open and…I forgot you
had a key. What are you doing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni called and said you might need to go
somewhere and if you did, you would need this hat. She told me where the
patches were for it and asked if I would sew them on for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, thank you, Maria. The problem is,
I’m not sure when I’m supposed to wear it and when I’m not.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s okay, she told me what to tell you.
Danni says, you wear your cover, that is what she says it is called, you wear
your cover outside always, but the women may wear a bandana that matches their
uniform if it is used to restrain their hair, then they do not need a hat type
cover. The places you do not wear it is indoors, but then she says, when you
are in the Hole, you wear your hat, I mean your cover, when you are outside of
rooms, like in places to go from one room to another. Women may wear their
cover if it is a bandana in the rooms and in the cafeteria, but men cannot wear
their cover in the cafeteria. But she says if you are armed and fighting or
acting as a guard with a gun, you wear your cover always, unless you are in the
cafeteria eating.” She hesitated and then said, “I hope I repeated that
correctly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “So do I.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll finish the hat for you while the
potatoes are boiling. Will Debra and Danni be back soon?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honestly, I don’t even know what they are
doing. They said they needed to speak with Sara Gupta about something.” I
looked at the papers she had moved on the table and asked, “Maria, did you read
any of these papers?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I just moved them over a little, but I
was careful not to stack them with each other, I hope that is okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suppose, but please, if you come again
and…never mind, I’ll be careful not to leave my stuff laying around, and in the
way, in the future.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” she said with a smile. “You are
learning not to add to a woman’s work. Debra will appreciate that when she has
a house full of little ones.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While she was talking, I gathered the papers
together and slipped them into the satchel. Then I placed the new computer in
with the papers. Walking into the bedroom, I gathered up my black utility belt
and placed it around my waist. Then I slipped my Ruger and two spare magazines
in the holster and mag pouches. When I walked back out, she handed me the
finished patrol cap, cover. “Maria, I have to go see Dak Sorensen, so if the
girls come home before me, would you tell them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, congratulations for being an
officer. Now Debra can look up to her man as a woman should.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Maria, but Debra doesn’t need to
look up to me, we always look eye-to-eye.” I walked out and started for Dak’s
office at a fast pace; I hoped he was still there.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived at a little after five, his
receptionist was gone, but I could see him through the window of his office. I
tapped on it and he looked up, put a surprised expression on his face and waved
me in. “Dan! I almost didn’t recognize you!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I guess I look a little different
now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can say that again. Felicia said you
were getting promoted, but from Militia Ox, to Ranger Captain? Holy shit, I
didn’t see that coming.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed, “You’re not the only one. Anyway,
I need your help.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, what’s up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need three data entry people and one of
them, at least, needs to work as a receptionist. Do you have anyone that fits
the requirements available?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What will be their duties?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They need to be able to copy written, or
printed, information into a computer, so it can be correlated at a later date.
There is a crap ton of information that needs to be copied and it looks like a
lot to be done on a weekly basis.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, so you’ll need people who can type
fast and do it accurately.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, Daniel, what you are asking
for is in high demand. What kind of incentive can I give someone who might be
interested?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Contributing to the future safety of the
Hole? They will be working in the Intelligence Office and one of the things we
will be looking for is clues and hints of future attacks.” I thought for a
moment and added, “How about membership in the Rangers, or Militia, as an
Intelligence Analyst.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “You know, some people
really buy into a good job title, that just might work, plus they get to
fulfill their Militia obligation without crawling in the mud.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you think you can get me a few?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t know until I try, but it sounds
promising. What about office stuff, chairs, desks, computers, anything like
that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but that’s going to come through
Morgan, so be ready for him to come calling.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, so when are we getting together
again? Fel says she misses the card games.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell her to get together with the girls and
see what they can work out. I’ll be there for sure if I’m not on duty.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good enough, anything else?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think so, but I could use those
people pretty quick.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Five days, maybe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whew, that’s going to be tough, but I’ll
see what I can do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and reached across his desk to
shake hands, “Thanks, Dak, I’ll be seeing you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Count on it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hustled back to the apartment and saw the
cart was back. When I entered, Debra was back in the bed with her leg up and
looking a little pale. “Over did it, didn’t you?” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and said, “Yeah, I think so, but
I thought it might be important.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, so, why was it important to see
Sara?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The smell thing, my scent, your scent, the
way both of us respond to the scent of each other.” She looked a little dubious
and then asked, “When was the first time you noticed you liked the way I
smelled?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t too long after I met you. The
first night we made love, right here in this apartment, I really started
getting into it, but the day Danni and I came for you at the Child Care Center
after we had been separated? That was when it really hit me. Do you remember
when we had to climb that ladder and I was close to you, to support you so you
wouldn’t fall?” She nodded. “I think that was when it really hit me hard. When
we were climbing, it was all I could do to not put my hands all over you. You
were intoxicating in the close space we were in. Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s when I noticed your scent, in the
crawlspace of the ladder. I wanted you so bad. It was like…I don’t know.” She
seemed really nervous and withdrawn.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it, Babe, what’s wrong?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sara thinks…maybe…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started rushing her explanation while
she stared at her hands as she knotted her fingers together in her lap, “Sara
thinks the scent might be a symptom of the blue shit we were contaminated with.
She thinks the chemical, or whatever it was, is what causes us to be so
strongly attracted to each other. That blue shit might be the reason we got
back together, maybe we don’t really love each other, maybe what we feel is
some sort of chemically induced sexual euphoria, maybe you don’t want me, not
really. What if it wears off? Will you suddenly wake up some morning and
realize I’m not the one for you? What if…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra! Stop it! Stop it now!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But…” She was starting to cry. “I can’t
lose you, I can’t!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are not going to lose me, Debra. I am
here for the duration. Let’s say, just for the sake of the argument, that the
blue spray is what makes me crazy for your scent. I was head over heels in love
with you before we were contaminated, remember? You told me the same thing; you
were in love with me before you were contaminated. Right?” She nodded. “Let’s
say the blue spray made us more attracted to each other, okay, so there is
another reason for our intensity, but the intensity was there before the blue
shit was. Does it seem to make us more aware of each other? Possibly, but I was
already aware of you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told you things about me I never told
anyone before, the things I did and liked, the things I was so ashamed of, but
now I want you to do those things to me. I’m not afraid you’ll hurt me, I want
to do those things for you, is the blue shit the reason? Is it making me want
to do those things?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want you to calm down, Babe, calm down,
listen to me, okay?” She nodded again as tears ran down her cheeks. “If you
need to, in order to reassure yourself, we will stop everything…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nooo, no!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hush, listen, I’m not leaving because all
of a sudden you’re afraid the only reason I want you is because of that damn
blue crap. I wanted you before, I want you now, I’ll want you tomorrow, but if
it will prove to you I don’t need you to be wild and sexual in a chemically
induced way, then let’s stop for a while, so you can see I’m not going to
leave. Answer me this, you didn’t tell me your past until after we were
contaminated, we both know that, but did you have fantasies about me doing
those things to you before?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded her head again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You wanted me to do things to you before we
were contaminated, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What has changed, Babe? Nothing. That is
what has changed. Nothing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I’m scared, Daniel; I’m really scared.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What if another woman comes along that was
contaminated, what if you decide you want her more than me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me ask you this, what if another man
comes along that was contaminated and you decide you want him more than me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never! I’m yours! I belong to you and only
you!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know that, Debra, I know you are mine. I
know the blue shit won’t make you want another man. Do you want to know why, I
know that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because it is obvious, that Morgan was
contaminated somehow. He can smell your scent the same way I can, but you don’t
want him, do you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And he doesn’t want you, he wants your
perfume for his wife. He wants your scent for his wife. He wants his wife and
no one else.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gasped, “Oh my god, you’re right! He’s never
even gotten fresh with me; he’s always really polite to me and the rest of the
women!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you see, it doesn’t turn people into
whores; it enhances the desire you have for the person you want.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached up and pulled my face to hers
and gave me another frantic kiss. The whole time we had been talking, all I
could smell around her was roses, now the scent of cinnamon was over-powering.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, what do I smell like?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A whole lot of cinnamon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, roses are sweet demur wife, and cinnamon
is…?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take a guess.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at the clock and said, “I told
Danni I needed to have a long talk with you; she said she would be back at
nine. We have three hours.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maria?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told her to stay home because we needed a
husband and wife talk, but screw talking, we have three hours alone and that
new haircut of yours is driving me to distraction!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little after nine, the front door cracked
open and Danni said, “It’s me, is it okay to come in?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra loudly said, “Yeah, it’s okay.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door opened fully and Danni walked in as
she looked us over. “I’m guessing everything is all worked out?” I was sitting
on the edge of the bed where I had been while Debra and I talked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled and said, “Yeah, everything is
good. I’m going to call Sara in the morning and tell her what Daniel and I
figured out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I assume you decided there was nothing to
worry about, just like Sara and I told you the whole time you were getting
upset?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” she answered. “I know; I guess I
sort of panicked a bit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A bit? Is that what you’re calling it?”
Danni shook her head as she passed through to the bathroom. “I need to pee, be
right back.” We continued our discussion until Danni came out. “And?” She
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh,” Debra said. “We think the contaminant
might influence physical attraction, but it only seems to work with people who
are already attracted to someone. Daniel says Morgan describes my scent the
same way he does, but Morgan wants the perfume for his wife and not me. See
what I’m saying?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stared at us for a few moments and
then said, “I’m not real sure I agree with you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned and asked, “Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked Debra, “Debbie, the night of the
blow-up at the dance, you had every one of those five guys eating out of your
hand. Don’t you think maybe the way you were able to influence all of them as
strongly as you did, might be connected with their probable exposure to the
contaminant? Remember how easy it was to lead the first guy to the Projection
Room?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, yeah, but I didn’t feel the same way
about them.” She looked at me and then said, “I was turned on by the dancing,
not by them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, Babe, but Danni has a point.
Remember I told you I could smell you all the way from the other side of the
table when I got there? They were dancing with you, they were sitting at the
table with you, I’m concerned about what may have happened if you would have
been alone with them somewhere. The fake Marine that died? He reacted very
strongly and in a very possessive manner because he considered me a threat to
the possession of you and probably because of your scent.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, so some people might be drawn to people
who are not receptive to…” She trailed off.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” Danni asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited as I watched Debra going through a
thought process until, finally, I said, “Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That fucking Stella Morrison! I bet that
cunt was contaminated and now she has the hots for you!” She punctuated the
‘you’ with a stab of her finger in my direction.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t you ‘babe’ me, Mister Oh yeah, I got
shot! That bitch has tried to undermine our relationship from the very start!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked shocked and said, “Debbie! It’s
not Daniel’s fault! He didn’t contaminate her and he certainately didn’t
encourage her!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t say that!” She snapped.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confused I said, “Debra, I don’t
understand.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra grabbed her hair and yanked on it,
“Gahhh!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni
shouted, “Debbie! Stop it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t understand!” She whined.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I untangled her fingers from her hair and
said, “Then maybe you should explain, why you’re so upset?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How can I hate that bitch if it’s not her
fault! It’s that damn blue shit!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good grief. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni started laughing as Debra said in a
low dangerous tone, “It’s not funny, Danni Lynn.” Danni started laughing
harder. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was struggling to hold my own laughter in
as I said, “Well, what do we do now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra covered her face with her hands and
said, “I don’t know, I still want to kill her, but if she’s under the influence
of drugs…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Has Sara and Felicia come up with a test
yet?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded and said, “Yeah, but they’re
trying to fine tune it; they think it’s only 60% accurate.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, no.” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head, then leaned back and
rested her head on her pillow. “You okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Headache.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll get you some Tylenol.” I went to the
bathroom and opened the medicine cabinet, removed two of the tablets and took
them back to her. “Here, take these.” She put them in her mouth and drank water
from a bottle. “Do you need to get to the restroom for a…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I skipped my period last month and it
looks like again this month. I still get the headaches though.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You mean, you’re pregnant?” I asked as my
hopes began to climb. We weren’t trying, but an accident would be welcome.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook her head as she said, “No, Doctor
Horne says I probably missed because I was so fit. I guess a lot of women
athletes drop their period because their fat level is so low. Now, this month,
nine days of no food and only water, so I’m still extra lean.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She closed her eyes and was asleep almost
immediately.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni shook her head as she placed the back
of her hand against Debra’s forehead. Then she whispered, “So, she still gets
the fever when she starts her period?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, what the hell does she do when she’s
in the field? She can’t just lay down and go to sleep when she’s on patrol.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She pushes through it, just like every
other woman in the world does.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and said, “I’m glad I’m a
guy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni smiled and said, “So is Debbie.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, more damage was done to Debra’s
knee than previously thought. It was three weeks before she could get around
without a brace and I ended up cutting down the cane I had used when my leg was
broken for her to use. She returned to duty instructing the Snipers, and
assisting Banner training Trackers. Danni organized the Cadet and Militia
training to fit around the school that Stella Morrison put together for the
Cadets. Unfortunately, because Danni and Stella were required to work together
on occasion, they had a tendency to butt heads because of Stella’s past
actions. Danni and I began to avoid the topic of Stella when we could, but
sometimes there was no way. Sometimes Debra would become unreasonably angry,
and others times unreasonably sad. It was a toss-up which it would be.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Sara and Felicia finished their work
on the test and announced it was foolproof. Debra and I volunteered to be
tested even though we were certain we had been exposed, we were tested and the
proof was provided; yes, we had been contaminated. Felicia, as Governor,
ordered all personnel in the Hole to be tested and there were some surprising
results. Rich and Nadia both tested positive, but neither one described
symptoms involving smell from each other. Morgan tested positive; his wife did
not, and even though he could smell Debra’s scent, he said he only had desire
for his wife. The results from the testing didn’t seem to point positively to
any one result from exposure, but Sara thought it was imperative that Stella be
tested and invited Debra to attend the session. I think Sara thought it might
be beneficial if Debra knew Stella’s actions were from contamination. All of us
were sure that she had been exposed because of her actions in regards to me and
frankly, we thought Debra would ease off on the hatred thing if she found out
it really wasn’t Stella’s fault.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara had asked Danni and Nadia to be present
when the test was done because she knew Debra was going to be there, but when
Debra walked into the lab, Stella refused the test.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, and I’m not taking the test as long as,
SHE, is present!” She stared at Debra and said, “I’ve heard the rumors; the
threats you’ve made, and I don’t have to perform the test, period! You are
simply searching for a reason to banish me from the Hole because of your
unreasonable jealousy of me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni told her, “If you show positive, you
won’t be banished, Stella, it will just explain some of your actions and make
life around here a little less dangerous for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you telling me that you support this,
woman? You and Captain Tarn are good friends, am I right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You actually share an apartment with Daniel
and, HER, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni calmly said, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then you are fully aware of how she leads
him around by his penis! The man deserves more respect than to be treated as a
sex toy!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra released a low growl from her throat
and then said, “Slander me all you want, Stella, but be very careful what you
say about my, husband.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oooo, the little peacock has her feathers
ruffled! You know what? I don’t care! Eventually, he’ll get tired of the sexual
submission and look for someone that can carry on a conversation that isn’t
comprised of, OH! FUCK ME, BOY TOY!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shifted her cane from her left hand to
her cast covered right, stepped towards Stella with her left foot and punched
Stella in the center of her face. Stella stumbled back several steps and then
collapsed unconscious as Nadia rushed forward and stopped Stella’s head from
bouncing on the floor. Nadia looked up and said, “Wow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara was standing frozen next to her desk
with a syringe in her hand and wide-open eyes as she stared at Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sara?” Debra said without taking her eyes
from Stella.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara squeaked, “Yes?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Blood sample, now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, oh, okay!” She kneeled beside Stella,
wrapped a tube around her arm and snugged it up. Inserted the sample syringe,
released the tube, and drew the syringe full of blood. She withdrew the needle
and scrubbed Stella’s arm with an alcohol wipe. Turning to a centrifuge, she
injected the blood sample into a different vial, placed the vial in a vertical
position and then crossed her arms as she settled against the lab bench.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are we doing?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The sample has to set for ten to fifteen
minutes before we can put it in the centrifuge.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll add a clotting agent and then put the
sample in the centrifuge to spin for another ten minutes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is going to take while, isn’t it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but after we separate the red blood
cells out, we’ll draw out the clear fluid and add the testing agent to what we
withdrew.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And then? How long till we know?” Debra
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Once we add the agent and mix it, it’s
never taken more than sixty seconds for a positive, or negative, result.” Sara
waited a moment and said, “You only hit her once, just one time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shrugged and said, “If you’re going to
talk shit about a woman’s man, it’s best to learn how to take it on the chin,
first.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind them, Danni said, “Nadia, give me a
hand, we’ll put Stella in the resting room.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra glanced over her shoulder and said,
“Keep her handy though, I want to deliver the results to her personally.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they were dragging Stella out, Felicia
walked in, “Okay, so Stella tested negative?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni shook her head and said, “Naw, Stella
couldn’t stop shooting her mouth off, Debra warned her and then, POP!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia shook her head as she began to help
Danni and Nadia, “I’m not surprised, if there was someone else who could run
the Education Office, they would be. Let’s just say Stella can be rather
abrasive.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra tuned back to Sara, “How much longer?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Amazing how slowly time passes when you
watch the clock.” She glanced at Debra and asked, “Did you ever want to do that
to me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled at her and said, “This machine,
it separates the different components of the blood, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.” She sighed and added, “You did want
to hit me; I guess I can’t blame you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was then, this is now. Besides, it all
worked out in the end, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara smiled and said, “Yes, it did. I never
imagined I could feel about a man the way I feel about Theodore.” She paused
and said, “I’m pregnant.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are? Ah, hell, Sara! That’s great!” She
grabbed Sara in a hug and squeezed her. “Are you the first in the Hole?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think so.” She looked a little
uncomfortable and then added, “I haven’t told Theodore yet.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why? I’ve gotten to know Ted pretty well
and I can guarantee you he’s going to be one proud Papa.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you know, it’s one thing to be in
love with a woman as dark as me, but maybe another to know your child is going
to be…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa, hold it right there! I know Ted, and
that is never going to cross his mind, so forget that shit right now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He doesn’t seem to care…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He doesn’t. I understand how you feel
though, it bothered me when I found out my Dad wasn’t my real dad.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you told Daniel? That you weren’t
entirely Anglo?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I did and it was during the worst
fight we ever had.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re still together, so he doesn’t care?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, and neither do I. You know, he told me
once that if he had met you before me, he would have dated you; he thought you
were beautiful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He
told me something similar, but then he said he wouldn’t have for very long
because of my attitudes.” She paused and added, “Thank you, for letting me
prove myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like I said before, that was then, this is
now.” She pointed at the centrifuge and asked, “Is that thing done yet?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara turned it off and said, “Yes, now we
add the testing agent.” She removed the vial, inserted a syringe, and then
injected the clear fluid into another vial. Reaching for a small bottle, she
withdrew an eyedropper and held it over the vial as she counted two drops into
the vial. Then she swirled it around as she held it to the overhead light.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If it stays clear, the test is negative; if
it starts turning a light lavender, the result is positive.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra waited as Danni, Nadia, and Felicia
joined them. They all kept staring at the vial until Sara said, “Negative, she
hasn’t been contaminated.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled and said, “So, she didn’t do
the shit she did because of that blue crap. She did it because she is a
mercenary bitch; good, her ass is mine!” She turned and started for the resting
room, but then she saw through the window the room was empty. She turned around
and asked, “Where the fuck is she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, Debbie,” Felicia said. “You didn’t
really think I was going to just give her to you, did you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Felicia, after what she tried to pull…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie, if I let you have her, there would
be a lot of trouble afterwards. Trouble that would eventually have an effect on
Daniel. Is that what you really want?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, no, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then let it go, Stella has never been
punched in the face before and I think you left a mark on her face and a more
important one on her ego. I don’t think she will be a problem anymore.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think so.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Alright, but if she so much as smiles at Daniel…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We know,” Danni said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak was able to convince the three people I
needed, to commit to the Intelligence Office and eventually it began humming
along nicely. Pina Calada, don’t ask, she’s sensitive about her name, became
our office manager and receptionist when she wasn’t inputting data. Mike
Spencer and Carol Parker work almost entirely at data input. Calada is the
matriarch of the office at almost forty, but doesn’t look the part. She
actually dresses like a sixties Hippy; she even wears rose tinted glasses.
Carol Parker looks like she’s about to bolt and run all the time, there’s a
story there, or not, she doesn’t talk much and volunteers nothing. Mike talks
incessantly and seems to be enthralled with Carol. He’s spindly in appearance
except for a pronounced pot belly and I’ve had to remind him a couple of times
it might be healthy if he bathed a little more often. Other than that, he seems
to be a nice guy and like the women, his fingers fly on the keyboard. It amazes
me he can talk about, whatever, while he’s typing about something else. Carol
was taught to look at the people talking to her as a show of politeness, so
Mike’s constant jabbering was slowing her down at first, but then she would just
put headphones on so she could ignore him. I wondered what she was listening to
as she worked and once, while she was in the lady’s room, I picked the
headphones up and listened, white noise, you know, the sound radios make when
they aren’t on a broadcasting channel? I have a pretty strange office staff,
but they’re good though.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, the office staff would leave every
day for lunch at the cafeteria, but then we would just have it delivered, or
they brown bagged it. When Debra was busy, Maria would bring my lunch and sit
with me in my office while I ate, but Julia caught on to what was going on and
now acts like the older sister and rides me about eating. We finally stopped
ordering from the cafeteria or bringing lunches when Maria started cooking for
the office. It’s kind of funny watching everyone staring at the clock as
mealtime approaches while wondering what Maria is going to surprise them with
each day. Maria should have owned a restaurant; she would have been famous and
rich.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We caught up with the flow of information
from the Communications Room and now I only have Pina and Carol transcribing
when it is delivered to us. Mike, spends most of his time doing what Julia and
I do, perusing the net and looking for connections between radio traffic and
what we pull out. We’ve already provided Packer and Ortiz with some interesting
stuff, but we still haven’t found anything that might lead us in the direction
of identifying who might be passing information to the ZPG people. That worries
me, a lot. I’ve already lost one of the best friends I ever had and I almost
lost my wife because of someone passing on intel about our activities. We need
to find that son-of-a-bitch.</span></p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-40643120297327022002021-05-03T00:06:00.001-07:002021-06-10T08:47:18.001-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 21<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
21</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still not real keen on dancing; I always
feel sort of clumsy and off-beat. I noticed early on when we practiced dancing,
Debra started wearing her combat boots with the hard fiber toe protection; I
guess she couldn’t handle her toes being stepped on so many times. She even
moves sexy when she dances in boots, geez. She says I’m much better than I was
and I’m improving a lot, but there’s still the boots, so…</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good thing is, things between Debra and
I are better than they’ve ever been. I mean, they were good before, but now,
after she told me the things she did, about her early life, and she realized I
fully accepted who she was forced to be then and who she is now, it’s like a
huge weight has been lifted from her shoulders. I thought things were good
between us before, and they were, but now? God above, I love that woman.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer made a special trip to the apartment
to let me know what was happening with the fake Holloman guys. There were
originally five of them, three Airmen and two Marines, though there were only
four when I approached Debra’s table the night of the Ball. Debra danced with
all five of them, several times, during the evening and the one Airman who had
asked to be introduced to Debra was the first one they took prisoner. Debra did
take him to the projection room where Dan and Danni were waiting. The asshole
had actually tried to force his hand inside her dress as they entered and that
was the way her dress was damaged. Dan and Danni, with a great deal of
enthusiastic help from Debra, beat him into submission and cuffed him before
taking him to a room where he was detained.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the brawl, the Marine who was the last
to dance with Debra was taken to the infirmary because he kept blacking out. He
died before the next morning from a brain hemorrhage. I guess I hit him a
little too hard, or too many times on the tabletop; ask me if I care. Packer
notified Holloman and they sent a helo to take them into custody. After being
interrogated, the fake servicemen led a group of Air Security guys to where
they had disposed of the bodies of the men and women who were supposed to
attend the dance. The real Holloman people had fought back when they were
ambushed and the five men who arrived at our facility were the survivors of a
group of men that numbered fifteen. After the Airmen, who took them to the
location, saw how the bodies had been desecrated, the four survivors were
killed while trying to escape, at least that’s the Airmen’s’ story and they’re
sticking to it. Again, ask me if I care.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Major sent Lieutenant Bellows, yeah, he commands 2<sup>nd</sup> Platoon now,
with a squad to Denver, but they ended up in a fire fight with some troops
wearing something he called Lizard camouflage. Our guys inflicted heavy
casualties on the opposing force, but we took some hits also. Luckily it was
minor wounds. They are planning another operation to go after that ammo again.
Unfortunately, Packer was kicking around the idea of sending me on the next
trip to Denver. I don’t want to go; I feel like Debra and I still need some
time to work through some of our shit. Our shit? No, my shit. Sometimes, I have
nightmares about Debra dancing with other men and when Debra wakes me up, I
have to go for a walk to cool down. At first, she let me go alone, but then I
realized she would follow me to make sure I was okay.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time she followed me, I decided to
let her know, I knew, what she was doing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned a corner, and then slipped quickly
around another and waited for her to appear. I heard her as she rounded the
first turn, “Shit! Damn it, Daniel, where did you go?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped back around the corner and said,
“Right here, if you’re wondering where I’m going on these walks, why not walk
with me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, uh, hi, Honey, uh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Trying to discover who I’m slipping off to
meet?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No! Absolutely not! I mean…” Her face
turned a dark red as she squirmed, “I mean, well, yes, and no, I mean…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was already calmed down from the
nightmare, so I smiled and reached for her hand, “I’m playing with you, Babe,
but is there really some doubts in your mind? If there is, I’ll try and hang
out at the apartment instead of walking off the emotions.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t suspect your slipping off to
meet someone, but Nadia said she overheard someone mention you walking the
facility at night and that fucking Stella overheard the gossip and started
asking some rather pointed questions about where you walked and when.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When is she going to give that crap a
rest?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, you would be the catch of the year
for any woman, hell, as strict as I’ve always been about another woman’s man, I
wonder if I could resist the temptation.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You wouldn’t do it; I know that much about
you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked hand-in-hand as I steered us back
towards our apartment. She finally realized where I was leading her and said,
“Why don’t I go home and you continue your walk?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I was done anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, what are the bad dreams about?” She
looked up at me with sincere concern. “Everything is good between us, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, everything is good, it’s just
sometimes…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes, what?” She reached across and
started stroking the arm I was using to hold her hand, “It’s me isn’t it?
You’re having bad dreams about me, about my past. It must be, because when you
wake up you get really short with me, like you’re angry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked along silently as I tried to
formulate a way to express myself that wouldn’t hurt her feelings.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached up and grasped the hand she was
stroking my arm with and then kissed the inside of her wrist before I said, “I
love you, Babe, I truly do, but I can’t control what I dream about.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is my past, isn’t it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it’s not, so please don’t worry about
that. I keep having dreams about the Spring Ball, that guy you were dancing
with.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know what was really happening then; I
know you do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I do, but they’re dreams I can’t
control and they seem so real. Sometimes I wake up really out of sorts and I
want to confront you about what you did in the nightmare. I realize I was
dreaming, but the feelings are so raw and painful…” I trailed off in shame.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it I do? We can fix this; I know we
can.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, they are dreams, how can you fix
that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve had a lot of experience with
nightmares, Daniel, I really have. I found out that if I talked them out and
exposed them to the light, they faded away.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued to walk, but I remained silent.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, Daniel? Just try it once for me.
Let it out and if you get angry while you tell it, we’ll find a way to work
through it, alright? The dreams you are having are getting worse and you’re
starting to lose a lot of sleep. I worry about it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and blew out a breath, “Okay, but
believe me when I say, I know this is not about you, it’s about me, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, but remember how much I love you,
especially while you tell me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded again and after a moment of
reflection, I began, “It always starts at the Ball. I’m trying to find you and
the place is wall-to-wall people. I’m trying to push my way through the crowd,
but it’s really difficult and no one wants to get out of the way. Our friends
keep telling me they just saw you somewhere and I keep going the way they
point, but you’re never where they say you are. I start getting angry and start
shoving people as I shout your name, but the people I push just laugh at me. I
hear people saying, “Don’t worry, it’s just that crybaby bastard again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Daniel, I’m sor…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t, Babe, I know.” I walked a little
farther and resumed. “I finally find you at the table, but it’s not the men who
were there before; it’s one of them, the Marine, and the rest of the people are
our friends who have been pointing me in the wrong directions. When they see
me, they all start laughing and all of them point in different directions and
shout, ‘She went that way!’ The Marine slides his hand under your red dress and
starts playing with your breast as he says, ‘You can’t make her as happy as I
can.’ You laugh and squeeze his hand as you tell him to do it harder. He does
and you rip the front of your dress open and another man behind you starts
working on the other breast…that’s it. I usually wake up about then and all I
can remember is the look of pleasure on your face, but it’s not sexual
pleasure, you’re happy because you humiliated me in front of everyone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have I ever humiliated you, Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, not really.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me intently for a moment, and
then asked, “What do you mean, not really? Because that sounds like maybe I
have and if I did, I didn’t do it on purpose.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember the night at the Maniker’s when
you took The Dick down a notch or two after he mouthed off to me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, oh shit, Honey, I didn’t mean to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Forget it, Babe, he got what was coming to
him and I actually got a kick out of it.” We arrived at the apartment and went
inside.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hon, do you ever dream about doing things
like that to me? You know, humiliating me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was a quick and brief answer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was an easy answer to come up with, it’s
the truth.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The night of the Ball, after I, well, after
I threw my shoe at you and screamed at you, I was really aroused. I know there
must be something wrong with me because…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is nothing wrong with you, but why do
you think so?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It really hurt my feelings when you said
the things you said, but it also turned me on when you did it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? I’m sorry I said those things and
if I would have known your past I never…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, Daniel, I know and it makes me love
you more.” She looked away and said, “You know how I always tell you I would do
anything for you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” I was feeling a little concerned with
the direction the conversation was going.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s one thing that I really don’t want
to happen, something I hope you never ask me for.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then I won’t, tell me what it is and I
promise, it will never happen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know I have nightmares sometimes too.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I always feel so relieved when I wake up
with your arms around me and your soothing words.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wish I could do more; I wish I could stop
them for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled up at me and then the smile
slipped away, “I’m going to take my own advice to you; there are two different
nightmares I have. The first is, we are in a fire fight and I’m trying to find
you, so I can protect you, but I can’t. That one scares the shit out of me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It would me too, if I couldn’t find you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember you said we can’t control what we
dream about? Remember that, because my other nightmare might make you think I
don’t believe you love me, the way you say you do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned, but then nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re at a party and I’m really drunk. Then
all the other women are gone and you tell the men that are left that I’m going
to dance for them. I start dancing as I circle around the room; the men start
taking off my clothes and then…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never going to happen, Debra, never. That
dream is based on the shit that happened before me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell me you will never share me with other
men; I know you won’t, believe me, I know you won’t, but just say it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re mine, and only mine, and I will
never ask, or order, you to have sex with another man, or men. I swear it on
the love we share.” I kissed her lightly on the lips and with concern I asked,
“I remember the things you said you were forced to do, all of them; is there
anything else you don’t want me to ask for? Anything?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I will, willing, do whatever you want,
Daniel, and I don’t care what it is you want me to do, or what you want to do
to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do I feel like I just received the best
gift, ever?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you tired?” She asked as she smiled up
at me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but if you have nothing better to do,
maybe we could fool around a little?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was hoping you would say that! Come to
bed and maybe we can explore some possibilities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, that’s some of the ‘shit’ I need to
work through. I want her to understand that nothing she told me has changed the
way I feel about her. It never will. The only thing that bothers me is, I
wasn’t there when she needed me. I know, it sounds stupid; I didn’t even know
her then, or her circumstances, but somehow it seems like I failed her. I
failed the woman I love. I hope I never do.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer is going to send another squad to
Denver; this time it will be different though. The people he is sending are not
going with the primary purpose of finding the ammunition, they are going to
recon the opposing forces instead. He also wants to check and see if any of the
Air Force and Army bases there are still functioning. One of the bases he is
most concerned about is NORAD in Cheyenne Mountain. He thinks it may be wise to
know if anyone is monitoring the skies for missile attacks. I can see his
point, but it raises a distressing problem. He wants the recon team to have a
representative from the Air Force with them to ease contact if any can be made.
There’s only one ex-Air Force member among the Rangers, yeah, Debra. He wants
her to accompany the recon team. It makes sense, I know, especially after the
way she connected with Holloman, but still.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I volunteered to go, so they would have the
one person most likely to find the ammo laden railcar, but Packer says I’m
needed here for other things. He does want me to educate Debra on how to locate
the railcar if they have a chance to look for them. She shouldn’t be going; it
should be me; how can I protect her if I’m not there? I know it doesn’t make
sense, hell, she’s a better Ranger than I could ever be. Banner says she’s the
best tracker we have now, and Thomas believes she could have passed Scout
Sniper School in the Marines if given the chance. He’s been working with her
diligently to add to her skills. Several times, he has taken her out for days
at a time and led her through different scenarios. They even went down to
Silver City and reconned the town as if it was a war zone; which it is. The
epitome of live fire training. I tried to put my foot down on that one, but
Debra eagerly accepted the mission. When she came home, she said Thomas gave
her the best training she had ever received in urban warfare. He is constantly
bragging about her abilities and honestly? I started to get somewhat jealous of
the attention he showered on her. Then Debra told me something she said hardly
anyone knew about Thomas; he’s gay. I never would have believed it if Debra
hadn’t told me. She says he has a friend down in Accounting that he visits two,
maybe three times a week. She has met the man and she says he’s really sweet.
She wants to invite the two of them to our next get-together with our friends
and I said no problem.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her training with Thomas has added to the
gear she carries all the time now. Thomas taught her how to make a ghillie
drape, as Debra calls it. It’s a type of garment that has a hood and sleeves,
but no front torso cover. The back is long enough to cover her down to the back
of her knees, or a little higher if she is wearing a ruck. She also made a
ghillie cover for her pack; she took me into the woods and demonstrated how
effective the cover and drape could be and yeah, they work pretty damn well.
Both Banner and Thomas told her to make herself some ‘cat’s paws’ to wear over
the soles of her boots. Basically, they are just pattern cut pieces of
carpeting that are tied off to your boots and hide the impressions left by the
soles of your boots. As a kind of lark, together we constructed a complete set
for me also. In addition, she now carries a spotting scope, note pads, ect.,
but that crap adds up. Debra has a saying, ounces equal pounds and pounds equal
pain, so she relentlessly goes through her gear and deletes things she says she
doesn’t use enough to make it worth her while to carry. With all the strenuous
training, she’s lost most of her girly fat and now is sporting a six-pack
belly. That’s not all, her menstruation cycle has diminished also. I’ll be glad
when the training is over and she can return to a more normal life cycle;
sometimes she comes home so tired, she showers and goes straight to sleep. She
literally fell asleep while she was making love to me once; that will put a
real damper on your ego.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After she left for Denver, I couldn’t sleep
for more than two or three hours at a time. I’d wake up from nightmares and
walk myself tired enough to try and sleep again. I miss her terribly. Maria
Esteban is feeding me again, she says Debra warned her to keep an eye on me and
yeah, I haven’t been eating. Maria says I’m being disloyal to my wife’s concern
for me and sits with me while I eat. It’s a good recon team though and I know
they will watch out for her. Lieutenant Thomas is in command, yeah, another
raise in rank like Bellows, though unofficial until they return. Danni and Dan
are part of the team, as is Rick Charles as the medic. I know all of the other
five as well and I know each and every one of them will try to keep her as safe
as she will for them. Packer is estimating the mission to last no longer the
two-and-a-half weeks. If it lasts that long, it will be the longest Debra and I
have been separated, well, not counting the period of time after Gupta’s
picture, but you know what I mean. I gave her one of my tee-shirts in a large
ziplock bag to take with her and she left me her red dress. We danced long
enough for her perspiration to dampen the material and it lays folded beside me
every night.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long is this mission going to last? It’s
only been a week and I’m climbing the walls.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks, come on, Debra, time to come
home.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three weeks, something is wrong, I can feel
it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s left of the team is home. Out of the
ten who left, only three returned. Debra wasn’t one of them.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sleeping in the Marlow chair, the bed
in our apartment just felt too big with Debra gone. I woke to the phone ringing
and glanced at the wall clock; three in the morning. We were having trouble
with one of the pre-action sprinkler systems and I figured once again, it was
the reason someone was calling me so early in the day. I pulled myself up and
answered it. “Daniel Tarn.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, this is Gilly, you better come down
to the Bunker.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s going on, Gilly?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just come right away, we have news and
we’re waiting for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m on my way,” I said as I hung up. I had
been increasingly bugging Packer for any news about the recon and Debra, and
finally made him promise to notify me if he heard anything, right away, day or
night. I dressed and then ran, as in ran, to the Bunker. When I exited the main
thoroughfare and turned towards the Ranger Bunker, there were two armored
vehicles parked outside and I remembered the Air Security guys called them
Bearcats. Several Airmen were standing around, but I ran past and into the
Ready Room.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Major was talking to Thomas and Rick
Charles was sitting at one of the tables with two Airmen. Charles looked at me,
and hurriedly looked away as I slowed to a walk and approached Thomas.
“Lieutenant?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded to me, but held his tongue as
Packer said, “Daniel, they were ambushed again, and Debbie is missing, but
don’t jump to any conclusions, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked back at Thomas and said, “What
happened?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at Packer, and the Major nodded to
him. “Everything was going well; we didn’t see any signs of other troops
anywhere and we were even approached by some civilians who told us the Moroccans
and Libyans had withdrawn from Denver. We continued the recon and then visited
all of the Air Force Bases around Denver and Boulder. They were all abandoned.
Finally, closing in on two-and-a-half weeks, we agreed to go to the railyard
and see if we could locate the ammunition. Debbie said she was pretty sure she
could find it with the directions you gave us. That’s where we were ambushed. I
guess we got sloppy, I got sloppy. Once I recognized we were seriously
outnumbered, I gave the signal to break contact and head for our rally point.
Six of us reached the rally point and two of us were wounded. The problem was,
they were waiting for us. I don’t know how they could have known where the
rally point was, but they did. I lost another three killed there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who made it back?” The words barely escaped
my lips.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, Rick, and me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced around the room, but didn’t see
Danni anywhere. “Where’s Danni? She would have been close to Debra; I know she
would have been.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas nodded and said, “She was, her and
Dan both were. Dan went down when they opened fire on us in the railyard. Debra
shoved Danni down and under a boxcar before retuning fire. While she was firing
at the enemy, Danni tried to pull Dan in with her, but when she saw the extent
of his wounds, she stopped trying and returned fire also. It was about that
time I gave the signal to break contact, but Debbie was cut-off and began to
escape and evade in a different direction than the rest of us. After we
successfully broke contact, we could hear weapons fire in the distance that
finally subsided, but Debbie didn’t show up at the rally point. Dan, I don’t
know what happened to her, I don’t.” He looked on the verge of breaking down.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then asked, “So you didn’t see
her get hit? No one saw her go down?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, no one saw anything like that, but she
was involved with a running fight against a numerically superior force, I don’t
see how…the way the shooting stopped all at once…” He broke off and just shook
his head slowly.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was silent for a moment and then woodenly
asked again, “Where’s Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer cleared his throat and then said,
“Gilly has her in our apartment, Danni broke down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and started walking towards the
Packer’s apartment, but then stopped and looked back at the Major, “I’m going
with the rescue team, when will we be leaving?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At this point we have few options left to
us. They were waiting for us and until I can get some sort of grip on the
situation…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m bringing my wife home, one way, or
another.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and then said, “Danni needs a good
close friend right now, let’s tend the living first, then we’ll see if…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and quietly said, “You think
she’s dead,” My voice broke and I choked back the emotion threatening to
overwhelm me. “She’s not, not until I see her body.” I walked away and down the
hall to his apartment. At the open door, I paused and then stepped inside as
Gilly glanced up and then waved me forward. Danni was sitting on the edge of
couch, slowly rocking back and forth as she stared at the wall across from her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked forward and kneeled in front of
her, she didn’t even blink as I stared into her eyes, “Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finally blinked and it appeared she
seemed to focus on me, “Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, can I hold you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave a lethargic nod and I slid my arms
around her and gently tightened the embrace I started giving her. “He went down
as soon as they opened fire; he never had a chance.” I started sliding my hand up
and down her back. “Debbie pushed me under a boxcar and started shooting as I
tried to drag Dan under it with me.” I squeezed her again. “As I was pulling on
his arm, he was hit two more times, and then I saw what had happened to him to
begin with. The bullets hit him in the head and penetrated his Kevlar helmet.
The Kevlar was the only thing holding his head together.” I squeezed my eyes
shut as she shuddered and then she started talking faster. “I came out from
beneath the boxcar and started firing my weapon at them, then Thomas gave the
signal to break contact. There was so much automatic weapons fire, neither
Debbie, or I, could cross the open space to join the other. Debbie finally
screamed at me to go; she would meet me at the rally point. We both dropped and
rolled under the two boxcars, she went north and I went south towards the
others.” She got a haunted look in her eyes and said, “Daniel? I don’t know
what happened to her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drew back a little and then kissed her
forehead before saying, “I’m going to find out. Try and sleep, Danni, I’ll let
you know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and slowly lay down on the couch
and closed her eyes. I stood up and looked at Gilly, “Will Jerry send a search
party?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hopefully, but in this kind of a situation
where we don’t know how they knew we were coming; someone told them, Daniel,
it’s the only way they could have known.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and nodded, “You’re probably
right, Jerry would be sending people into a meatgrinder. All of the planning
that would be necessary, all the people who would find out, who knows who could
pass on information.” I glanced around the room and finally met Gilly’s eyes,
“I’m really tired, I’m going to head home, if you hear anything, will you let
me know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, of course, I will.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and walked out the door. The closer
I got to our apartment, the faster I walked. Finally, I was running. I would
need spare ammo, some extra mags, food I could cache, both the ALICE and the
MOLLE rucks and, oh, yeah, the keys to my truck. I had a lot to do and not much
time to do it; I wanted to be gone before first light.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting out of the Hole unseen is difficult
to do, basically, impossible. Once I had everything, I thought I might need, I
stacked it next to the back door of the apartment, and then wearing my work
clothes, I walked to Facilities and took one of the crew carts. I drove it back
to the service alley, parked, and then loaded the gear in the rear floorboard
of the of the cart. The best way to remain unseen, is to be seen doing something
people associate with what you do normally. I was on my way to work; a little
earlier than normal, but the pre-action system we had been having problems with
would take care of that.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I parked next to my truck and disconnected
the trailer from it, lowered the rear ramp, and started transferring my gear
from the cart to the truck. As I was lifting my ALICE pack to load, I caught
movement in my peripheral vision. Turning to look, I saw four shapes appear out
of the darkness. I released a heavy sigh and started trying to formulate an
excuse in my head for why I was, where I was. The first person I recognized was
Danni. She tossed a pack in the truck and then gave me a hug.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was laying on the couch feeling sorry for
myself and then realized what you said before you left. Did you think I’d let
you go alone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni, I don’t expect you to do this. In
all honesty, I don’t have any real expectations of being able to find her, but
I have to try.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but your chances of finding Debbie
just went up. We’re going to have to try and figure out where she went and then
try to track her if we can find any sign of her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but neither one of us are trained
trackers. I always wanted to take Ted’s class, but shit kept getting in the…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t need to be a trained tracker when
you have the guy that does the training.” Ted Banner tossed a pack into the
back of the truck and then stepped aside as Rich and Nadia placed their packs
in beside the rest of the gear.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How did you guys know I was going to look
for her?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia placed a hand on my arm and said,
“Danni told us, and we will not let you go alone, so if that’s what you’re
thinking, forget it, right fricking now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich put his arm around Nadia and added,
“Nadia told me the whole story about when that guy Becker had her. You almost
died to save her and Menendez, and, speaking of who, where is she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard running steps in the gravel and
Stacy Menendez came to a sliding stop beside us. Breathing heavily, she tossed
her pack in the truck and said, “Damn, can you guys give a girl a little more
time to get dressed for the party next time?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started choking up and had to swallow
several times before I could speak, “Guys, I didn’t expect anyone to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia cut me off, “Of course you didn’t,
because that’s who you are. You want to be the one that helps and protects
everyone else. And Debra? Hell, she’s one of the bright spots around this
dreary place. You know the old saying, ‘what goes around, comes around’? Well,
it’s coming around, so let’s get this show on the road.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and closed up the back of the truck
and then unlocked the cab. The people riding in front were going to be good to
go, but it was going to be crowded it the back seat. I started to climb into
the driver’s seat, but Banner held me back, “Mind if I drive until sun-up?” He
asked as he buckled on a helmet with night vision goggles.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds like a plan,” I said. We all got
situated with me in back on the left-hand side. Stacy was squeezed in beside me
with Nadia and then Rich next to her; she squeezed my hand and smiled at me.
Danni was in the passenger seat in front. Banner started the truck and began to
pull away from its parking spot. I leaned forward, “Ted?” I asked as he shifted
gears. “Does Sara know…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” he cut me off. “I truly believe she
isn’t involved with whoever is passing on information to our enemies.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t misunderstand me,” I said. “I don’t
think she is either, but an inadvertent comment…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know what you mean, Dan, she’s highly
intelligent, but a bit on the naive side.” He sort of snorted and added, “A lot
like a guy I know, but she can’t let slip what she doesn’t know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t say anything else; like Banner, I
didn’t think Sara was involved, but you never know what’s going on in someone
else’s head.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a slight downward slope to the road
as you pass the front of the loading docks and the Ranger Bunker and as we
approached it, Ted shut-off the motor and with the clutch depressed, he coasted
by the entrance of the Hole. Once well past, he turned the key back on and
restarted the motor as he turned onto the road that led to the highway.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were less than half a mile down the road
when Ted suddenly said, “What the hell is that?” He let off on the gas and
began to slow down, “Oh shit!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the only one wearing NVDs, and I
said, “What? What is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He blew out a breath and said, “It’s the
Major, he has the road blocked with the Command Cart.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God damn it! Can you go around him?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Mrs. Packer is standing in the way,” he
said as he brought the truck to a stop and rolled down his window. I rolled
down my own and finally saw Packer appear from the darkness and step up on the
footrest to speak.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take this with you,” he said as he handed
Ted a metal ammo can. “It’s a satellite phone I got from the Holloman guys when
they were here. It only has the one battery, so use it sparingly.” He shifted
to my window and said, “The only people that know you’re on your way, are me
and Gilly. Keep a low profile, avoid the major highways, and remember, these
guys seem to be well-organized. In the meantime, I’ll do what I can here. If you
can, bring her home, good luck my friend.” He stepped down and walked back to
the Command Cart and then he and Gilly drove away towards the Hole.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich finally said, “Wow, that was a
surprise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” Ted added.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned forward again and said, “Let’s go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed on the I-25 until Albuquerque, but
then we shifted to side roads that took us out of our way and slowed us down,
but we hoped would leave us less noticeable. I was torn between being able to
get to Denver safely, so we could search for her, or getting to Denver in a
hurry. As much as I wanted to get there in a hurry, we needed to give ourselves
the chance to be effective when we got there.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself constantly wanting to ask Dan
questions, but then I would remember he was gone. Gone, I still couldn’t say
the actual word and I noticed Danni never said it either, even though she knew
better than anyone. He was dead, and he wasn’t going to be there anymore when I
needed him. Danni seemed, lethargic I guess, but when she was doing something,
anything, she seemed more upbeat, more her normal self. I think all of us
recognized it and tried to keep her engaged with what was going on around us.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip to Denver was frustrating, and
boring, but we finally arrived on a Friday night.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I asked. “Where do we start? The
Railyard?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quiet for a moment and finally Danni
said, “No, we start at the Farmer’s Market.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Farmer’s Market?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” Ted said. “You were asleep when
Danni and I talked about it earlier. When she was here before, she discovered
they have a farmer’s market where all the people with an excess of something,
go to trade for what they need. We’ll stop close-by and then walk in to see if
we can find some info about what’s going on. Where the military has troops
deployed, numbers, et cetera. People love to gossip, we used to use the
technique a lot when I was Africa.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said, “But we’re here for Debra
and if she’s smart, which she is, she’ll avoid concentrations of people.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, she will,” Ted said. “But people
hear shit and they repeat shit. Where have they heard gun shots, where have
there been concentrations of troops, where have the people seen troops in
places they normally aren’t. Have personal gardens been raided on a small
scale? Has clothing disappeared off laundry lines? Has a strange, unaccompanied
woman been seen around? It all adds up and creates a picture; a picture we can
use to our advantage.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said, “But if you guys walk into a
public market looking the way you do, won’t that raise suspicions?” Rich, Ted
and Danni were all wearing their cammi uniforms. Stacy, Nadia and I, were
wearing our smocks over our civilian clothes.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” Danni said. “That’s why none of the
three of us are going to do it. Whoever goes needs to fit in, look the part; it
has to be you and either Stacy, or Nadia.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacy immediately said, “I’ll go with
Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Nadia admonished her, “Stacy, you’re too
damn pretty, every guy you run into is going to remember you. It has to be
Daniel and I. No one will remember me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich said, “Nadia, that’s not true, I think
you are very attractive.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia looked up at him and said, “I don’t
know why you think that, because I look in the mirror every day; I know what I
look like. I’m grateful every time you look at me and smile, I thank my lucky
stars you saw something in me that made you want me, but I’m also a realist. No
one will notice me asking questions, because no one sees me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni turned around and said to Rich, “She’s
right, I think Nadia is pretty too, and I bet everyone in here would say the
same, but we all know her, Nadia’s beauty is her inner self, those of us who
know her don’t really recognize that what we see as beauty is that inner self.
A person who has never met her won’t see what we see.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked back and forth between the two
girls and realized Danni was absolutely correct, “Okay, sounds good to me. In
my civvies and with my hair looking the way it does, Nadia and I should fit in
pretty well. Let’s get this done.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni thought about it for a while and then
started giving Ted General driving directions. She hadn’t been to the Market,
but she remembered what people she had met had told her. Eventually, we did
find the location and then looked for a place to park out of the way, but close
enough that Nadia and I could walk to the Market the next morning.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, we took turns taking guard duty
and Danni started to have a nightmare while I was awake for my turn. I rushed
over and placed my hand over her mouth to muffle her cries until she woke up
and locked eyes with me. She started crying and I started rocking her slowly
while I held her. Ted caught my attention and motioned for me to continue as he
got up and took my place in the rotation. I was gratified when the sun began to
rise. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made our plans and prepared for the day.
Finally, Nadia and I left to walk to the market and discover what we could and
if we could. The whole process was enlightening. The first thing we came to
know? There was a strong undercurrent of disagreement with, and outright hatred
for the ruling class. The social progressives as they called themselves. We also
discovered there was nothing we could buy, no matter what we offered in
exchange. The only means of exchange was money that the locals referred to as
Solars, or Socialist Dollars. When I asked how I might come by some, I was told
the only way to gain the new money was to work for the new regime or sell
products directly to them.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started telling people we were passing
through and if there was somewhere, we could camp for a few days. Nadia and I
actually received invitations to stay at people’s homes if we would tell them
what we had seen in our travels, interestingly, two different people told us it
might be a good idea to avoid the I-70 and I-25 Interchange. There seemed to be
a lot military activity as if they were hunting for someone. After the second
warning, we wound up what we were doing and headed back to the truck.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived, the truck was already
loaded and Rich ran to meet us. “Hurry up you two! We’re on the road as soon as
we get in the truck!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” I said. “We found out there is a lot
of activity around the 70 and 25 Interchange. We were told it looked like they
were searching for someone, a manhunt. We should…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not our problem!” He said as he grabbed
Nadia’s hand and started urging her faster. “We have to head south now, right
now!” Then he smiled at me as I started to become angry. “Dan, she’s not here!
Debra! She’s in Las Cruces!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wha…what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Banner turned on the Sat Phone and saw a
message pending. It was from Packer; he said a ham radio operator down there
picked up a weak transmission from CB channel eleven and sent a call to us. The
radio call was Debra calling for help! Let’s go, Dan!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started running towards where the truck
was hidden, “How did she get to Las Cruces?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know! But that’s where she said she
was!” As we arrived at the truck, he pushed us ahead and then followed us to
the open doors. We climbed in as Danni started the motor and jerkily started
moving forward.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is there anything more? Is she alright? Is
she hurt? Where in Las Cruces?” I was talking so fast my tongue was starting to
trip up.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner turned around and said, “She said she
was underneath the Interstate 10 overpass at Main Street on the railroad side
of the overpass.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re closer than we are, a lot closer,
can we use the satellite phone and tell them to send someone?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner leaned over, picked up the phone,
dialed it and waited, but there was no answer. “It says we have a signal, but
there’s no answer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s always someone at the phone exchange,
what the hell!” I racked my brain and finally said, “Okay, do you have the
number for Holloman? Call them, have them call the Hole, our comms room always
has some one on duty.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We don’t have the number,” Banner said. “I
don’t know what it is.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God damn it!” I slammed my fist down on my
right leg and Nadia flinched away from me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Redial!” Stacy said. “Here, give it to me!
There should be a log of numbers already called!” Banner handed her the phone
and she began scrolling through the menu, “Here it is!” She continued to scroll
through the numbers, “I’ll try this one,” She punched a number and waited,
“It’s ringing.” I realized I was holding my breath, so I exhaled and sucked in
air. “Hello? Yes, yes, this is an emergency call and we’re low on battery
power. We are residents of the facility in Grant County, New Mexico and… yes,
that’s right! One of our people who survived an ambush in Denver is stranded in
Las Cruces, do you people have anyone in the Las Cruces area?” There was a long
pause. “No? How long would it take someone to reach there?” Another pause and
then, “That’s too long, heck we’re coming from Denver and we can get there
before then. Listen, the person stranded is Debra Tarn, the woman who guided
your helicopters to the battle you folks helped us with. She’s ex-Air Force and
maybe you could send a helicopter?” Silence and then, “Damn it! Okay, if you
get a break in the weather and get one in the air, please call this number back
and let us know, please. Yes, Thank you!” She ended the call and said, “No joy,
they said the nearest ground elements are going to take longer to get there
than us. They have a strong weather front stalled over their air base and
everything is grounded because of severe wind turbulence, it looks like it’s up
to us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I exhaled and slumped in the seat. Then
Banner said, “Slow down to a safe speed, Danni, Debra can’t afford for us to
have an accident.” He paused and then said, “Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the truck begin to slow and squeezed
my eyes closed, hang in there, Babe, we’re coming.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hours stretched by and at one point I began
to hyperventilate. Nadia grabbed a paper sack and held it over my mouth and
nose as I tried to control my breathing with her calming voice in my ear. When
we reached the outskirts of Las Cruces, I placed the muzzle of my carbine
between my feet, drew back the bolt, and released it. Rich nodded and did the
same as I switched the selector to safe. “When we get there,” I said. “I’ll be
out the door as soon as the truck stops and go down the right side of the
overpass, who wants the left side?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will,” Danni said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re driving, Danni,” Banner said. He
looked over his shoulder and said to Rich, “You got it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Stacey said from where she sat next to
the door. “I’ve got it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner nodded and said, “Rich, you follow
Stacey and cover her six. I’ll cover for Dan, Nadia, you’re truck security.
Danni, keep the truck running and ready to bug out, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone nodded and my hands began to shake.
Almost there, Babe, almost there. It was full dark, so I put my fingers over
the lens and checked my weapon light, good to go. Danni kept the truck at a
steady speed and then said, “Brace for a hard brake!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had already removed my seatbelt; before
the truck fully stopped, I was out the door and running for the edge of the
overpass. To my left, I could hear Stacey’s boots pounding the concrete surface
of the overpass. I vaulted over the guardrail and then slid down the embankment
beside the bridge until my feet hit the wide ledge below. My slide was slowed
by a body which I knocked over the edge and it tumbled down the slope until it
came to rest beside the railroad tracks. I swung to my right and started
forward with my carbine at high ready. Stacey appeared at the other side and
started in my way, but she passed three more bodies that she tip-toed over.
Debra wasn’t there, she was gone.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Freeze!” Banner came up beside me
and placed his hand on my shoulder, “I don’t want you to ruin any possible
spoor. The dust under here is heavy and will tell us what happened.” He spoke
louder and said, “Stace, look for signs.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Got it.” The light on her weapon switched
off and she turned on a hand held that she dropped down low so she could look
for the shadows of prints. Banner did the same. They slowly worked towards each
other as I watched Banner’ six. Rich was at the other end, doing the same for
Stacey. They slowly advanced until they met in the middle where they crouched
while Banner picked up what appeared to be empty casings. I could hear them
softly speaking and then they stood up and separated as they quickly returned,
Banner to me, and Stacy to Rich.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ted, where is she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not here, but I think I know where, let’s
go, and I’ll explain in the truck; we’re sitting targets out here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we were back in the truck, Danni said,
“What now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Head for home,” Banner said and then turned
around and looked at me. “I think you can relax, Dan, those bodies down there
dressed in black? They’ve been dead for hours, and their wounds were inflicted
by 5-5-6 rounds. Those guys never got close to her, but there was a shitload of
prints down there. I looked them over and the first thing that jumped out at me
was, several sets of boot prints were from Marine RAT boots, like yours,
Debra’s and Danni’s. The rest were from Army issue boots, like I and a lot of
the Rangers wear. It looks like someone was carried out of here on a stretcher,
I doubt anyone who may have taken her prisoner would be so caring. I think our
people came and got her, she’s probably back in the hole as we speak.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, but I wasn’t ready to rejoice. The
weather was turning shitty and the truck was beginning to be buffeted around as
we climbed the grade out of Las Cruces. The weather that was screwing with
Holloman was now screwing with us. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the wind intensified, Danni finally
pulled to a stop and said, “Anyone want to take over? I’ve about had it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner said, “I’ve got it, why don’t you,
slip in back, Stace, come up front and take shotgun.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner opened his door and stepped out as
Stacey crawled forward and then Danni crawled back and sat by me as Banner
re-entered the truck and got us moving again. Danni leaned against me and
muttered, “Not yet, not until I know she’s home and safe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned down and whispered, “I know, I feel
the same.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her breathing became steady and I thought at
first she was asleep, but when I looked down, her eyes were open and she was
quietly weeping. The last few days had been filled with despair for me, I was
so afraid I was losing my soul, my Debra. Danni had been right there beside me,
supporting me when I would begin to close down; all the time, dying inside from
her own loss. I wanted to let go and cry with her, for her loss, but not until
I saw her, my Debra, not until Debra and I could together give to Danni what
she needed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drive was long and tense with the truck
being pushed from one side and then the other. Ted’s hands gripped the wheel
with a vengeance as he fought the wind. Sometimes it blew from the rear and
there would be this eerie quiet as we traveled with the direction of its flow,
and then it would change again and we would be pushed all the way into the
oncoming traffic lane. Finally, it began to thunder, and lightning filled the
sky; it felt like a forewarning of the future. What was coming next?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it began to rain. A torrent fell from
the sky and mixed with the flashes of lightning. Ted slowed the truck, because
even with the wipers going full speed, he was having difficulty seeing the road
ahead. What the hell, all I want to do is get home and see if she is truly there.
The storm seemed to intensify again and I began to fear the slab sides of the
truck would catch too much wind and we would be flipped over. Banner
surrendered and coasted to a stop.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can’t keep going like this,” he said.
“We’re going to lose the truck.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I said. “I swear I’ve felt the
wheels on the right side bouncing up and down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded without turning around and then
rested his head against the window; I think he was trying to sleep. I was
stressed just riding as a passenger, I shuddered to think what he was suffering
from. I settled myself and tugged Danni closer as she shivered and she turned
to face my side. She draped her legs over my left leg and snuggled closer to me
as she rested her head on my chest. Nadia leaned forward and looked at Danni
before reaching under the bench seat and pulled out a roll of cloth. She
started unrolling it and I recognized it was a thin pile blanket when she
started tucking it around Danni’s shoulders, hips and legs. Looking at me,
Nadia silently mouthed, “Shockey.” I nodded with agreement to her diagnosis.
Danni was starting to surrender to the pain and loss and I regretted accepting
her help.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all fell asleep as the storm buffeted the
truck.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What woke me up was the quiet. The storm was
over, at least the violence was over, but it was still raining. Not as hard,
but still raining. I reached forward and tapped Stacy’s shoulder and waited as
she stirred awake. The sky was heavily overcast and grey, but my watch said it
was approaching 6:30 am. When she raised up and glanced around, I said, “Stace,
wake up Ted and see if he’s ready to continue, if not, someone else should
drive us in to the Hole.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” she mumbled. She started to reach
for Ted, but he was already straightening up in the driver’s seat.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m good to go, damn, that was the worst
storm I’ve ever been in.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From across the cab, Rich said, “I’m willing
to bet we had some hurricane force winds last night.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I lived in Florida for about fifteen years
when I was growing up,” Nadia said. “And yeah, I think I would have to agree
with you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ted started the truck and we resumed our
journey.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road was partially washed out in a
couple of places and we were crossing flowing water where it had never been
before, too many times to count. We pulled to a stop in front of the Ranger
Bunker at almost ten in the morning. We all exited the truck as the Major came
trotting out the front doors of the Bunker and straight to me and Danni, who
was clutching my left arm. As he came to a halt he smiled as Danni and I both
said at the same time, “Is she here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, we both said, “Is she alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She will be. She’s a little beat up and
dehydrated, a dislocated knee, and a broken wrist, but Doc Horne says she’ll be
fine after some recuperation.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly came out of the bunker almost as fast
as Packer did. She went straight to Danni and said, “Danni, Let’s get you
inside and into a hot tub; you need to rest and relax.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet, I need to see Debbie, I need to
see her; I want to see with my own eyes that she’s safe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and asked, “Where is she? The
clinic?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer shook his head, “No, the little
hothead demanded to go home and wait for your return.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s alone?!” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly touched my arm and said, “Of course
not, Maria Esteban is taking care of her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and said, “Sorry, but you know what
it’s like.” I looked around and then decided I didn’t care what Morgan thought
about me using the crew carts for personal use, “I’m going to go get a crew
cart from Facilities.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you’re not,” Packer said. He pointed at
two carts and said, “Sargent Banner? Those are for the use of you and the team
you commanded. Your gear and weapons will be delivered to your quarters. Go
home and get some well-deserved rest, but tomorrow, I’m going to expect a full
debriefing from you and Sargent Monroe, at Lieutenant Tarn’s residence,
understood?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner said, “Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer turned and took Gilly’s hand as he
started to walk away, but then stopped and looked back, “Daniel, make sure you
have some of that home brew ready for tomorrow afternoon, I’m bringing steaks,
fresh potatoes, and corn. We’re going to have a little get together and
remembrance for those we lost.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” They walked away and the six of
us went to the carts and I sat down in the smaller of the two. “Let’s go Danni,
do the rest of you want to stop by?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner glanced at the others and then said,
“Yeah, if you don’t mind?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know what kind of shape she’s going
to be in, but absolutely. We all went after her cause we care about her.” The
other four started sitting down in the crew cart and I drove Danni and I away
and home. The closer I got to home, the faster I pushed the cart; a pedestrian
even shouted at me to slow down. I parked in front of the apartment and then
hurried to the door, where I stopped and waited for Danni before I opened the
door and walked in. Maria was at the dining table where she was leafing through
one of the old magazines I kept around; as I walked in, she smiled and pointed
towards the living room. I grabbed Danni’s hand and pulled her with me as I
turned and looked. Debra was in a hospital bed with some sort of overhead contraption
suspending her left leg and there was a cast on her right wrist with an IV
inserted in the top of her left hand; she looked to be sleeping.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking up on her right side, I gave her
closer look. There were dark circles under her eyes and her lips were cracked
and peeling. Danni walked up on her left side and with trembling hands, reached
down and wrapped her hand around Debra’s fingers.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whispered, “Debra, Babe? Are you awake?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyelids fluttered and then she opened
them and looked at me, “Honey! You’re back!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, nodded, and then bent over and
kissed her gently on her cracked and peeling lips, “Yeah, we’re home.” A wave
of emotion swelled up and crashed down on me as I leaned in closer and breathed
in her scent while I nuzzled her neck. “More importantly, you’re back. No more
trips without me, I don’t think I can handle another one, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and turned to Danni, “I was so
glad when they told me you made it back here, I started to cry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni smiled sadly and said, “Yeah, when we
got to the bridge and found you gone, I almost wanted to give up, but Ted said
he believed you were back here. I didn’t want to believe it until I saw you
again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a knock at the door and Maria
answered it, “Oh,” she said as she looked at me and Debra. “There are more
visitors.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Maria,” I said. “Those are the
other people who went with me and Danni to find Debra.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped away from the door and smiled as
everyone walked in. Nadia immediately rushed to Debra’s bedside and leaning
over, gave Debra a hug. “Debbie, you can’t possibly know how happy we are to
see you home and safe!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Nadia, but when I finally got
back and found out all of you had gone to Denver, I was so scared something
would happen to one of you and it would be my fault.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner snorted, “I believe it. You’re always
blaming yourself for crap. You were in trouble and we went to try and help, but
you took care of business all on your own. Now, what’s this Lieutenant Tarn
stuff all about?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra actually turned red with
embarrassment. “Uh, well…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced around and then said, “Lieutenant
Tarn? What are you talking about?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner laughed and said, “I thought you
missed that; the Major referred to Debbie as ‘Lieutenant Tarn.’ </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I snapped my eyes back at her and said,
“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, uh, he said anyone who could show the
initiative that I did was deserving of a leadership role in the Rangers.” Her
ears were even turning red, a bright hot red.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Explain, please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced up at Danni and she was actually
smiling, an honest smile, not a fake one.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Major said he was receiving so many
recommendations for me to be given a leadership role, that he could see no
recourse, but to go with it. What made him finally decide though was when I got
back, mostly on my own.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria stepped to the foot of the bed and
said, “I know all of you are friends and Debra has been worried about your
safety, all of you, but Doctor Horne was clear that Debra needs rest to
recuperate.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone began saying their goodbyes and
then drifting outside to wait for Banner to drive them to their quarters.
Stacey hugged Debra and then kissed my cheek as she said, “I’m so happy for
you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni was the last, but Debra tried to be
obstinate, “No, Danni, I want you to stay here for a while, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not going to happen, Debbie, you two
haven’t seen each other in weeks and I am not going to interfere with your
quality time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni,” I said. “That quality time is
waiting until Doc Horne says go for it. We both want you to stay.” I glanced
around and added, “You can have the bedroom, it looks like Debra will be
sleeping in here for a while and I’m going to use the Marlow chair, so I can be
close in case she needs something.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hesitated a moment and I could see she
was really thinking about it, finally she nodded, “I guess I…I don’t…I’m not
ready to go home yet, I mean…all his stuff, our stuff…” She began to cry.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra reached up and pulled Danni down and
into an embrace. I walked around the bed and simply rested my hands on her back
and shoulder. As she cried, Maria walked back in and stopped as she watched for
a moment, and then walked to me and softly said. “Let me speak with you a
moment and then I will leave you to your friend’s grief.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed her outside and she reached into
the pocket of her apron to withdraw a small brown bottle, “This is Debra’s pain
medication. The doctor says she should not have more than three in a
twenty-four-hour period; it is very strong because of her knee injury. Have you
ever changed an IV bag before?” I shook my head. “When it gets low, almost
empty, call me and I will come change it; night or day, call me.” I nodded
again. “Your friend, Danni, she needs to grieve, let her. Just love her and be
there for her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Maria, thank you for all your
help.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started to walk away, but stopped, “Oh,
I asked Debra what she wanted to eat; she had a craving for burritos, so I made
some for her and they are in the refrigerator. They are all marked what they
are. There is a big jar of my salsa also, but don’t let her overeat, Doctor
Horne says it may not be good for her to eat a large meal, only a third of a
burrito at a time with at least one hour between meals.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How long did she go with without food?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nine days and she was forced to drink
unpurified water. If she starts vomiting, or has diarrhea, take her to Doctor
Horne immediately.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will, Maria, again, thank you so much.”
She left and I walked back inside to find Danni sitting up beside Debra on the
bed. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni? Why don’t you take the cart and go
get a change of clothes? When you come back, you can shower, get comfortable,
and maybe catch a little sleep; last night wasn’t exactly restful. I was there,
remember?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and stood up as Debra said, “When
you get back, we’ll compare notes and tell our stories, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded again and said, “Yeah, we’ll tell
our stories, I think yours will be much better than mine.” She walked to the
open front door and asked, “Want me to close it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please,” I answered. She left and I took
Debra’s hand, “You okay for a few minutes? I want to change the linens on the
bed and take a shower, I haven’t had one in well over a week.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled at me and said, “I know, and
unlike your claim I never need one, you do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ouch, okay, but if you can get past my
stink and your lips aren’t hurting, can I cheat you out of good kiss first?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You never need to cheat me out of kiss.”
She reached up and entangled the fingers protruding from the cast on her hand
in my hair and pulled me down, even though she grimaced when she did it. Her
lips weren’t her normal soft and resilient, but she kissed me with her entire
being. As I started to rise back up, she held me and said, “Honey, it’s been a
long time and I really need some of your special attention, make that shower
quick, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, you’re all strung up, how am I
supposed to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll figure it out, you just have to
hurry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did, and she did. That woman is so
imaginative and talented. Afterwards, she gave me a contented smile and said,
“Honey? That comment you made, about me being all strung up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Yeah, so much for my
limited knowledge base.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave her sultry chuckle before saying,
“Have you ever thought about, uh, maybe…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I know you are kind of, you know…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “Sexually repressed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and answered, “No! I would never
say that to you, it’s just…well… yeah.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh… I try, Babe, but you know a lot more
than me, and I told you if you wanted me to do something special, I was always
open to whatever you want.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you said that, but that doesn’t mean
you mean that.” She was starting to look nervous.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, Babe, spit it out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know how I told you that the things I
was forced to do, still made me have…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cut her off because thinking of her being
forced to do anything upset me, “Yes, I know, but I’ve told you before, that
wasn’t something bad on you, it was evil what they did to you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see her withdrawing as she said,
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t do that, Debra, it’s not you, never
think that. I just get pissed thinking about the ways they forced you to do the
things you had to do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the thing, Daniel, it wasn’t what
they made me do, it was the fact I didn’t want to do those things with the
people they wanted me to do it with.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hesitated and finally said, “Uh, Debra, I
don’t understand.” She looked away and I continued, “Tell me, Babe, I’m
listening; I’ll always listen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This time we’ve been apart, I was scared I
would never see you again. I really thought that eventually, they were going to
kill me, or capture me. I wasn’t going to let them capture me Daniel, no matter
what. No other man, but you, will ever touch me again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, don’t say that, I will always come
for you, no matter what. And no matter what, I will always want you back by my
side. No matter what, period.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You mean that and I know it.” She glanced
away and then met my eyes again as she rushed on, “I hated the people I had to
have sex with, but not the sex. If it would have been you, doing those things
to me, watching me while I did things, I would have done them gladly, for you.
Daniel, I will do anything for you, anything. Just, no other men.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Geez, Debra, don’t put that on me. Don’t
give me permission to do things to you, don’t give away your power to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why not? I want you to have that power,
Daniel. All I want is for you to accept the ownership I want to give you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “No, Debra, I already have
fantasies about you doing things for me, things like you described, you opened
a door when you told me and I keep catching myself peeking in and wondering.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a surprised expression on her face
and said, “Really? You have fantasies about me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, for god’s sake, Debra, how could I not?
First off, I may be sexually repressed, but I’m still a guy, I can’t help where
my mind goes even when I try!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me that sultry chuckle again,
“Well, well, well, okay. That comment about me being all strung up? I’m
thinking maybe that’s not such a bad idea. Maybe when the cast is off my wrist
and the brace is off my leg?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned down and kissed her, then I
whispered into her parted lips, “Deal.” I straightened up and asked, “Are you
hungry? Maria says you’re supposed to eat a lot of small meals; you want
something?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, no, we don’t have the conversation we
just had and you walk away to reheat a burrito. Get back down here and…”
Someone was knocking at the front door. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It might be Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah. If it is, let her in; anyone
else? Tell them to fuck off!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started towards the door as I said, “I
love it when you give me orders.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope, you will be giving the orders and I’m
the one who is going to happily comply.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I opened the door, it was Danni and she
had a frightened little girl look about her, “Daniel, I can’t, I can’t go in
our apartment…I just can’t.” She broke down and started to sob.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From behind me, Debra said, “Bring her in,
Daniel, we’ll make different arrangements.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped aside and then put my arm around
her as I led her to the couch and she started to sit, but then stood back up.
“No, I’ll go to the women’s bay. Yeah, I’ll go there, you two need to be alone
with each other and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I cut her off. “You came here because
you feel at home and safe here, and you are.” Her hands were empty and I
realized she hadn’t brought anything to change into after she cleaned up. “I’ll
get you a towel and wash cloth, so you can shower and then,” I looked at Debra
as I said, “I’m sure we can come up with something for you to wear until we get
your things, okay?” Debra nodded and gave me a thumbs up.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want to be a problem.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are not a problem, you’re family,” I
said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni,” Debra said. “Don’t make me get up and
paddle your ass, just let us do for you, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked up and gave Debra a raised
eyebrow, “Oh yeah?” Then a slight smile, “You couldn’t paddle my ass on your
best day.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Probably not,” Debra quipped back at her,
“But I bet I could make you suffer a little before you finished paddling mine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized this was some sort of verbal
fencing they must have exchanged before, and by the way it seemed to roll out,
many times before; they were playing with each other. I gently pushed Danni
back down on the couch and pulled one of her feet forward and began to untie
her laces. She quickly jerked the foot back and asked, “What are you doing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was going to take your boots off and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, hell no!” Debra said. “Not in here
you’re not! I have to sleep here and I can’t escape.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fuck you, Debbie,” There was actually some
humor in Danni’s voice. “You witch.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You bitch.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You slut.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You whore.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and walked away while shaking my
head. In the bedroom I started going through Debra’s drawers looking for a pair
of sweats and a tee-shirt that would fit Danni, when Debra shouted out,
“Daniel! Get Danni a pair of your sweats; if you give her some of mine, she’ll
look like a ten-dollar street whore wearing undersized yoga pants!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a gasp and then Danni said, ‘Oh,
yeah? Are you familiar with term two-bit-whore?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kept going and finally they burst out
laughing and then Debra started squealing and begging for Danni to stop. I
quickly stepped into the hall with my sweats and tee-shirt and saw Danni
dragging her fingernails lightly across the sole of Debra’s foot suspended in
the air. “Daniel! Make her stop! Make her stop!” Then she burst out in giggles.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope,” I said. “I am not getting involved
with this.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni finally stopped and pressed Debra’s
foot between her breasts as she said, “I’m sorry, but it was such an inviting
target. Is your knee okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra laughed and said, “Not really, but it
was worth it. We haven’t done that in a long time.” Then she stretched out her
arms and beckoned Danni into her embrace. Danni stepped in and leaned over as
Debra said, “I love you, Danni.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you too.” After standing back up,
she walked to me and said, “Are those for me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I didn’t know if you needed any,
uh, underwear?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Naw, when I’m not in the field, I sleep
commando.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra laughed and said, “TMI, Danni. You’ll
have Daniel all red in the face if you keep that up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni laughed too and said, “Yeah, Dan and I
used to get a real kick out of Daniel getting embarrassed over that kind of
stuff. Okay, it’s the showers for me.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started into the bathroom as I said,
“Fresh bars of soap in the vanity.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “Thank you,” as she closed the
door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, I’m going to get a portion of
burrito and reheat it for you, do you want…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shhh!” She held up the palm of her hand and
then placed her index finger over her lips; I could tell she was listening
intently.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard the water turn on in the shower, and
said, “Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shhh!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked to the bed and stood quietly as I
tried to figure out what she was doing. Then, there was slight change of sound
from the shower. Debra reached and grabbed me, and with a certain amount of
urgency in her voice. “Screw that damn burrito, all that talk about stringing
me up has got me all hot again.” She pulled me down on top of her, kissed me
frantically, and when we broke the kiss, she said, “Do me again, Honey, do me
again!”</span></p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-55687029090615259192021-04-26T20:39:00.003-07:002021-06-10T08:46:38.724-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 20<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
20</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized immediately that we were both
unreasonably angry, but in my anger, I refused to listen to my own reason and
logic. I simply sat back down and started going through the computer with a
vengeance. To hell with it, if she wants to go party? Good for her, I had more
important things to do. Four hours later, I had it all. I knew where the
railcars were and I knew they had never been accessed by the Denver Enclave.
Packer was going to be a happy camper.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left the table, shaved and then showered.
I looked through my clothing and wondered, what do you wear to a ball? I didn’t
have anything that could be considered formal wear, so I picked out a nice
shirt, slacks, and a pair of loafers with a matching belt. It would have to do.
I walked out of the apartment and realized, I had no idea where this so-called
Ball, was being held. I could only think of one place though, the Banquet Hall in
Phase Four. I set out at a fast walk full of excitement. I could spend the
evening with my wife and give Packer some well-deserved good news; I was
elated.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elation didn’t last very long.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I entered the Banquet Hall and the place
was crowded and the music was loud. I started to work my way through the crowd
looking for Debra, but there was no way I was going to find her just wandering
around. So, I used the utility corridor and accessed the workers’ catwalk so I
could look down over the crowded floor. I finally located her as she was
leaving the area where everyone was dancing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was wearing a bright red dress I had
never seen before with matching high heels that looked stunning on her. Her
hair was down and unbraided and her makeup was perfection; she was easily the
most beautiful woman on the floor. She was also walking arm in arm with a
Marine wearing his dress blues. Yeah, arm in arm, and she was obviously
enjoying his company. The dress was low cut in front and back and as they
weaved through the crowd, the Marine kept the palm of his hand on her bare back
as he stroked it up and down. She seemed to be enjoying his physical attention.
I watched until they returned to a table where a small group of Marines and
Airmen sat and they joined the group at the table. As I watched, the Marine
kept his hand on her bare skin and I remembered the things I had noticed her do
the first night we met; she was doing the same things now, for him.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
began to simmer, to boil, and I started back the way I had come on the catwalk.
Returning to the main floor, I began to weave my way through the crowd until I
reached their table where I stopped and stared at her until one of the Airmen
noticed my expression. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, asshole, do you have a problem?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra glanced at him and then followed his
glare until she set eyes on me, she paled.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said as I stared at her a moment
longer. “No problem at all, you fellows have a fun evening, looks like you
found yourselves a keeper.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra stood up and said, “Daniel, it’s not
what you think…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Marine beside her stood up and asked,
“So, who the fuck is this guy?” As he wrapped his arm around her waist and
pulled her tightly to him. She attempted to push him away, but he pulled her
tighter to him.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me?” I said. “I’m no one. I guess I’m just
another guy passing through.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah?” He said, “I don’t think you’re
passing through fast enough, I suggest you pick up the pace.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really shouldn’t have said that. “I
suggest you go fuck yourself.” He released his hold on Debra and started around
the table as I said to myself, “You want him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Hell, yes!”</i></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Have fun,” I replied.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, he, just stood there until the Marine was
close enough, then I, he, stepped forward and delivered a vicious elbow strike
to the Marine’s temple causing the man to stagger to the side. Then I, he, did
the same thing he always does, he jammed two fingers up the Marine’s nostrils
and clamped his thumb under the man’s chin. The man immediately started back
pedaling and leaning back as he tried to grasp my, his, wrist and pull his hand
away. He slammed the man’s head onto the tabletop between two Airmen and then
slammed it again as the two Airmen rose and began to pummel him/me with their
fists. He pulled the unconscious man back up, slammed him down again, and then
released him as he turned on the Airmen. In the background, he could hear Debra
screaming my name and telling me to stop, but he didn’t. First one of the Airmen
went down, and then the second. Another Marine joined the fray and he went down
in an unconscious heap. Finally, the only person left standing was Debra as she
grabbed his upper arms and shouted for him to stop.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel! Stop it, now!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel’s not here, he gave it to me, and
you? Don’t come home, you’re not welcome there right now.” He turned and walked
away as a crowd began to form around where the brawl had started and ended.
Debra followed as she clung to his, my arm.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t understand! Let me explain!
Daniel!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Up to you,” </i>he said to me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m done with it,” I replied as I jerked my
arm free from Debra’s grasp and kept walking. In front of me, I could see Dan
and Danni rushing towards me through the crowd. I weaved my way along another
path and finally out the doors of the Banquet Hall. As I was walking away, I
realized I was dripping blood on my shirt. Wiping here and there, I discovered
there was a cut on my left cheek and my nose was bleeding as well. I couldn’t
even remember being hit.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned towards Phase Two and my apartment
as behind me I heard a shouted, “Daniel! Wait up! It’s me, Stacy!” I closed my
eyes and clenched my teeth.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now is not a good time, Stace.” I glanced
at her and was surprised by how beautiful she looked. I, like every man I know,
have always thought Stacey was extremely attractive and like Debra, she never
wore makeup. Tonight, she was, and like Debra the sight could be breath taking
under the right circumstances. This was not the right circumstance.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not
what was happening, I promise!” she was walking as fast as she could to stay
beside me as she talked. “It’s not what you think, what was going on in there,
I swear it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to slow down, but then I heard
Debra’s angry shout from behind, “Dan! Stop!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sped back up as Stacy tried unsuccessfully
to hold onto my arm. Once again, the old, yeah, but. Yeah, she was interested
for a while, but then…fuck it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacy was practically running beside me,
“Daniel! Stop! Please, you don’t understand what was happening!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged her off again, “You didn’t see
how she was with them; you didn’t see how she was letting them touch her; you
didn’t…ah fuck it! Get away from me!” I pushed Stacy away and continued to walk
as fast as I could, but I was not going to run! </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel Smith ran up beside me and grabbed
the sleeve of my shirt, “STOP, GOD DAMN IT!” He shouted.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned on him and lifting him off the
ground, I slammed him into the concrete wall, “DON’T FUCKING TOUCH HIM!” The
anger that had been on his face dissipated and was replaced with fear.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, Debra was squeezing between us as
she stood up straight between Dan and I, and looked into my eyes, “Daniel,” she
said calmly. “It was not what you think, you let that shit get hold of you; the
contaminant, remember? You are not yourself; you don’t understand what was
happening, please try to calm down. You have to, Honey, please. Calm down, Hon,
calm down, take a deep breath, calm down, for me, please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For you?” He said through clenched teeth. “He
thought, he knew you. Let me tell you what, I, will do for you, I’m going to
walk away, for you. You are going to stay here, or go back to your party, for
you. There’s some Airmen and Marines back that way with broken wings, go fix
them up…for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, you don’t mean that, it’s that shit
inside of you, please, don’t…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped Smith and turned away to resume my
walk. Over my shoulder, I said, “Don’t follow me; I am having a hard time
keeping him in check and right now, you do not want to talk with him.” And I
was, he and I were slipping in and out of control.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t follow me and when I got to our
apartment, my apartment, who am I kidding, her apartment, all I wanted was out.
Debra was everyone’s favorite; everyone loved her. Me? I was tolerated as a
favor to the golden one. I was so angry; I couldn’t remember walking to the
apartment. Once inside, I started gathering my gear and stacking it by the
door. Once I was done with that, I started searching for the keys to my truck,
the one John Cameron had left me, but I couldn’t remember where I had put them
after the last time I had test started it. My anger began to intensify.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard the front doorknob rattle as someone
tried to open the door, but I had locked it when I entered. Then I heard a key
inserted into the lock. The doors have the same manual lock you see in hotels
and motels; the loop of metal that can be flipped over and keep the door from
being opened. I flipped it over as the door was opening and went back to
searching for the keys.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel? Daniel, please, open the door, you
have to let me in.” The manual lock allows the door to be opened an inch or so,
but no more than that; she was speaking through the gap. “Remember how I
reacted when I saw the picture of you and Sara? I should have come to you and
asked you about it; we promised each other we would always do that, so we
wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Remember? We need to talk, Daniel, we
promised each other we would.” She was silent for a moment, and then said,
“It’s that damn blue shit, Daniel, it’s messing with your head; you know it is,
please, let me in.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept looking for the keys.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, you have to try, Honey, come on.
Try to remember what we feel for each other. Please let me explain?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped away from the drawer I was
searching through and slammed the door completely closed and locked it again. I
went back to looking for the keys. The door was quickly pushed open to the
manual lock again and someone else started talking.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, it’s Jerry Packer, Debra was not
fooling around with those men…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The phone on the wall started ringing
insistently, and finally I picked it up, “What!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, it’s Stella, listen to me. You know
how I feel about you, so I’m not going to hand you a bunch of bull shit; I
would love to see you and your wife go your separate ways and I plan to help
that along a little bit because you deserve the truth. She is probably talking a
blue streak right now and trying to convince you what you saw was not what you
saw, so here’s a little ammunition for you…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door pounded against the manual lock
again and Packer bellowed, “Tarn! Open this fucking door, right now!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Into the phone I said, “Go on, I’m
listening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ask her how the strap holding the front of
her dress closed was broken and now she has it pinned together. Ask her if she
enjoyed her little tryst in the projection room with one of those Air Force
guys. She was looking pretty flushed when she stepped out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan!” Packer again. “The explanation is
complicated, but Debra was following my orders this evening; let us in and we
can explain what was going on!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Into the phone I said, “Anything else,
Stella?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you must have seen the way she was
dancing with those assholes, I thought she was going to screw all of them right
there on the dance floor. Anyway, just keep in mind who told you the truth and
remember, I’m available when you need someone on your side.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Goodbye, Stella,” I hung up the phone and
started searching through the next drawer. No keys there either. Shit! Where
were the god damned keys! Then I remembered, the last time we had started the
truck and checked its fluids we had made lov…screwed, afterwards. She found
them on the bed and dropped them into her nightstand. I walked quickly to the
bedroom and bingo! I retrieved the keys.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the dining table and picked up the
final notes I had printed out. After searching a little more, I located a file
folder and put the notes inside of it for Packer; he was going to be interested
in what was in there. Another quick walk-through of the apartment and I decided
there was nothing else I needed. I had plenty of extra clothes in the truck
and, oh, yeah. Going to where my bullpup carbine was, I quickly flipped up the
release levers of both the weapon’s light and the laser attachments and
deposited them on the table. Then, using my multi-tool, I cut through the
paracord that secured the Aircrewman’s knife to my Flick and placed it next to
the light and laser. Searching through the possibles pouch on my FLC, I removed
a small sewing kit and placed it in my shirt pocket. I shrugged my MOLLE ruck
on, picked up my ALICE Pack with sustainment belt attached and then my bullpup.
I used the muzzle break of the carbine to flip aside the manual door lock and
pulled the door open. I was greeted by a group of people crowding around the
front of the door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was the first to speak, “Daniel? What
are you doing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have nothing to say to you.” I turned to
Packer and said, “In Debra’s apartment, on her dining table, is the location of
the ammunition you asked me to find and as a bonus, I also included the
locations of six additional ZPG Enclaves. Step aside, please.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” Was all Packer said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra moved closer and placed her hands on
my chest, “Daniel, what are you doing? Where are you going?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let him take over as he said, “Danny,
already said, he has nothing to say to you,” and then to Packer, “He asked you,
politely, to step aside. I’m not as polite as Dan is. Step…the fuck aside…now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer frowned and said, “What the hell?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra turned and started pushing Packer and
the others back, “Move back, please, everyone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra? What the hell is going on?” Packer
appeared confused.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I, we, walked past, I, he, reached into
our shirt pocket and then held out the sewing kit to Debra, “This is for you.
That’s a really nice dress you have there; may I suggest instead of sewing that
strap back in place, try a button. It should prove beneficial the next time you
take one of your Air Force buddies into a projection room. Oh, and he’s leaving
his laptop, I guess so you can see for yourself, he thought he had no need for
a porn stash.” Then we started walking away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wha…what?” She stammered. “The projection
room? How did you know about…Stella!” She shouted from behind me. “That fucking
Stella told you, didn’t she!” She ran past me and stood directly in my way as
she punched my chest with the palms of both hands trying to stop me. “Well,
Hell! She didn’t waste any time did she! You stupid Fuck! I want to talk to
Daniel, NOW! Major Packer told me to take that son-of-a-bitch in there, so Dan
and Danni could take him prisoner, you asshole!” Then she pulled back and
delivered a brutal slap to my face. “My dress got torn while we were taking him
down because Packer wanted him alive for interrogation, you god damned
bastard!” She suddenly stopped and placed her hands over her mouth before
saying, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to call you that, really, I’m sorry!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My vision had begun to blur with the slap to
the face, and then the bastard comment, I, we, took a deep breath as we started
to shake. “You struck me, you fucking struck him. No matter how angry he would
get with you, I never, ever, considered hitting you, never. Bastard? We’ve
heard it before, but just like the rest of it, we never expected it from you. I
guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” I stepped to the side and started walking past
her, but she once again ran past me and then blocked my progress.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you hear what Major Packer said? I
wasn’t fooling around with those guys! I wasn’t! I did it for the good of the
community! And that includes you, you asshole!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe you weren’t, but you sure loved the
attention, didn’t you? I saw the way you responded when his hands were on you,
I saw you press your tits against his arm! You were having fun playing Mata
Hari and you were just about as good at being secretive as she was, but then
again, maybe getting discovered at your bullshit is what you wanted. Piss me
off, I leave, and you get to be poor little Dedicated Debbie, everyone’s abused
sweetheart. Who’s next on your list? Get out of my way!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stepped up beside Debra and softly
said, “Debbie, give him a chance to think about it; give him some space.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No! He loves me, no one will ever love me
the way he does, and no one will ever love him the way I do! Say it, Daniel!
Say it!” I tried to step around her, but once again she got in front of me,
“God damn, Daniel, say it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni grab her arm and tried to pull her
away, “Debra! Stop pushing! Stop it! You’re pushing too hard! If you make him
too angry…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He won’t hurt me! It’s not in him to hurt
me!” She looked at me as she started to cry, “Say it, Daniel, you love me, say
it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lowered my head and whispered into her ear,
“I do love you, why do you think I’m hurting so bad? Why do you think I feel so
betrayed? You did it for the benefit of the community? Why do you think I spent
hours, days, and weeks with my face glued to a laptop screen trying to find out
the information we needed to survive, as a community? I’ve been tortured, shot
and blown-up, all for the community, but your sacrifice for the community was
so much harder; you had to suffer through sexual titillation. Yeah, I can see
how that must have been really hard on you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Packer spoke up, “This should be Gilly
talking to you, Dan, but she’s not here, so it’s up to me to put my foot in
it.” He turned to Danni and said, “I want Debra out of the picture for a while;
take her to their apartment.” Then he said to Debra, “You’re not getting
anywhere, let someone else give it a try.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to walk away, but he grabbed my
arm with a surprising amount of strength, “No way, you’re going to listen to me
and then if you want to leave, be my guest; no one will try to stop you, but
you will, listen to me. Am I clear?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, but I suggest you hurry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighed as he watched Danni lead Debra
away, “Okay, that’s going to take off some of the tension, let’s get started.
Gilly and Felicia started planning the Spring Ball a month ago, and Gilly
suggested inviting representatives from Holloman and Fort Bliss as a sort of
public relations thing. Bliss declined, but Holloman accepted our offer and
said they would send a small group of officers and enlisted personnel to
represent them. I asked them to notify me when they left and when to expect
them. When the personnel arrived, I was surprised there were no officers in the
detachment they sent, so I called and asked Holloman’s XO what was up. He told
me he had asked for volunteers and then had to choose from the men who wanted
to come. He also sent three enlisted females along with six males. The total
was nine personnel, six men, two of which were officers, one major, one
lieutenant, two enlisted Airmen, and two Marine noncoms. The three females were
all Air Force medical personnel, and all were noncommissioned officers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra would be complaining of
‘mansplaining’ right about now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? Oh, for Christ sake, just shut up and
listen to me, alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m waiting with bated breath, Major.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighed heavily and said, “Five men,
supposedly from Holloman arrived, four short of what Holloman sent, and no
officers. I explained that to Holloman’s XO and he said they had lost
communication with the detachment three days before. He asked me to describe a
Marine Staff Sargent named, Gifford, which I did. The man who arrived was not
the same Gifford that was sent. The XO asked us to play along and see if we
could discover what had happened to the real personnel sent, and that’s what we
were doing with Debra’s assistance. Originally, Danni was going to play the
part Debra did, but one of the fake Airmen took an instant interest in Debra
the first time he saw her and asked to be introduced. Debra, didn’t want to do
it! Did you hear me? She thought from the first time she met him he was a
first-class slimeball and did not want to have anything to do with the whole
thing! Are you hearing me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shifted uncomfortably and nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, because you jumped to a really bad
conclusion, Dan. What the fuck! What are you thinking? That woman loves you without
any reservations; damned if I know why. You need to swallow your pride and get
in there and do whatever you need to, to get back in her good graces. Am I
clear?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As a bell, Major, clear as a bell.” He
didn’t see what I saw, he didn’t know what I knew about how people communicate.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I’m not the Major right now; I’m
your friend, Jerry, and I’m trying to make sure something really good doesn’t
get lost. The only reason she agreed to do, what she did tonight, was as a
favor to me, please, Kid, don’t fuck this up. Go talk to her, listen to her,
let her explain; will you do that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about it for a long moment and
then asked, “After talking to her, I’m free to leave, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, you’re free to leave now, no one
will try to force you to stay, but you will never find another woman like her,
not for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll listen to her, but I’m not making any
promises, because right now, this moment? I don’t want another woman like her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
shook his head and then said, “Don’t go into this thinking that way; go in
there and listen to her with an open mind. I know you love her, give her the
chance to prove she loves you, unconditionally. Will you do that? Please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll listen, other than that, again, no
promises.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a deep breath and released it, “I
guess I can’t ask for more than that.” He shook his head and added, “Gillian
warned me it was a bad idea, but…” He drifted off.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood there and stared at him for a moment
and then turned and walked back to the door of the apartment where I dropped
both of my packs and the FLC outside by the door and then walked in. Debra
stood up quickly from where she had been sitting beside Danni on the couch and
began wringing her hands, “Will you listen to me now? Will you let me explain?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni, from where she was sitting, asked me,
“Do you want me and Daniel to stay? We can corroborate whatever Debbie tells
you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Danni and said, “I’m sure you
can, and will.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hold on there, Daniel,” Danni said. “If you
think I, or Dan, would lie to protect Debra when she has done something wrong
to you…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m really not in the mood for
protestations of friendship, Danni. I promised the Major I would listen to
Debra, that’s what I’m here for.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra touched Danni’s arm and said, “It’s
okay, if he listens to me, everything will be fine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah?” Danni responded. “What about the
other guy? The one that takes over when he gets pissed? What about him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a shocked expression, Debra said,
“Danni?!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “Don’t worry, Danni,
I’ve put him in lockdown mode; I’m here to listen.” Inside I began to smolder
again and I could feel him pushing against the barriers.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked at Debra and said, “Dan and I
will be right outside if you need us, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved past smoldering.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With an exasperated tone, Debra said, “Just
go, Danni!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni reluctantly walked through the open
door and exited the apartment closing the door behind her, I could see several
of our, her friends, waiting. I glanced at Debra and said, “That was
enlightening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was a legitimate and very personal
concern of mine. I trusted you completely when I told you about him and now, I
find out you used it as a topic for one of your gossip round tables. How many
of your girlfriends know about him? How many of your battle buddies, huh? Do
the words, discretion, or trust, mean anything to you? I’m learning a lot about
you, and our relationship this evening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not like that, Daniel, it isn’t, girlfriends
confide in one another when we need help, when we are trying to figure out
something that worries us. I only told…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held up a finger as I pulled a tab of
notepaper and a pen across the table and sat down. At the top of the sheet, I
wrote ‘pros’ and ‘cons.’ Under pros, I wrote, ‘I love her.’ Under cons, I wrote,
‘she violated the trust I had in her.’ ‘She is excited by the touch of other
men.’ ‘She dresses in a provocative manner when she is not with me.’ ‘She
becomes sexually excited when other men touch her in a provocative manner.’
‘She wants me to be more sexually knowledgeable in ways to please her.’ I
hesitated and then wrote the same thing under ‘pros.’</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you doing?” She asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s an exercise one of the child
psychologists suggested when I was under treatment as a kid. It helps me to
organize my thoughts when I’m upset, stressed, or just need to see how things
balance out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you know I could read things when they
are upside down?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled as I looked up at her frown,
“Something new, every day. Thanks for that little tidbit, but I didn’t intend
for this to be a secret and keep it from you, in fact, I was going to go over
it with you in detail when you were done, womansplaining.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s an unkind thing to say.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? Just for the sake of curiosity, how
does the term, womansplaining, measure up with, shall we say, bastard?” I
raised both of my hands above the table top and shook my left hand,
“Womansplaining,” I shook the right hand, “Bastard.” I raised the left hand
above the right, “Womansplaining,” I lowered the right, “Bastard.” I raised the
left and said, “Womansplaining,” and then I slammed the right onto the table
and growled, “Bastard!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She jumped when my hand slapped the table,
“I said I was sorry, it just slipped out because I was so angry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In order for it to slip out of your mouth,
it’s got to be spinning around in your head somewhere.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I mean, yes, but not about you, never
you! It’s about me!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at her and then said, “What are you
talking about?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember I told you? My dad was German and
my mom was French-Canadian? Remember I said my dad was pale, with red hair, a
red beard, and blue eyes? Remember I said my mom was really pale with blonde
hair and blue eyes? Remember?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How do people who look like they did, have
a child that looks like me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Recessive genes, I guess, where are you
going with this?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I went to Sara and asked if she could do a genetic
test and find out where my folks came from. She did, and my mom was from the
Quebec region of Canada, but my dad was from the area of Mexico around Mexico
City.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My dad, whose ancestors came from Germany, wasn’t
my dad! My mom had a fling with some guy from Mexico and got pregnant with me.
I’m a bastard, Daniel, that’s why the word has been ‘spinning around in my
head!’”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at her for a moment and finally
asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know for sure, I guess I was afraid
you might not like it; that I was part Mexican.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you ever heard me say anything
derogatory about Hispanics?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I applied the pen to paper and made a
notation under cons, ‘she doesn’t trust me, she thinks I may be racist.’</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No! I don’t! I don’t think you’re a racist!
God, I’m getting confused, this isn’t what I wanted to talk about. I want to
convince you I didn’t cheat on you; I didn’t even consider it. You are the only
man I want!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a really sexy dress you’re wearing,
the red really accentuates the tone of your skin.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She got a puzzled look and said, “I bought
it when you and I, Daniel and Danni, were in California; I bought it for you. I
told Danni someday I was going to surprise you with it and blow your socks
off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But you never
did. I like the fabric, it’s so sheer, so thin, almost like the material they
make lingerie out of.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is, but not transparent, so I could wear
it in public.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you never did, at least not for me. You
wore it to supposedly entrap some bad guys; you wore it for them. You know what
I like about it?” She shook her head. “You know how much I like your
extroverted nipples? How hard they get when you’re aroused?” She frowned. “I
was up on the catwalk looking for you when I saw you walking off the dancefloor
with your Marine. You were a good hundred, maybe a hundred and fifty feet away,
and I could see your nipples pressing on the fabric; from that far away. Your
skin was glowing with perspiration from the dance, the dress was clinging to
every curve of your body and you were hanging on to his arm, pressing your
breasts against him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a quiver in her voice, she said,
“That’s not true, it isn’t.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I came down from the catwalk and came
to your table, you didn’t even notice my presence, you only had eyes for your
Marine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a slightly harsh tone, she said, “He
wasn’t, my, Marine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You keep asking me to remember, so you
remember this. You know how I’m always telling you how much I love your scent?
That it’s intoxicating, especially when you’re aroused?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop it, Daniel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I reached the table where you were
sitting? I could smell you all the way across the table,” she turned and
started walking away. “I guess I can’t blame those guys, they were like a pack
of dogs around a bitch in heat.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“YOU MOTHERFUCKER!” She screamed as she
turned, pulled off one of her stiletto high heels and threw it at my head. The
spike of the heel struck me just above my right eye and then she was on me with
the second shoe, flailing at me as she delivered hammer blows to my upraised
arms.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this what you did to all your exes when
you were caught whoring around?!” I shouted at her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I FUCKING HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lunged up from the chair and pinned her
arms to the wall of the hallway and she tried to knee me in the groin, but I
twisted sideways, which allowed her to spin away from the wall and hit me with
the spike of the shoe again, luckily it was a glancing blow that gouged a
furrow above my left ear. She reached back to wind up for another blow and I
released her wrist as I stared into her amber eyes, she stopped as she looked back
at me and I guess she saw something that caused her to hesitate. Finally, I
said, “Go ahead, finish it, because I can’t live without you, I don’t want to
live without you, but how can we go on after I saw, what I saw?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dropped the shoe and grabbed two
handfuls of my hair, “How many times do I have to tell you! Was I aroused? YES,
but not for them! Dancing has always turned me on, I can’t help it! I can’t
help becoming aroused, but I can decide, who gets to fuck me! You are…the only…
man…for me! You! And only you!” Then she was crushing my lips with her own. One
of us, dragged the other to the bedroom and we had another session of extremely
hard, rough sex and when we were finished, I was shocked by the amount of blood
splattered on the pillows and Debra’s face and torso.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey,” she said. “You’re still bleeding.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I guess so.” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We never got that first aid kit for the
apartment we talked about,” she whispered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but my IFAK is on my FLC.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where
is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both sat up and looked around, “Uh, it’s
outside by the front door.” Damn it, I should have brought it inside.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, shit.” Debra’s eyes grew large and
round.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up, “I’ll get a towel and a wash
cloth.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra hurried to the bathroom and then
returned. As she was applying the wet rag to my forehead, I could see her hands
begin to tremble and then shake, “Oh, god, I’m so sorry, Honey.” The shaking
got worse and finally she said, “We need the IFAK and someone to help me, I…I…I
can’t do this, I can’t. I’m sorry. I can’t.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get the kit and I’ll take care of it. It’s
not that bad, Babe, it’s just a head wound and they bleed a lot. Go get it for
me, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and said, “Maybe everyone left?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good
luck with that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put on her house robe and walked out of
the room; I put on my own and went to the kitchen; the light was better there.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I heard Danni screech, “What the fuck?
Did he do that to you! I’m going to beat the fuck out of him right now!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No! No, Danni! It’s not my blood! Danni!
It’s his.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I heard Packer’s voice, “Uh, is he
alive? That’s a lot of blood.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, he is,” Debra said. “But I guess
I’m a little shaken and I can’t seem to get my hands to do what needs doing.
Danni, could you help me dress his injuries? Please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni snickered and said, “There better not
be any private parts that need treatment, cause I’m not going there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra sighed loud enough for me to overhear
her, “Danni, please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat at the kitchen table as first Debra
came in with my FLC, and then Danni, followed by Packer, Dan, and surprisingly,
Gilly. Gilly looked at me and then Debra, “If he’s the one bleeding and you’re
not, why are you the one with the most blood on you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni started laughing and said, “Gravity.”
Then everyone but Debra and Gilly started laughing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly frowned and said, “Gravity? I don’t understand,
what do you mean gra…oh, oh my. Never mind.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer rolled his eyes, “Gillian? Sometimes
I wonder about you. Remember that fight we had the first month we were
married?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly placed her hands on her hips and said,
“Jerry? Be very careful what you say.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, yeah, okay,” he answered. He glanced
around the room and said, “Well, it looks like everything is returning to
normal, sort of, so unless you need a few pints of blood, we’re heading home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni,” Gilly said. “Do you need some help
with that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni chuckled and said, “No, it’s not as
bad as it looks.” She turned my head and looked at the cut above my ear. “Ow,
that’s going to leave a scar.” She poked at it a bit and finally I pulled away
from her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the hell, Danni?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m still a little pissed you sent her out
to get your booboo kit looking the way she did. The adrenaline really got
pumping and I still have the shakes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah? Well why don’t you take a break and
calm down some.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me? I should calm down? Says the ass
everyone has been trying to get to see reason all the way from the Spring Ball?
On top of everything else, you blew our covert operation; Debra had those
idiots eating out of her hand until you came along and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni?” Debra said. “I don’t think that’s
been settled yet, please don’t throw gasoline on the fire.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s nothing to settle,” she said as she
pressed a pad of gauze on the cut above my ear, a lot harder than was
necessary. “He either gets his head out of his ass, or…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From where he was sitting on the couch, Dan
said, “Danni, knock it off!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did you say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I said, knock it off. Why do you think I
forbade you from doing what Debra was doing? Because I knew how I would feel if
one of those shits put his hands on you. Why do you think I said it was a bad
idea for Debra to do it? For the same reason! Guys don’t just turn that
jealousy shit off and on. When it’s on, it burns brightly! When it’s off, it smolders,
waiting to explode! So, knock it off!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could tell, Danni wasn’t used to Dan
shutting her down, “But…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, Danni,” Debra said. “You are one of
the best friends a girl could have; you always want to protect me from harm,
but not now, please? There’s unresolved issues that have to be addressed and
Daniel and I are still trying to work our way through them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stared at her for a moment and then at
me before I said, “Danni, I love you like a sister, but there’s shit I have to
deal with. Stuff I have to come to terms with; if I can’t do that, if I can’t…I
won’t drag Debra down with me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was instantly on her knees beside my
chair, “Don’t say that, don’t ever say that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra,” I said. “You’re still covered with
blood, why don’t you go take a shower. Danni? Could you help her wash her hair?
It’s starting to get all matted up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” she answered. “Sure,” she turned to
Dan and said, “Finish this up for me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, no problem.” He got up from the couch
and took Danni’s place cleaning the wound over my ear. We were both quiet until
we heard the bathroom door close and then he said softly, “For shit’s sake, Bro,
what did she hit you with?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Those sexy red stilettos.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holy crap! I guess those things can be
lethal in the proper hands. Guaranteed, I’m never getting Danni a pair of
those.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually laughed, really laughed, “But the
make-up sex is to die for.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The, to die for, part? That makes me a
little nervous.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I deserved it, I went too far trying to
hurt her, but…listen, I’m still feeling a little raw, you know? I’m also
feeling ashamed of myself; I’ve never intentionally hurt someone like that
before.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Last week, Danni and I got into it pretty
bad, and we ended up nose to nose screaming at each other. Then she started
saying, ‘Hit me, go ahead, I know you want to, you all do!’ It kind of stunned
me and I told her I would never, ever hit her, no matter what she said, or did
to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did she do?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She started crying and said she was sorry
for being such a bitch.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a story there,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There always is.” He finished bandaging the
cut above my ear and removed the temporary gauze Danni had stuck to the
puncture above my eye. “Damn,” he said. “That was awfully close to your eye.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, it was.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chuckled as he said, “Maybe try dodging
next time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There won’t be a next time;” I said.
“Either we work this out, or…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Or what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wouldn’t be fair to her if I stuck
around; she should have a chance to find someone…else, I guess.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have news for you, Brother, there is no
one else, not for Debbie. You’re the one.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t say anything for a minute, but
finally, “She…she seemed to really enjoy…those guys…touching her. I could see
how aroused she was and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What the hell are you talking about?”
He wasn’t angry, he was genuinely bewildered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All you had to do was watch her, the
nonverbal interest clues, the obvious sexual arousal when she walked off the
dance floor…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa, whoa, whoa, Danny Boy. Before she
went to meet those asshats at their table? The three of us discussed how she
could lead them on and one of things we came up with was the use of nonverbal
clues, that you yourself, told us about. Debbie didn’t want to do it, but Packer
talked her into it. Sorry about that. And as far as being turned on? No way
man, at least not by those guys. I’ve seen Debbie dance before, Daniel, she
loves it and gets excited by doing it. How could the two of you be together
this long and you not know how she is about dancing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve never danced together, we talked
about it once and I told her I didn’t know how and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That I had no interest in learning.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow,
you put your foot in it and didn’t even know it. Geez, Daniel, that woman
literally loves to dance. Danni says she’s actually seen Debra look like she
was about to have a…holy shit! Dan, when did you see Debra the first time at
the Ball?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I groaned internally and finally said, “When
she was walking off the dance floor with the Marine imposter. It really wasn’t
him that was turning her on, it was the dancing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Judging from what I know about her, yeah,
it was the dancing. I’ve seen her get like that just dancing by herself, or
with other women, but you know what? I’ve never seen her leave with a guy after
she danced with them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” I thought of the times I had seen
her dancing in our apartment by herself. She always seemed to enjoy it so much.
There was a song she would dance to that even I felt like dancing to, though I
had never done it, I just watched her as she moved to the music. She was
incredibly sexy when she did. It was from an old European rock band named, what
was it? Def Leopard, and the song was called Hysteria. “Are you done with me,
Dan?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I still need to treat those cuts on your
arms.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Spray some of that antiseptic on them and
then wrap them up, I think I need a beautiful woman to teach me how to dance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan leaned down where I could see his face
and said, “Now that sounds like a damn good plan.” He quickly finished up and
then knocked softly on the bathroom door. When Danni cracked the door open, I
could still hear the shower running.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danni,” he said. “We’re leaving.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked back at me and then smiled at
Danni, “Daniel says he’s really bad at dancing, but he wants Debra to give him
a lesson.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni slipped through the door, closed it,
and walked straight to me as she slid her arms around me, “Did you really mean
it when you said you thought of me as your sister?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and I feel the same way about Dan;
he’s my brother.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, because here’s some sisterly advice,
number one, don’t let Debbie get close to Stella. Number two, don’t let Debbie
get close to Stella, and number three? No half measures, Daniel, that girl
loves to dance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know for sure how to keep Stella
off Debra’s radar, but I think I can work on number three.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She raised up and kissed my cheek, “Good
boy, now go make your woman happy.” She turned and looked at Dan, “Did you have
something to do with the dance lessons idea?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ehh, maybe a little.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I snorted and said, “He grabbed the ring in
my nose and made me stare at the idea until it finally occurred to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well then, guess who’s getting a treat
tonight,” she said sexily.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan walked quickly to the front door and
opened it, “Let’s go, come on! Times a wasting!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni joined him and as Dan closed the door,
she said, “Slow down, Danny, you’ll wear yourself out before we even get close
to the bed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I locked the door and then opened Debra’s
music folder and started flipping through it until I found the CD I was looking
for, a long out-of-date group called Def Leopard. I was never into music all
that much, but when Debra moved in with me, she brought a high-end CD player
with her. I inserted the disc, selected a song called, Hysteria, and pressed Play
as I turned up the volume. Then I simply stood in front of the player and
watched the sound display. When the song finished, I pressed the replay button
and started it over. I had never paid attention to the lyrics before, now I
did, and I could begin to understand Debra’s feelings about it. I turned the
volume higher.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt her hands come to rest on my waist
and she whispered as I felt her body press gently against my back, “Honey?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to face her and realized all she
was wearing was a white bath towel wrapped around her torso. I pulled her close
to me as I spoke into her neck and ear, “I know you like this song. I don’t
know how to dance, but it always makes me want to move with it. I’m beginning
to understand your love of dancing and how it affects you in a sort of, I don’t
know, primal, emotional, physical level. I want to be part of that. Do you
think you can teach me, to dance, with you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned back from me and I could see her
lower lip trembling as she said, “I know you don’t like to dance, and that’s
okay, as long as we are together, I can dance inside of me. I don’t need…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I need you to freely express yourself, your
desires, your love for me. Do you think you can teach me, to dance with you, to
this song?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She quickly nodded and then kissed me. “Yes,
but does this mean…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not going anywhere, not without you. I
can’t live without you, Debra, I don’t want to live without you. No one will
ever love me the way you do, and no one will ever love you, the way I do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She literally collapsed as she began to cry.
I scooped her up and carried her to the Marlow chair, sat down with her on my
lap and held her tightly to me. “You and me, always.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, not yet, there’s things about me you
don’t know, things I never wanted you to know.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you don’t want me to know, then…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to know you’re in love with the real
me, not who you think I am. I’ve done things in the past that you probably
won’t like, and I didn’t want you to know because I need you, I wanted you to
think I was the kind of girl you wanted. There’s been times in the past when I
thought I was in love, but I didn’t know what love really was. Now I do, and
it’s tearing my heart out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Love isn’t supposed to hurt, Debra, and I
don’t want you hurting because you love me. What can I do to ease your
worries?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Listen to me while I tell you the truth?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please?” I slid my fingertips across her
bare shoulders and she shivered, “Don’t, please don’t, you know how your touch
drives me to distraction.” She slipped off my lap and said, “I’ll be back in a
moment.” She left the room for several minutes and then returned having dressed
in sweats and an over-sized tee-shirt. From the kitchen, she brought a chair
and placed it a good ten feet from me before sitting down and wiping her eyes
again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“First,” she said. “let me ask you a
question.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I was a kid, when did I leave home?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On your eighteenth birthday when you joined
the Air Force.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was what I wanted you to believe; I
left my parents’ home on my fifteenth birthday and lived in a sleeping bag
under a bridge.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,” I didn’t know what to say, so I went
silent.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was at a public park using the sink in
the women’s restroom to bathe when I was offered my first job. I mean, I used
to babysit a lot, but my first official job where I earned a paycheck. Two women
walked in and saw me washing my body; they asked if I was homeless and I said,
yes. They said I was too pretty to be homeless and they could help me get a job
if I wanted one.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait, let me finish.” She shifted
uncomfortably and then started again, “I asked how much did it pay and they
said more than I was making. I agreed they were probably right and asked what
the pay was again. The one doing the talking said I could make fifty dollars
for a four-hour shift, but I would get tips also. So, I asked, doing what? But
first she asked me how old I was. I figured they wouldn’t want to hire a minor,
so I said I was eighteen. She knew I wasn’t really eighteen, but she looked at
her friend and said, “What do you think?” The other girl said, “With the right
make-up, she can pass for the legal age.” They took me home with them and
introduced me to their boss. He owned a nude bar, what some guys referred to as
a titty bar. He hired me, they got me a fake ID and I started dancing and
waiting tables nude. All I had to do was pay Chellie, that was her name, twenty
per cent of whatever I made. I was hungry, and I didn’t have very much
self-esteem, so yeah, I jumped at the chance.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dismissed me with a wave of her hand and
continued, “I became really popular and Henry, the owner of the bar, kept
giving me more hours to work. It seemed I could bring in some pretty good
crowds. He started paying me $150 a night and tips; the tips made the money he
paid me seem like chump change. There were nights when I brought home over a
thousand just in tips.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet, Daniel, let me finish.” She wiped
at her eyes and I started to get up from the chair, “Please,” she said. “Let me
finish. Then Chellie told me, men were asking if I was available for private
parties, away from the bar. She told me she could charge up to $200 per man at
the parties and maybe even more later. I said I made more than that just
dancing and waiting tables, but then she said, “Debbie, two hundred per man, if
there are ten men, that’s two thousand dollars for a few hours of dancing in
someone’s home, or a hotel room, and you can charge a minimum. Ten men, or the
price of ten men.” I asked if all I had to do was dance, and she said it cost
more for anything else. I said I wasn’t interested in anything else.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, please…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I lost count of how many times I was raped,
and not by just one guy, never only one guy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, stop it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Going to the cops was useless, I was a
prostitute, so it didn’t matter.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Stop.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I tried to quit the whole thing, but
Chellie said if I did there would be people who wouldn’t like it. I stopped
anyway and Chellie’s boyfriend beat me to a pulp. I guess he liked the extra
money I was giving to Chellie to be my manager.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, stop,” I squeezed my eyes shut and
shook my head. “Stop.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I started going to school on-line. I needed
two-and-a-half years of classes, I earned my High School Diploma in less than
eight months and then began taking college classes. I started taking Criminal
Science and then met an Air Force recruiter at one of the private parties. They
were actually one of the best groups I danced for. When I turned eighteen, I
got away from Chellie and joined the Air Force. When you called me a whore? You
weren’t far from the truth, Daniel, I’ve been gang-raped, I’ve been forced to
have sex with other women, there was a guy that paid the whole minimum just so
he could share me with his dog; that bitch in heat comment cut me to my very
core and I don’t blame you if you want to throw me out. Chellie beat me with a
broom stick to make me do it, but I’m still damaged goods.” I levitated out of
the Marlow chair and rushed across the room at her as she scrambled out of the
chair and retreated into the kitchen with her arms extended out in front of her
to deflect the blows she expected. Then she brought her fists up and dropped
into a fighting stance. As I closed in on her, she dropped her hands and turned
her face away, “Go ahead, do it, do it, do it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed her shoulders and shook her, “Stop
it! Now!” I pulled her to me and said, “Debra, I was angry, and hurt, I lashed
out at you because I wanted you to hurt too! But I never would have said those
things if I would have known, I wouldn’t have hurt you like that. The past, is
the past, damn it! And I’m not walking away from the only woman I have ever
loved! Please, forgive me, I know I’ve been a total ass, but, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her body began to relax from her expectation
of being beaten and finally, she looked at me, “No! No, no, no, don’t you cry!
Don’t! Please don’t! I’m the one that deserved what happened to me! It was
always my fault! And then there was you, and you were so perfect, and, and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your fault? How could it be your fault you
were raped? How could it be your fault you were forced to do things you didn’t
want to do? You were threatened, you were beaten, but you escaped and made a
better life for yourself. You beat them! You won! And now, if you will forgive
me, maybe I can have a chance to be a winner too!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, I was wrong! I jumped to a
conclusion without establishing the facts first. Just like you said, we agreed
we would never do something like that again; we would always talk it out. I
failed you, again. I try not to, but I always seem to screw everything up. I
should have gone to the Ball with you like you wanted me to, but I thought if I
could find out what we needed to know about that ammunition it would make you
happy and maybe things would get better between us. I was wrong, so wrong, and
now we are in the mess we’re in, again, because of me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I just told you what a terrible
person I’ve been in the past and you’re asking me, to forgive you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You weren’t a terrible person, Debra, you
saw a way out of a bad situation and you grabbed at it. It snowballed into
something you never saw coming and you’ve been carrying a load of guilt that
wasn’t yours to carry. For god’s sake, you were just a kid! Let it go! Be the
loving woman I know you are and let me prove I’m worth the pain I’ve caused you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, there’s more, there’s more I need
to tell you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, there’s not, it isn’t going to change
how I feel about you; it’s not going to make me leave you, it doesn’t matter
anymore. The only thing that matters, is now, and tomorrow, and the next day.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me finish, and if after you hear what I
say, you still want me, then I’ll be the happiest woman in the world. If you
decide it’s more than you want to accept, then I’ll leave and give you your
freedom.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra? What can I say to make you understand…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I should have told you all of this before
we were married. It’s been weighing down on me ever since because you are so
straight up and narrow. You’re naïve, Daniel, you walk around thinking everyone
is as good hearted as you are. Well, here’s the truth, everything I was forced
to do, Daniel, no matter how disgusting, or perverse, no matter how much I
resented being forced to do it, it always made me have an orgasm. Everything,
Daniel, every time. I was disgusted with myself then and when I think about it now,
I’m still disgusted with what I am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply stood there in front of her for a
moment and stared into her amber eyes. As I watched, they began to fill with
tears and then began to leak down her cheeks. Her expression didn’t change
though, she wore a demeanor of calm, she was stoic; she fully expected me to
walk away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, I cleared my throat and said,
“If I ask you some questions, will you answer me truthfully?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a slight hesitation and then she
softly said, “Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No
matter how much you think it might hurt me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want to hurt you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, or no.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Since the first time we got together, how
many men, or women, have you had sexual relations with?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From the first time I met you, in this room,
none, no one, only you. I can’t help the orgasms I had, but I don’t go looking
for sex with other people,” and then she added, “Or anything else.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because you are all I need, you are all I
want and I love you with my entire being.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For the rest of your life?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you love me, you want to have our
children?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Definitely, yes, and yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will you always be faithful to me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Last question, why are we having this
stupid fricking discussion? Because I want to go to bed with my wife and make
love to her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cocked her head to one side and
murmured, “Oh yeah?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, absolutely, yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did you have in mind?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, what we did earlier was awfully good,
maybe a little less blood would be cool.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me her famous sultry chuckle, “Umm,
maybe we should just see where it goes; I’m kind of leaning towards an evening
of soft kisses and gentle lovemaking. Another bout like the last one and I’m
going to wake up really sore.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Okay by me, but first I have two
requests.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped forward and pressed her pelvis
into mine, “Anything.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“First, put that red dress and shoes back
on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? I kind of figured you might want it
gone, so I sort of threw it in the trash can outback.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get it back out and get that sexy thing
on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, and the second request?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want a dance lesson.”</span></p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-41930407645504847542021-04-19T08:21:00.002-07:002021-06-10T08:45:51.888-07:00ASYLUM: Chapters 18 & 19<p><br /></p><p>
</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
18</span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was at the tool cage in Facilities when
Todd Greene walked in and asked me if I had ever seen a cattle drive. Todd was
one of the new guys from Las Cruces and had been hired on to replace Marvin
after he was killed. He wasn’t a Marvin, but he wasn’t really all that bad
either. I sort of figured that once he got with the program, he might make a
pretty good sprinklerfitter.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I haven’t,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then you better get outside,” he said. “The
Maniker’s are delivering the payment for their little girl’s rescue.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked out the entrance to Facilities and
saw four horsemen keeping around ten head of cattle grouped together. “Fresh
beef,” I said as my mouth watered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No shit,” Todd said. “But ten head aren’t
going to go far down in the hole.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right of course; we were fast
approaching the four thousand population mark again and it was starting to get
just as crowded as it had been before. Still though, ten head of cattle were
nothing to turn your nose up at. I saw Carl Maniker as he dismounted and walked
into the Ranger HQ and wandered over myself. Before I could get there, he
walked back out with Packer and they watched the men on horseback keeping the
cattle grouped together. As I walked up, I could hear them talking.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You really should be talking to Governor
Ortiz,” the Major was saying. “She’s in charge of making arrangements like
you’re talking about.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just doesn’t seem right, talking business
with a woman.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you might want to try and get used to
it, around here,” Packer waved his hand at the hole. “We put the folks in
charge that are best suited for the job; she’s our choice for head of
government.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you work for her?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In a way, yes, but we have a system of
checks and balances in place much like how our government was supposed to have
worked before the crash.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, that turned out pretty well, didn’t
it?” Maniker struck me as a disagreeable man, but one that kept his word.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped up and said, “Mister Maniker, may
I ask how Charlotte is doing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me and I could see the wheels
turning, “Oh yeah, you’re the soldier married to that little spitfire.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and then Packer laughed also,
“Yeah, that’s me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She must be a real handful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Not really, she is about
as sweet as they come until you step on her toes or screw with those she
loves.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I did notice she apologized to you
for putting Richard down. I don’t know if I would like my wife kicking some big
ole boy’s butt for me though.” He looked away and then back at me, “Was she
serious about kicking his rear to keep you from killing him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I was,” Debra said as she walked up
behind us. “I saw the look in Daniel’s eyes and decided to thump Richard the
Dick’s ass in order to keep the peace. We just came from a fire fight, Mister
Maniker, that’s guaranteed to get the blood pumping and my husband is one of
the best there is at ending people’s lives when they earn it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer interrupted and said, “In extreme
circumstances. We don’t normally go looking for conflict.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t worry about it, Major,” Maniker said.
“My son has a tendency to run his mouth no matter how many times I’ve warned
him about it. Personally, I think having his ass handed to him by a pretty
little thing like Mrs. Tarn here was one of the best things that’s happened to
him.” He laughed and added, “You ought to hear the version that he’s spreading
around to the other ranchers; you have a bunch of secret, female, special
operations people that were no doubt trained from birth to assassinate people.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good grief,” Packer said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maniker became somber and said, “As far as
Charlie goes, she has nightmares and wakes up demanding to be allowed to come
here and be trained to be a soldier. At first, I told her absolutely not, none
of my women need to be trained to kill, but I’m beginning to wonder if maybe it
might not be such a bad idea. It’s pretty obvious my sons and I can’t be around
to protect them all the time. She also told me you folks have a school here,
that right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer nodded and said, “Kindergarten to
twelfth grade with college level classes to come. We have started training our
young people to protect their selves, but there’s also a community service requirement.
When the students turn eighteen, they join the Militia, or the Rangers and
serve two years active duty. After that, they are members of the Militia Reserve
until the age of forty-five.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, no harm in a child learning how to be
competent with a firearm, I guess. When do the classes start and is there a fee
involved?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No fees, we use the children to perform
work commensurate with their ages and abilities, so long as that work does not
interfere with their training, or academics.” Packer smiled and added, “We even
allow them to commiserate with their fellow students about how harsh they are
treated.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled inwardly as I realized the dumb old
Ranger that Packer pretended to be had just let slip a hint of his command of
the English language. When I was a kid, it took me forever to finally grasp the
difference between commiserate and commensurate. He had just used both words
correctly in two related sentences. Impressive.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sounds interesting,” Maniker said. “I have
four grandsons in addition to Charlie, would you have room for them also?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer nodded his head and said,
“Absolutely.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll talk it over with the kid’s parents
and get back to you, in the meantime, where can we put these cattle?” They
walked away together as they discussed possible places to keep the small herd,
but I figured a meat locker or freezer was good enough for me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between work at Facilities, trying to do
research on Sara’s computer, mine had taken a dump and was being worked on,
Militia duties, and training, there absolutely was not enough hours in the day.
I seemed to be rushing everywhere and never seeming to finish anything. Debra
was on me constantly to eat, to sleep, or help her with one thing or another.
You should have seen her reaction when, after a shower, I put the same clothes
back on because they were the least dirty ones I had.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, please don’t tell me you put your
underwear on inside out because you don’t have clean ones.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I opened a new package of briefs and socks,
so no, they’re not inside out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I check for your dirty clothes, so I can
wash them; where are you hiding them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, I’ll get to them, Babe, I promise,
but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where are they, Dan?” Shit.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In my MOLLE Ruck, my two duffle bags, and…”
I tapered off in embarrassment.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hemmed and hawed and finally muttered,
“Under the bed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that why the bedroom smells like a
locker room?! Dan, I swear to god if you don’t slow down and take care of
yourself, there are going to be some damned serious repercussions. Have you
eaten today?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started rubbing my forehead and trying to
remember whether I had, or not. I was sure I had a sausage sandwich…no, that
was yesterday, oh crap.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, listen, I…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, don’t say a word. You think I can’t
tell you’re losing weight again? What am…I…going…to do with you? Please, Honey,
don’t do this to me. You’ve got the snivels again, your eyes have dark circles
under them, and I know you’re not drinking enough water.” She grabbed my wrist
and pinched the back of my hand.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ow! What the hell?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed at my hand and said, “Look at
that! It takes forever for your skin to return to normal! You’re going to end
up in the clinic! In fact, we’re going to the clinic right now and have Doc
Horne give you a physical, when was your last one?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked blankly at her and said, “Uh,
physical?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horne put me on an IV and bed rest for
twenty-four hours, but said I wasn’t going to be released until my urine was
clear. I thought I was going to go nuts thinking about all the crap that was
being left undone, but after Debra broke down and started crying, I kept my
mouth shut and rolled with the program. I started feeling a lot better and
actually started thinking more clearly also. I guess I need to listen more
closely to Debra’s concerns and wants. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as I was released, I went straight
to Facilities to find out how far behind I was and Morgan rudely informed me I
was on vacation until further notice, however; I was on call if my expertise
was needed for something that couldn’t wait. Okay, so I looked up Shayla to
find out if we had any duties or training scheduled and she informed me that,
by Major Packer’s orders, I was on medical leave until I had gained thirty
pounds unless we were attacked by overwhelming enemy forces. By then, I was
suffering from wounded pride and desperation as I kept seeing things piling up,
so, I called Sara and told her I was coming by to do some research and she told
me that Debra had already nixed it. I felt like walking in circles, pulling my
hair out and howling at the moon.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra got home at five in the afternoon and
sort of tippy-toed past me as I sat in the Marlow chair and sulked. I was on my
third quart of beer and it was hitting me hard. “Well, look whose here,” I
said. “Did you have an interesting day? Get to hang out with your battle buds?
Tell a few jokes, have a few laughs?” I got up and followed her into the
bedroom where she was changing out of her uniform. “Did you tell everyone how
pussy-whipped you had me? I bet they got a laugh out of that. Did you…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“TARN!” I froze and then turned around to
see Major Packer and Gilly standing just inside our front door, “You better
ease off that bullshit right now!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned completely and faced him, “I need
to be researching! I need to find the facilities the ZPGers are operating from,
there’s work here in the hole that needs doing! I must finish my Militia
training! And it seems like everyone is trying to slow me down! I have to
finish, Major! I have to keep everyone safe! I have to…to…” I shook my head and
set the bottle of beer on the floor, “I’m sorry, Sir, I’m failing you and
everyone else, but I’m failing Debra the most. I can’t seem to do anything
right, no matter how hard I try, I’m never good enough. I’ve never been good
enough. I…” Like I said, the homebrew was hitting me pretty hard.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra’s arms slid around my chest from
behind and I felt her head press against the back of my shoulder, “That’s not
true, Daniel. You’ve been more than good enough since the first time I met you.
Everyone knows how important you are, everyone knows how good you are, how
loyal you are, how driven you are, and how lucky I am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know how you got stuck with me,
what happened? Were you one of those kids that were forever bringing home stray
dogs? Birds with broken wings? Is that what I am? Another broken wing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She released me and slid around until we
were facing one another, “A broken wing? No, not unless I’m the one that broke
it. You are tired, Daniel, you’re burned out, you need to rest and recharge;
that’s why everyone is sending you home to rest. Have you looked at yourself in
the mirror? God, I can count your ribs, your hipbones are protruding, your ass
is flat and your arms look spindly, but you keep pushing forward. You have to
stop, you have to take a break, if you don’t, we are going to lose the most
valuable asset we have and I will lose the love of my life.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s right, Daniel,” Packer said. “You
already found two of the secret locations of the ZPG assholes. The one at
Denver International Airport, and the one in the old salt mines of Kansas.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rubbed my eyes and wiped away tears,
“There’s another one.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” He asked. “Where?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Outside of Castaic, California. It was
originally an access tunnel for the Feather River project back in the late
1960s and the early 70s. They used the existing tunnel to branch off from and
riddled one of the mountains with shafts and tunnels. Looking at lists of
supplies and other crap, I figure it holds close to ten thousand people; about
the same as Denver.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ten thousand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, and then dragging Debra with me, I
sat down in the Marlow chair. “Excuse me, but the last week or so, my right leg
has started to bother me again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra, who had been in the process of
sitting on my lap, immediately lifted herself back up, “Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay Babe, it just bothers me when I
have to walk a lot.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you’ve been running with me every other
day,” she said as she gently lowered herself back down.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I didn’t want you to worry about me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly shook her head and said, “Martyr
much?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always,” Debra chuckled.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would anyone like a beer?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra rolled her eyes and said, “And he uses
deflection as a method to avoid discussions he finds uncomfortable.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, do I,” Packer said as Gilly nodded her
head and smiled. “So, let’s change the subject; I’ve got a proposition for
you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I responded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been thinking about the amount of
ammunition and supplies the administration procured for EXSEC, but what we
received was not what we were promised, why? Can you check into that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I already have and I sent that to you at
least two weeks ago in an e-mail.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn, I must have missed that one, so…?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Denver enclave was expecting trouble
with the ranchers and others, so the ammunition, MREs, and gear were diverted
there.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, their hold on the Denver enclave is
tenuous, huh?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, the people of Colorado that lived
outside Denver were fairly individualistic and conservative in their outlook.
After Denver was taken over by liberals moving there, the city and surrounding
areas dominated the political culture of the state.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Any idea if Denver was hit with their Blue
Aerosol?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I remember correctly,” Gilly said.
“There was a transcript of a conversation with a Ham radio operator from out
that way. They described weeks of absolute terror after several drones passed
over the city and surrounding area, so yeah, it probably happened.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer shook his head in disgust, then Debra
said, “They kept killing their own, the people that supported them, whenever
they attacked cities. Why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Too many of them,” I said. “Way more than
they wanted alive afterwards, so they took them out too.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Useful idiots,” Packer said. “The true
fanatics wiped out the Saturday Night Socialists.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Saturday Night Socialists,’ it was the
first time I had ever heard the phrase, but I understood it immediately. The
people who sat around with their friends drinking the latest trendy wine, or
beer from the local micro-brewery while proclaiming the righteousness of
Socialism, but then returned to their jobs in Capitalistic Corporate America.
They had big paying jobs, fancy cars, and homes most people dreamed of, with
illegal immigrant gardeners, maids, and nannies for their politically correct
single child, because they worked cheap. Yeah, useful idiots.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They never received the shipment though,” I
casually said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer became instantly alert, “How do you
know that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because they placed another order and they
were told since they lost the first shipment, if they couldn’t guarantee acquisition,
then don’t make the request.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wonder what happened to it?” Packer
sighed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Near as I can tell, it made it to the
railroad freight yard in Denver and that’s where the shipping manifests stop.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, all that ammunition might be sitting in
a railroad car in Denver?” He asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged, “That’s my guess.” I drummed my
fingertips on Debra’s thigh and added, “I assume you’re just interested in the
5-5-6, 7-6-2 NATO, and nine-millimeter?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me and asked, “What do you
mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That shipment was combined with another one
in route to Denver. The other one consisted of all new manufactured 7-6-2x39
and 7-6-2x54r. According to the list I saw, it also included some weapons for
the UN Peacekeepers that were sent to Denver.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra sat upright and said, “Wait, what?!
United Nations Peacekeepers in Denver? Our Denver?!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I tried to find out what country they
were from, but all I could find was a request to discover if translators would
be needed. Apparently not, so they must speak English wherever they are from.” Again,
I shrugged.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Any chance further research might make a
trip there worthwhile?” Packer asked. “What I mean is, I’ve seen, and been, in
railroad yards and they can be confusing. Is there any chance we could locate
that car, or cars, and salvage it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have no idea, but in all honesty, the
chances of locating it are slim and none,” I said. “I’m seeing the same
information the Denver Enclave has seen and if they can’t find it, there’s not
much chance I will.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would appreciate it if you would look
into it none-the-less. Between training and the battle we were forced into, I’m
seeing a shortage of ammo raising its nasty head.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to get nervous, “How short are
we?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not bad for now, but we can’t go shopping
like we used to,” he replied.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does this mean I can start researching
again?” Anything to relieve the boredom and it had only been two days, so far.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra started to squirm where she sat on my
lap, “Major, you know how out of shape he is and we agreed…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I’ll be sitting at a desk and
flipping virtual pages, not running the woods. Come on, I’ll go nuts sitting
here with nothing to do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you’ll end up starving yourself because
you forget to eat! Major, please, if I could stay and keep an eye on him, he
might be able to do it, but I need to be training other snipers, and I have
other duties, so I can’t stay with him all the time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gillian suddenly looked interested in the
discussion and said, “What if we had a caretaker, someone who would bring him
meals and sit with him while he ate?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got ready to put my foot down, “A
babysitter? Are you kidding? For the sake of all that’s holy…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you have someone in mind?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait a minute…” I started,</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Maria Estevan, she’s a real nice older
lady who keeps wandering around trying to help out, but she’s had no formal
training at anything. However; she raised five children of her own and was
caring for eight grandchildren when the crash came. Unfortunately, she lost her
whole family in Las Cruces the night of the Locos, as she calls it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want a…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra got excited, “Gilly, the apartment and
the end of the lane is empty, we could move her in there and get her all set
up; she could check on Daniel throughout the day and make sure he drinks enough
water. That would really ease my mind!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, I don’t need someone to…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does Daniel like Mexican food? She fixed
Jerry and I tamales and oh, my, god, they were so good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, I’m sitting right here and I don’t
like…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra levitated off my lap and grabbed
Gilly’s hand, “Let’s go talk to Felicia and see if we can get that apartment
for her!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait, hold it…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three of them stood up and started out
the front door as the girls were talking a hundred miles an hour. Just before he
closed the door, Packer stuck his head back in and said, “At this point, it
doesn’t matter what you want, the only thing that matters is what they want. Go
with the flow, Daniel, you’re less likely to drown.” He winked and closed the
door.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shit.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Chapter 19</b></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please be nice to her, Honey, she’s really
a good person and she’s lost her entire family.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I’m not going to be mean to her, I
just don’t think I need her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Says the guy that’s thirty pounds
underweight because he forgets to eat or doesn’t have the time. Daniel, we’re
going to try this whether you want to, or not. I mean it, I’m not going to
watch you wither away to nothing.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I already said I would try it for your
peace of mind; when is she coming?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told you last night, she’ll be here at
eight this morning to make you breakfast, and then again at noon for lunch. If
I get stuck at work, I’ll call her and she’ll fix you dinner at six.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You promised me, Daniel, don’t make me
leave worried, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, okay, geez.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me a good kiss and then whispered
into my mouth, “If you’re a good boy today, we can work on your cardio
tonight.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are the parameters that constitute,
good boy?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me one of her rare giggles and
said, “Well, I guess I’ll ask Maria and she can tell me if you were good, or
bad.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s not fair, good and bad can be both
objective, or subjective terms.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She poked me in the chest as she said, “I’m
leaving, be good and eat your vegetables; I’ll see you tonight.” She
practically ran out the door because I harassed her so long. I had a passing
thought, if she’s late to morning formation, is that a bad Daniel thing? Damn,
I hope she gets there on time. I sat at the table and opened the laptop; it was
time to get started on what might be a dead-end.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, I was surprised when the knock at
the door caught my attention, the clock on the wall said it was 8:05. Opening
the door, I was met by the vision of Maria Esteban. She was tall, almost as
tall as me, blond hair, thin, but not overly so. There were laugh lines around
her eyes and mouth and she smiled quickly at me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel Tarn, I am Maria Esteban.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Mrs. Esteban, please come in,” I
said as I stepped away from the entrance.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your wife said you had the makings for
breakfast, is there something in particular you would like?” She walked in and
glanced around before gravitating to the small kitchen.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, no, nothing I’m craving. Will you be
eating with me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I ate earlier in the cafeteria, if I may
ask, why don’t you take your meals there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The time it takes to walk the distance, is
wasted time I generally need for other things.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see,” she shrugged and opened the
refrigerator. “Yes, this will do nicely. Debra says you prefer sausage over
bacon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, actually I prefer sausage over that
maple flavored bacon, but regular bacon is fine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wheat toast and she says you prefer your
eggs over easy, correct?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I prefer wheat over white, and rye over
wheat, but, yes, Ma’am. Over easy, or scrambled, omelets are always good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see you have a fresh pot of coffee…” She
sniffed it and then said, “Well perhaps not so fresh.” She glanced at the table
where my laptop sat and frowned at the cup of cold coffee beside it. “Do you
drink a lot of coffee?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I pour more coffee than I drink sometimes,
but yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your wife says you forget to eat and I
guess you forget to drink your coffee also. That’s a shame, I can’t tell you
how many times I’ve wanted a cup of coffee and didn’t have any, and here you
sit throwing it to waste.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit irritating to be called
wasteful, so I said, “When it gets cold, I reheat it in the microwave; it never
gets wasted.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, you do.” She glanced around the
room and finally said, “I’ll get started on your breakfast.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided Debra may have been a bit quick to
call Maria nice. She can cook though; I’ll give her that. She’s also very
efficient. She can also be irritating.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you going to eat your breakfast cold,
or will you reheat it in the microwave like your coffee?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced up and she was staring at me,
“Excuse me?” She pointed to the plate that was partially hidden behind the
screen of the laptop. “Oh, I’ll eat as soon as I finish what I’m working on at
the…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached over and closed the laptop,
almost with my fingers still inside. “Do you like it when people ignore the
work you do? I don’t; your wife says you are a good man who gets side-tracked.
I’m thinking you consider yourself too important to be concerned with the worries
others have for your health. I also believe you consider others to be beneath
you. Who or what they may be, or represent, is unimportant as long as they
don’t interrupt you, or distract you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s absolutely untrue and you have no
idea who or what I am. You just met me and you’re judging me? Get to know me
first and then try psychoanalyzing me. Perhaps you should examine your own
intentions and misconceptions about people in general.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve already done so, and you fit quite
well within my conceptions of men and people in general. Do you want me to
reheat your breakfast, or will you eat it cold?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up the plate and almost tossed it
into the microwave before slamming the door and punching the two-minute button.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You do realize there is probably no one
making those anymore? If you break it in a moment of irritation, you can
probably kiss it goodbye forever.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you supposed to sit and watch me eat?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, even if you become petulant. That was
your wife’s word, not mine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to smile, but remembered I was supposed
to be angry. Instead, I took a deep breath and slowly released it. “I’m trying
to change the way I do things, so my wife doesn’t worry about me so much.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are not doing it very well.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and looked at her, but instead of
the scowl I expected to see, there was a genuine smile, “No, I guess I’m not.
Please continue reminding me when it becomes necessary.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have reached an understanding, this is
good.” She continued to smile as she added, “Using the microwave draws power we
need for other things; are you going to take your plate out and eat, or reheat
it again?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two minutes was too long, the sprinkling of
grated cheese she had topped the hash browns with stuck to the roof of my mouth
and burned the crap out of it. I was going to have blisters for sure. Damn it.
She just shook her head and the look of disapproval she had reminded me of
Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A glass of cold milk would be nice right
about now,” she said. “But you don’t have any.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The only milk available is that powdered
stuff and I don’t care for it very much.” She rose from where she was sitting
and began going through the cabinets and drawers until she found the packets of
water flavorings, we kept available. Moments later, she placed a glass of
orange flavored water beside my plate. “Thank you, I forgot about those.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Debra said, you often have your head
up…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My ass? I guess more often, than not.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frowned in disapproval and finished,
“She said, you often have your head up in the clouds.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, sorry.” I could feel my face flushing
red.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now is the best time to moderate your
language, before Debra gives you the gift of children.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, you’re right of course; I’ll
try and remember that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced at her watch and then back to my
plate, “Good,” she said, as I wiped the plate with the remnants of the last
slice of toast and stuffed it into my mouth. “You clean your plate well, so
there is no waste; do you like salsa? I believe Debra said that you did.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do, but too much cilantro can really
put me off of it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some salsa makers definitely overdo the
cilantro, but I use it sparingly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Great, if you do make some, I’d be happy to
try it out. Unlike many people, how hot salsa is doesn’t make it good in my
eyes; I don’t mind it, but it’s the flavor I like.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The cafeteria makes burritos that have
potential,” she said. “But they are rather bland and they should toast the
tortilla; I’ll bring you one for lunch with some homemade beans, rice, and my
salsa.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hesitated and then said, “I sort of like
to add ketchup to my burritos, rice and beans, I hope that won’t offend you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria laughed, and then said, “Don’t tell
anyone, but so do I.” She stood, collected my plate and glass and began washing
them in the sink. I opened my laptop and brought up what I had been working on
before breakfast. A few minutes later, she walked to the door as she said,
“This has been a good start and I know Debra will be pleased; I’ll see you at
lunch. By the way, I have been moved to the apartment at the end of your block,
if you have a special request, simply call my number and tell me what you wish
to have and I will prepare it if the ingredients are available. My phone number
is on a piece of paper attached to your phone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and smiled as I said, “Breakfast
was quite good, Maria, thank you.” She left and I buried myself in the
computer.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria’s rice and beans are to die for! The
way she reworked the burrito? Wow! Her Salsa? I suggested to her she start
bottling it for the Exchange, that shit was outstanding!</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to start gaining weight again, so
I started hitting the gym and working out every morning before going back to
the computer. With my increase in exercise and the steady diet of good food
from Maria, I was soon not only back up in the range of weight I normally was,
but I actually hit 190 pounds. I was stronger and in better shape than I had
ever been. Packer had given Debra some special consideration initially and kept
her work hours closer to my own, but eventually the rotating shifts began to
start again and we began seeing less of each other. Packer finally gave the
go-ahead and I returned to work at Facilities with the result I could only
search the internet while I was off work. I would be sleeping while she worked,
or vice versa, so often, we might only interact for an hour or so each day.
Danni, Dan, Banner, Dak and Rich, like Debra, had shifting hours also, so we
seldom got together like we used to, but when we could, we did. I started to
notice that when Debra and I were together when our hours aligned, she was
often argumentative and complained about the time I spent researching, or
withdrawn. I knew that as soon as I finished finding that damn railcar of
ammunition, I could make things better between us, but for now, we needed that
ammo.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria Esteban asked me one afternoon why I
spent so much time on my computer and after I explained what I was doing, she
said she knew a young girl from Las Cruces that was also good at using the
computer. She suggested we meet and put our heads together. I’ve always
preferred working alone when I was doing research, but Maria was adamant the
girl would be helpful, so I decided, why not? I figured I’d give it a shot and
see how it went. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia Ortiz, no relation to Felicia, was
admitted to NMSU Las Cruces when she was sixteen. She was extremely bright and
also very eager to do something other than work in the kitchen of the cafeteria
washing dishes. In the first week we worked together in the evenings, we made
tremendous headway in the search for the railcar. She would sometimes ask me
questions about how to approach a man without coming on too strong and I
started to worry she was becoming interested in me, but she finally told me
about a young man she had her eye on, named Tony. She was interested in joining
the Militia, I think because Tony had joined, but was concerned about how heavy
all of the gear was, so I allowed her to put on my gear with loaded magazines.
She was a little alarmed by how heavy it was.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good god, how much does this stuff weigh? I
mean, this stuff is heavy!” Julia was slightly built and on the thin side.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “It can be at first, but
you get used to it, plus the Militia doesn’t normally carry more than six
magazines; I prefer to carry more.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah? Well, I’d like to see the trucks that
carry this crap around; they must be huge!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not really, they are actually designed to
hold…” I stopped and thought, yeah, ammo is heavy. How much could you fit into
a railcar and how much would it weigh? What are railcars rated for? Would it be
too heavy for one boxcar? Would they need several to ship a significant amount
of ammunition? “Julia, I need to find out a few stats for ammunition, so I
probably won’t need you anymore this evening. Why don’t you go hang out around
Tony?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure? I mean, I kind of wanted to
put an outfit together for the dance tomorrow, so yeah, if you don’t need me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, go ahead and see what you can come up
with; see if you can blow Tony’s socks off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bailed and I set to work digging up
information. I knew what ammunition the Denver Enclave had ordered; it was
almost two million assorted rounds. The Russian ammo would be the heaviest and
I quickly discovered the 7.62x54r ammunition weighed in at 55 pounds per 880
round case. Holy shit! I was happy my bullpup ammo was much lighter than that. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was working late shift and I wouldn’t
see her unless she woke me when she came in. Normally, she would just crash in
the Marlow chair because she didn’t want to disturb me. I kept working on the
railcars and finally went to sleep an hour before she would be coming home, but
I left her a note on the fridge. I wanted her to know I thought I might be
getting close to a resolution. When I woke the next morning, she was sleeping
in the chair, so I slipped out and went to work at Facilities. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was on my way home, I noticed some
strange faces around the Ready Room and when I asked, I was told a contingent
of Airmen and Marines from Holloman were onsite to attend the Spring Ball that Felicia
had organized; I guess that was the dance Julia had spoken of. I rushed home
and started going over what I had discovered and then began digging deeper.
Around five pm Debra walked in and asked without preamble, “Are you going to
the Ball?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and smiled, “Babe, I’m almost
there! I think I may have the information concerning that ammunition and where
it’s located by the end of this evening!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you’re not going?” She wasn’t smiling,
not at all.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, look, I’ve been working on this for
weeks, I’ve almost got it, I’m almost finished.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have fun with your computer, I’m going to
the Ball with the rest of the gang. If you get tired of reading, take a nap.”
She walked through and into the bedroom and a few minutes later, she came out
with a garment cover and an overnight bag she kept her make-up in.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, wait a minute, all right, give me a
few minutes and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stopped at the door and quietly said,
“I’m in competition with a laptop, and there’s no way I can compete with your
probable porn stash. Have a fun evening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hold it! Hold it right there!” The sudden
flash of anger caught me by surprise, “You have no right to insinuate…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I guess I don’t. Good night, Dan.” She
slammed the door as she left.</span></p>
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<![endif]--></p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-82986296108321830612021-04-12T05:55:00.004-07:002021-06-10T08:44:54.333-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 17<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
17</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recovered rather quickly this time, I
guess I’m getting better at it. Debra, not so much. Her wound became infected
and she spent four days in the clinic being treated for sepsis. Unfortunately,
they had to treat her for a miscarriage also. Apparently, the septic infection
caused her to lose the baby. She was only six weeks along and didn’t even know,
Doctor Horne said it could have been much worse. She cried for two days
straight and kept apologizing to me as if it was her fault. All I did was hold her,
tell her how much I loved her, that it wasn’t her fault, and we had plenty of
time when she was ready to try again. I had an empty place in me where the joy
of a child might have been; I know it was a lot worse for her.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The troops from Holloman stayed a week and
helped us clean up and reorganize. Out of the four hundred and fifty men that
attacked us, the Air Force took one hundred and forty-seven back to Holloman
with them. The rest we buried in a mass grave. We split their usable weapons,
gear, and trucks, but the Air Force got more of the trucks than we did and we
got more of the weapons and gear. They sent their helicopters back empty to
save on fuel and used some of the attacker’s trucks to transport the prisoners
and their own troops back home. They also took the Marlows with them; there was
talk of trials for crimes against humanity. We’ll see.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all the equipment and weapons, we
captured, Packer was in hog heaven, we could completely equip another two
companies of Rangers, or Militia. We were running out of multicam cloth for
Militia smocks, so Packer made that one of the priorities for the teams we sent
out foraging. We also started salvaging food when we found it. Yes, we had a
huge supply of long-term storage food, but Felicia and the governing council
wanted to hedge our bets when we could. Another thing we were looking for was
equipment and supplies for preserving food. Packer wanted equipment for
reloading expended ammo, but it was hard to find. Our salvaging groups were
roaming farther out all the time and there was talk of sending teams to Tucson
and Albuquerque, Holloman said they were laying claim to El Paso; hitting the
smaller towns wasn’t helping a lot.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, Debra became her old self and
once again started joining Thomas’ 4<sup>th</sup> Squad when it patrolled and
trained. I rejoined the Militia squad I was a member of and started doing
closer in patrols and increased levels of training. The Militia was beginning
to shine and it started to be used as a supplement to the Rangers. Packer
started picking the cream of the Militia and actually incorporating them into
the Rangers. They were becoming increasingly professional in their attitudes
and abilities. The trucks we captured became transportation for the Rangers and
salvage crews and they worked really well. The only problem with them was, they
were foreign manufactured and it was difficult to find spare parts for them;
Packer started searching for National Guard Depots where we might find vehicles
to replace the ones we had captured as needed. Debra continued as the first
Scout Sniper of the Rangers and often could be found training others. Major
Packer envisioned at least one Scout Sniper in each squad, but preferably two,
one for each fire team.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally, Debra would be gone for short
periods when her squad was sent to patrol, or support with salvage operations.
I ended up spending less time working for facilities and more time doing
research. Sara’s internet connection needed to be locked in using a satellite
dish and when it started becoming erratic the dish would need to be tuned
again. The Air Force from Holloman helped us with that and trained several of
our people in how to maintain it. The Air Force did more than that though, they
connected to our communications and established secure satellite feeds that
allowed us to talk back and forth, sort of like the old Facetime. They were
also able to break the encryption code on Sara’s computer and now they, and us,
have the internet back. One of the Air Force guys referred to it as the Dark
Net, whatever that is.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our patrols and salvage crews made contact
with other people when we could, some we brought back to the facility and
others were encouraged to stay and develop contacts with others in their
region. An entire network began to be developed which involved mutual
assistance both militarily and economically. Occasionally, we were forced to
intervene when someone, or a group of someones, became problematic. There
always seemed to be those who felt the need to control everyone around them and
it simply was not tolerated. Slavery began to raise its ugly head again and the
Rangers dealt harshly with it when we found it. In Albuquerque we found an
enclave of blacks, and one of Latinos, that were vying for control of the city.
I was sent along with several others to see if we could formulate a way for the
separate groups to work together, but we finally left them to their fates.
Judging from the unreasonable hatred from both sides, I came to the conclusion
that the city had been a victim of the aerosol the ZPG people developed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they weren’t busy with other concerns,
Sara and Felicia worked together in an attempt to develop a test we could use
to find those who had been contaminated. It was slow going though, even with
people like Debra and I, who we knew had been contaminated, to use as sample
providers. I wondered if the effects would die out once everyone who had been
contaminated had passed away, if so, it might be decades before we might see an
end to its problems.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Christmas Eve, Gillian Packer performed
the first marriage ceremonies in the facility. There were ten of us who pledged
ourselves to our lovers. Debra and I, Dan and Danni, Felicia and Dak, Rich and
Nadia, and finally, Ted and Sara. I had no real attachment to my last name,
after all, it had been arbitrarily assigned to me at birth, so I asked Debra
how she would feel about our married name being, Tarn. She was a little hung up
on the tradition of the woman accepting the man’s name and she said she, like me,
had no attachment to her own. We even thought about creating a new one which
would be a mixture of the two. The closest we came to agreeing on was, Tarth,
but it sounded kind of lame. We went with Tarn, so now I am known as Daniel
Tarn; still with no middle name. I get some good-natured ribbing now and again
about who wears the pants in the house, but as long as it’s good natured, who
gives a shit. Surprisingly, several other husbands have since adopted their new
wives’ last name also. It kind of makes sense actually, you can never be really
sure who the father is, but you always know who the mother is. I don’t think it
will become a widespread practice though; people like to hang on to their
traditions. Who knows?</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bellows returned shortly after the attack;
Tucson was a total bust and the Air National Guard facility was a burned-out
ruin. Even the aircraft were burned, surprisingly, all the aviation fuel had
been removed, but they were able to bring back two tankers of clear diesel and
two of high-octane gasoline. Packer wants us to start collecting fuel when we
can and bring it back here; it might be a while before we can find a working
refinery.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holloman reported they had established
communication with Fort Bliss in El Paso and told them about us having a
working society. They agreed to stay in communication with us as well because
we were the only organized civilian government they had found, so far. I’m not
saying they placed their selves under Governor Ortiz’s authority by any means,
but they were working with us. They did warn us there were American Military
units around that had been affected by whatever had been sprayed on the cities,
and were unreliable to various degrees. That can be worrisome.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our new communication room has been expanded
and now inhabits the second level of the Marlow condo. Holloman helped us set
it up and they even installed two communication towers for us. One is for
normal radios and one is for the satellite link. We have a variety of both
military radios and commercial Ham radios and they are both giving us a huge
amount of information. There are a lot more people out there than we realized
and they want to talk. We have even contacted U.S. Naval Vessels at sea.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia is attempting to get more people to
start taking part in community efforts and one of the things she is considering
is starting some sports leagues. As a result, she performed a poll to find out
what sports people would be interested in playing. The only sport I was ever
allowed to participate in was Parks and Recs Flag Football and that was for one
season. I loved it at the time, but for the life of me, I could never throw a
forward pass. Towards the end of the season, the father of one of the other
kids offered to examine my wrists to see if he could correct the situation. He
was a chiropractor and used to come to practice every day and work on my wrist
joints, within a week, I could actually throw a forward pass, just like
everyone else. It was weird, but he said it was actually fairly common. I was still
used as a receiver and defensive back, but at least I could warmup with the
rest of the guys and they stopped making fun of me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bad thing was, after the season was over
and he was no longer able to see me, my wrists began to stiffen again and I
lost the ability to keep passing a football. I used to hate it when we played
football in P.E. Class because I was guaranteed to once again become the target
of all the assholes. The Rangers and the Militia actually started a Coed Flag
Football League and naturally, Debra wanted us to be on a team with Danni, Dan,
Banner, Sara, Rich, Nadia, Dak and Felicia. Each team would field eight players
and I reluctantly agreed. I remembered all of the crap I put up with when I was
a kid, so when everyone was deciding what positions we would play, I stayed out
of the running for quarterback. Debra, can throw a football! And she can throw
it accurately! Unfortunately, it led to what became our first nasty fight. Oh
sure, we’ve had arguments, show me a couple who don’t and I’ll call bullshit.
It was the first time we had a practice and Debra wanted me to warm up with her
before we started running drills and after she passed the ball to me the first
time, I threw it back underhanded. Don’t ask me why, but for some reason if I
pass the ball underhanded, I can throw a perfect spiral, but over the shoulder?
Nope, not going to happen. She responded with, “Come on, Hon, throw it to me,
I’m not spun sugar.” She threw me another pass and I returned it the same way I
had before. “Daniel, come on! I can catch it! Now throw me the damn ball!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She threw a ripper at me and I caught it
with one hand before I walked across the intervening space and handed the ball
to her. “Dan, you are starting to piss me off! I don’t need for you to take it
easy on me because I’m a girl, I’m damn good at sports and I want you to man up
and act like you have a little respect for me, understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to snap at her, but before I
exploded, I took a deep breath and released it slowly. Everyone else had
stopped and were watching as Danni said, “Geez, Debbie, he just wanted to make
sure you could catch it before he started laying them in.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t need to be treated like some
limp-wristed little whiny bitch, god damn it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have never, treated you that way,” I
said. “And I never will. I know how competitive you can be, but you need to
reign in your emotions. Let me know when you have.” I turned and started
walking away back towards the entrance to Phase One.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re quitting? Are you shitting me?” She
ran up beside me and tried to grab my arm and turn me around, but I kept
walking. “Fine! Go on! If you can’t treat me like an equal then go ahead and
run away! Go pout in your…” She stopped talking and caught up with me again.
“Hey, hey, Daniel, uh, listen, I’m sorry, uh, really, I…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not now, Debra, I think we need a little
break from one another. When you’re finished with practice, we’ll talk then.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept walking and I guess she decided maybe
it might be a good idea to let me go, which it was. I wasn’t going to hit her,
or anything like that and she knew it, but it was a good idea to drop it. I was
barely keeping myself under control.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went back to the apartment and had a beer,
then I dragged one of our folding chairs outside and slouched down while I
sipped on the quart bottle. The bad thing about quarts is, they have a tendency
to get warm before you’re finished. After a while, I went back in and brought
out another chair I could prop my feet up on and continued to sip on the
rapidly warming brew. Another half-hour and I grabbed a good size salad bowl,
filled it with ice and set the bottle of beer in it when I wasn’t taking a
drink.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then the absolutely unthinkable
happened, Stella Morrison came walking down the lane, smiling and waving…at
me…shit.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi, Daniel!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Stella.” We ran into each other
occasionally, and I generally tried to be, not friendly per se, but I don’t
know, neighborly? Let’s just say I normally tried to keep our conversations
succinct. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where’s your wife?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Busy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, I think someone said they saw her
playing at football with some other men topside. Doesn’t that bother you, or
are things not so good lately?” She placed her hand on the back of the chair my
feet were on and leaned on it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Things are just fine, Stella, is there
something I can do for you?” I kept looking at the corner I knew Debra would be
walking around on her way home. I did not need her coming while Stella was
playing games.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, nothing at all. I saw you sitting here
all alone and thought I would stop and say hi.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, did I look lonely?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I might describe it as, more at ease, more
approachable.” She smiled and looked at the chair; I think she was hoping I
might offer her a seat, I didn’t. I pulled the beer from the ice and took a
sip, “Oh,” she said. “Is that some of the famous beer that Daniel Smith brews?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could I try a little? I’ve heard it’s
really good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan keeps a small quantity at the Exchange
for sale, you can try there, but usually it’s sold out. Stella, why are you
here? You must realize that if Debra comes home and finds you hanging out, it’s
going to cause problems.” At that very moment, two people came around the
corner of the lane behind Stella and strolled our way. For a moment I started
to panic until I saw it wasn’t Debra, but Major Packer and Gilly. I relaxed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, if my visiting causes problems for
you, then there is already trouble in paradise.” She had a wickedly seductive
smile on her lips.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer and Gilly stopped and Gilly said,
“Stella? The problem won’t be Daniel’s, it will be yours. I believe I warned
you about trying to play with things that aren’t yours? I’m certain I did.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stella jumped and straightened up as she
turned to face Gilly. “Oh, hi Mrs. Packer! I was just keeping company with
Daniel. His wife is topside with a number of men and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And their wives? Is that what you were
going to say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I removed my feet from the chair and asked,
“Gilly, why don’t you have a seat?” I stood and asked the Major, “Why don’t you
take this chair, Sir, and I’ll bring out another?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Daniel, these old bones aren’t what
they used to be.” What a crock of bull that was; he was probably in better
shape than me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Would the two of you like a glass of
homebrew?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly smiled and said, “Why thank you,
Daniel, yes, please.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer smiled and nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be right back,” I said. I entered the
apartment and collected three glasses and another quart of brew. With the beer
pressed to my side by my left arm and the glasses in my left hand, I brought
another chair out with me. Stella was rapidly disappearing down the lane and I
breathed a sigh of relief.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly laughed, “I thought you looked like
you needed to be rescued.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer said, “I consider the whole operation
as a rescue of Stella, Debra and everyone else are going to be here any
minute.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I handed the glasses to Gilly and the Major
and then the bottle of beer as I opened the chair and sat down. Retrieving the
beer, I filled their glasses and then the third for me from the remnants of the
bottle in the salad bowl. “Is she really coming?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both nodded and then Gilly said, “I was
looking out the window when you and Debra had that little spat. I also saw
Stella watching the whole thing and then she took off and I thought, uh oh, so
I waited until Jerry was free and here, we are; looks like we were just in
time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks again, I wonder if she was hoping
Debra would come home and find her here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My guess? Probably, I know how you can be,
you always seem surprised when people do crappy things.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged, “Not really, I mean, I’m not
surprised when people do stuff like that, but it surprises me when they, when
they…” I didn’t know how to say it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly chuckled and said, “When they try to
sabotage your relationship in order to get their claws into you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are just as self-effacing as Debra says
you are.” This time, Gilly didn’t laugh, she just gently smiled, “You’re a good
man, Daniel, you are exactly the man Debra deserves.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To hear her say that meant a great deal to
me, but before I could say so, Debra and the gang walked around the corner and
headed for the three of us. “Here they come,” I said. “I have some explaining
to do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The closer the group came; the faster Debra
was walking. When she reached us, she scooted through between us and straight
through the open front door. I leaned over so I could watch her; she went
straight to the bedroom and closed the door. I stood up as Danni reached us and
she said, “You better go in there, she’s really kicking herself in the ass.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been doing the same thing, you guys
know where the beer and glasses are, we’ll be out in a minute.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked into the apartment and gently
knocked on the door, “Babe? Can I come in?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but I don’t know why you would want
to,” I slipped through the door and closed it behind me. Her eyes were
bloodshot and her nose was glowing red; a sure sign she had been crying.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over and kneeled in front of her,
“I want to because I screwed up and I love you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you didn’t, I did. I was the one being
a bitch. You were just trying to see what I could do before you started
throwing the ball to me. You wanted to be sure I wasn’t going to get hurt if
you threw the ball too hard. I know that and it pissed me off. I let the anger
get hold of me and…” She started to softly cry.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, hey! That’s not what I’m saying.
That’s not what I was thinking. Do you know why that happened? Why you got so
pissed, so fast?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because I’m a self-centered Bitch?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop it. We both know why we get angry,
because of the shit we were contaminated with. We keep it controlled because we
don’t want to hurt other people’s feelings, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You trust me, so you relax your guard a
little, and every once in a while, you bite me, because you trust me not to
over-react and I love you so much because of that. I know you trust me not to
turn away from, us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The people we love are the ones we should
treat with the most respect and kindness, the way you do, not the way I have
done.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, you’re being kind of hard on
yourself, don’t you think?” I pushed her knees apart and scooted between them
as I started stroking her back with my hands.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t,” she whispered. “You know how I
react when you do that, I can’t help myself when you do that.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, it’s because you love me, no one
else will ever love me the way you do, and I will never love anyone else the
way I love you.” She pressed her face into my neck and relaxed as she sighed.
“And I wasn’t throwing the ball to you underhanded to take it easy on you or to
test you to see if you were up to the challenge. Come on,” I said as I stood up
and held my hands out to her. “I need to show you something.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, you’ll see when we get outside.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, everyone was chewing on my ass for the
way I talked to you. I’m ashamed and embarrassed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah? Well, everybody will probably be
laughing their asses off in a few minutes, so come on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me for a moment, and then
said, “I guess I deserve whatever you’re going to do to make me look like a
fool, so, alright.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached out, grabbed my hands and I
pulled her up as I said, “I will never do that to you.” I held her hand and led
her outside where the others were waiting. Dan was flipping a football back and
forth between his hands and I asked if I could borrow it. He tossed it to me
and I led Debra out into the lane, “Walk over there,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she walked away, I retreated from her and
when there was sufficient distance, I told her to stop. Everyone was watching
us, so I said, “Try not to laugh too hard, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled back my arm and launched the ball in
Debra’s direction, as always, it tumbled through the air and she had to take
several steps forward in order to catch it. The expression of surprise on her
face was laughable. “I can’t throw a football,” I said. “Underhand? No problem,
over the shoulder it ain’t going to happen. It’s embarrassing and that’s the
reason I was throwing it underhanded.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra started walking back towards me and
Dak started laughing, “You can’t throw a football? Anyone can throw a football!
Hell, even I can teach you to do that.” A well-aimed toss of the ball hit Dak
in the side of the head, “Ow!” and then Felicia punched him in the chest, “Ow!
Damn, what did I do?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dak,” Felicia was scowling at him, “Knock
it off! Your inner child is demonstrating its immaturity.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good grief!” He muttered as he rubbed the
side of his head and his chest.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed at him and said, “Back in the day,
you would have been chewing grass right now. I didn’t like it when people made
fun of my passing expertise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you really can’t throw a football? For
real?” He asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia popped him in the chest again, “Dak!
What is your problem?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained about the chiropractor and my
wrists, and then Debra asked, “Can you throw a softball, or baseball?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Better than a football, but not very far.”
I shrugged.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Dan said, “No one ever give Daniel a
grenade, we’re screwed if he tries to throw a live one.” The guys, even Packer
thought that was funny as hell, but Danni punched him in the arm.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, damn, give me a break here, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly shook her head and then said, “Men, we
have to find at least one redeemable quality just to be able to be around
them.” The girls, including Debra laughed; I was happy to hear her laughter.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We took part in
the first season of flag football, but we only took second place. That was
okay, because by the time the finals came around, Dan had a pretty good
production of Marvin Beer going and we had a big outside bar-be-que. Some of
the surrounding ranch people were invited and they said they would like to take
part in the next league. Sounds interesting. Most of the people at the Facility
are under thirty, or close to it, but we do have some teenagers in the
population. There are maybe twenty to twenty-five kids between the ages of
fourteen and eighteen. That number was doubled by the kids from Las Cruces, so
we are pushing fifty teenagers who, like most kids their age, are testing
boundaries.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Major put his foot down when he caught a
couple of boys and girls tagging the Administration Center with some fairly
foul language. He locked them up and had them on bread and water until Felicia
and the community could decide what to do with them. Stella and a couple of
other teachers from Las Cruces finally quit dicking around and got the school
going. We are now teaching school from preschool to twelfth grade and Stella is
working up a community college affair to teach the first two years of college.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer floated another item that didn’t get
very far at first, but then started gaining traction. Mandatory Militia
training starting at the age of twelve for both boys and girls. I’m not talking
about combat training like the original Auxiliary performed; the kids would be
taught a class of military tradition, History, and marksmanship starting at the
age of twelve and continuing until the age of eighteen. The last year of
training would be more intensive with support roles within the Militia, or
Rangers. The kids would be called Cadets and would be assigned to the Militia,
or Rangers as per their personal request.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the rest of the people who lived in our
vicinity heard of the school and the early Militia training the kids were
receiving, first a few, and then many more requested permission for their
children to join in the process. From age twelve to fifteen, the co-ed
organization is closely modeled on the Boy Scouts; from the age of sixteen to
seventeen, the training becomes increasingly militaristic in nature. Each class
of seventeen-year-olds were to be given intensive final exams and a ten-day
field exercise much like the one I had taken part in, but longer. There were
exemptions for people who were Conscientious Objectors. All students who passed
their exams were expected to then serve two years of active service in the
Militia, or the Rangers.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, expecting people to turn over their
children to someone they don’t know so the children can be trained to be
soldiers is asking a lot, but sometimes things can happen that suddenly change
peoples’ perception of safety and security. In our case, it started with the
home invasion of an elderly retired couple, sixteen miles from the Facility.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just awakened when the alarm came over
the P.A. System, “Yellow Alert, Yellow Alert, 1<sup>st</sup> Squad, 1<sup>st</sup>
Platoon, B Company, Militia, report to the Ready Room with weapons and away
gear ASAP.” That was me and as I dressed and gathered my gear, Debra dressed
also.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you think is going on?” I asked
Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No idea, but let’s hurry, they wouldn’t be
calling a yellow alert if it wasn’t important.” Debra kept the majority of her
gear in the squad bay, but her basic combat gear she brought home to the
apartment every night.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re calling my squad, Babe, not yours.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but I have duty today anyway, so I
may as well gear up and go with you at the same time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up my ALICE pack and slung it over
one shoulder while I waited for her at the door. She finished strapping off her
armor vest, picked up her bullpup and glanced around the room. “I wish I had
time to straighten up a bit; the place is a mess.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll do it tonight before everyone comes
over; it won’t take long.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She placed her hand on my pack, “Rations?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“MRE sandwiches, main entrees, Raman
noodles, instant rice, ect. Enough for seven days of light meals, two a day.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ranger Taco?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Got it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mags?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Six on the Flick, six in the lid of the
pack, four in the pouch, center back of my sustainment belt.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hydration?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, Hon, just worried about you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, probably nothing to worry about
though. Someone probably heard a deer in the brush and we’re going to do a
perimeter patrol.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped through the door and waited
while I closed and locked it. “Let’s go,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We jogged side-by-side and I was glad we had
started running every other evening, the weight I was carrying was substantial,
but my breathing had scarcely increased when we arrived. I took a sip of water
from my hydration pack strapped to the top of the ALICE as we entered the Ready
Room. When Becker broke my nose, it had never been set well and as a result, I
was an official mouth breather, so my mouth had a tendency to dry out as I ran.
We weren’t the first to arrive, Shayla Lincoln had that distinction, but the
rest of the squad arrived within minutes. I set my pack on one of the tables
and poured a cup of coffee from the RR coffee table. “Babe?” I held it out to
her and she gratefully accepted it. I poured another for myself and added cream
and sugar before I sat down and quietly talked to Debra and Shayla as we
waited. Through the windows of Packer’s office, I could see him talking to
several civilians I didn’t recognize.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, he looked out the windows and
saw us waiting, he pointed to us and then the door of his office. The three men
filed out and the Major followed them. As he entered the Ready Room, Shayla
stood up and said, “Commanding Officer in the room, ATTENHUT!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all stood to attention as Packer walked
to the center of the front of the room, “At ease, 1<sup>st</sup> Squad. Sargent
Lincoln?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, 1<sup>st</sup> Squad, 1<sup>st</sup>
Platoon, B Company, present, or accounted for.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see nine of you, Sargent, where’s your
number ten?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, the person I’m short is Stacy
Menendez, she had her appendix removed yesterday. She’s in the Clinic, Major.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, Sargent Tarn, Menendez is Sargent
Lincoln’s Tracker, feel up to some field work?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll need to get my gear, Sir, but as you
wish.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, I know I can count on you.” He
pointed to the three civilians and said, “This is Carl Maniker and his two
sons. Last night, someone broke into his elderly parents’ home, murdered both
of them and kidnapped Mister Maniker’s thirteen-year-old granddaughter. They
then stole a weapon and a large amount of long-term storage food. We would like
1<sup>st</sup> squad to assist the Manikers in tracking down the person, or
persons, responsible. Sargent Lincoln, the motor pool is bringing over a Unimog
for your use, you may leave when it arrives with the Manikers as your guides.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lincoln saluted and said, “Yes, Sir!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lincoln walked forward and began talking to
the three men as Debra said, “I’ll be right back, Hon, I’m going to get my
gear.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then picked up my pack and
walked outside where the rest of the squad was assembling. There had been some
changes in 1<sup>st</sup> Squad and some new faces. In fact, Shayla, Stacy,
John Trench, and myself were the only remnants of the original squad; the rest
were killed the night of the attack. There had been some good people in it
before, the ones we had now were all just as good, just as dedicated. I bumped
fists with the other members and then Shayla rejoined us as we waited for the
truck to arrive.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Trench stepped over next to me and
asked, “Tough break for Stacy, but I’m good to go with Debbie; where is she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, Stacy is really going to be pissed
she missed this, Debra is getting her gear now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, don’t get me wrong, Stacy’s a good
tracker, but Debbie is the best and it gives us another DMR also.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and smiled at the complement he
gave her, “Yeah, she won’t show it, but she really likes the people in 1<sup>st</sup>
Squad, she says Packer has his eye on us and considers us one of the best; I
guess he rates us up there with Rangers.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? I didn’t know that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded again and then waved at Debra as
she exited Phase One and joined the squad. I smiled at her and asked, “Ammo?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I might get a rise from her, but
instead she tapped the front of her armor vest and said, “Six full mags here,”
then her sustainment belt, “Two more thirties and four twenties of IMI.” The
four magazines of Israeli Military Industry ammunition were what Debra used
when she was shooting for accuracy as a Designated Marksman. Though it was the
Israeli version of our own M855 ammunition, its ballistics were more
consistent. She pointed to the top of her Alice Medium Ruck and the bandoleer
strapped there, “Four more thirties on the ruck.” I carried six in my
bandoleer, but Debra used the center pocket of her bandoleer to carry her
weapons cleaning kit.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hydration?” We went through the list and I
noticed the rest of the squad started doing the same. They were just as serious
as Debra was.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the Maniker brothers stopped next to
Debra and I, and asked, “You folks always do this? Double check each other?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra, dead serious said, “Always, we care
about each other and want to make sure each of us is good to go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He frowned as he looked around, “I’d feel
better if they had enough men to form a squad instead of a coed soiree.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra stared hard at him for a moment and
then turned her back to him as she started going through her pack. I could
tell, his day was coming. “This soiree, as you put it, is preparing to put
their lives on the line to rescue your daughter, or niece. You might want to
keep that in mind.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My niece,” he said. “I’d rather have men
watching my back instead of Playboy models.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess you plan on coming with the team as
we track your niece’s abductors?” He nodded. “I suggest you hang back and stay
out of our way; maybe we will be successful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you think I’m staying behind…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The only thing I’m saying is, stay out of
the way and let us do the job you asked us to do.” He abruptly walked away and
rejoined his father and brother where he began to animatedly discuss what I
knew would be his objections to women on the team. “What an ass,” I said as I
watched him.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra glanced over at them and shook her
head, “The man’s a potbellied bull in a china shop. I’ll talk to Shayla and
we’ll probably leave him in the dust after the first mile or so.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckled, “Sounds like a plan.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truck finally arrived and we loaded up
with Shayla in the front seat and John Trench driving. The Manikers got into
their own pickup truck and led the way. A half-hour later, we pulled onto a
gravel road and spent another twenty minutes of driving on dirt after the
gravel gave out. The house we finally arrived at looked well-kept with a
manicured front and rear lawn. There was laundry hung on a clothes line that a
middle-aged woman was taking down and placing in a basket and several armed men
in civilian clothing who were loitering about. I guess it was their idea of
providing security. A small backhoe was parked near what appeared to be two
fresh graves under a large pine tree. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We off-loaded and set up our own security
perimeter and waited as Carl Maniker and Shayla walked to a back gate to the
yard and studied the ground, then she called Debra over. I followed as a
three-way discussion started. “Debra, Mister Maniker says the only prints they
found were through this gate, both coming and going.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The red soil was heavily imprinted with
older boot prints and ones that appeared to be fresher, “Did your people walk
over the prints?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, we did,” Maniker replied. “We
followed the tracks to the tree line and a little farther, but they started
getting harder to track because the soil gets rocky out there.” I looked into
the distance to the tree line and wondered if the murderers were out there watching,
as we prepared to start after them.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, your people stopped at the tree line,
or continued to follow. If so, how far?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not sure, we were going to track them
ourselves, but one of the neighbors said you people had professional trackers,
but I’m wondering if you folks are up to the job, you’re already asking
questions that lead me to think you would just as soon crawl back into that
hole you came out of.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra straightened back up from the mish
mash of prints and started to reply, but Shayla cut her off, “No one is trying
to duck out on your granddaughter, Mister Maniker, we are simply trying to find
out how far the tracks we need to follow have been compromised.” She gave a
sharp whistle and then signaled, Rally on Me. “We’re going to head out now,
when we have news, we’ll be back.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh no, we’re coming with you!” He turned to
his sons and said, “Grab your rifles boys, let’s get this dog and pony show on
the road.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two younger men turned away and headed
for the house as the rest of the squad collected together, “Okay, everyone,
Debra is our tracker, but keep an eye out for sign someone has left the trail.
Spread out to the left and right, we’re going to double-time it to the tree
line and then establish the trail they took. Once in the trees, hand signals
only, watch for sign off the trail, and be ready to respond to an ambush.
Debra, you have point as tracker, Daniel, you’re covering her six while she
works and I’ll be behind you, ten-meter intervals.” She glanced around and then
gave Debra the go ahead, “Let’s roll.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra set out at a quick jog and the rest of
us fell into our positions. We looked like an inverted ‘V’ as we quickly
crossed the field and reached the tree line. Debra scanned the ground and then jogged
another hundred meters before she held up her closed fist and dropped to one
knee as she examined the trail. I stood close-by and scanned the woods as she
studied the ground, so she could concentrate on what she was recording in her
notebook. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla walked forward and said, “The
Manikers have already turned back; what have you got?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra glanced up between scratching two
parallel lines on the path, “I’m getting ready to determine how many people we
are following.” With the lines marked, she began to count and eventually said,
“Looks like eight, we’re following eight individuals with boots and one small
set of barefoot prints, should be the girl. I believe the person leading the
group also has possession of the little girl.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do you think that?” Shayla asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because I seldom see the girls prints and
when I do, they’re only partials. The people following are covering her
prints.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On purpose?” Shayla asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think so, these people don’t seem
to be attempting to hide their trail, at least not at the moment.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe later they will?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“More than likely, especially if they
realize they are being followed. Right now, it seems they have chosen speed
over stealth, which leads me to think they may be trying to join up with others.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What makes you think they are hurrying?”
Shayla asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“First, human nature, they want to get as
far from what they’ve done as they can, second, a lot of heel skid marks where
their heels are sliding in the loose dirt as they step, third, see how the toes
of all the prints are digging in? The loose dirt thrown back by the toes?
They’re pushing off their toes which indicates they are in a hurry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla watched the slope ahead as she asked,
“Should we speed up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not unless you want to trot into an
ambush.” Debra stood and looked up the slope, “There’s some good spots ahead to
shoot and scoot from; if it was me, I think I’d send a couple of buddy teams to
handrail the trail slightly ahead of us. One team on each side and watching for
signs that someone has left the trail; I’m already watching for that myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll get them out there now. I’ll
tell them to take a fifty-meter spread, but keep us in sight at all times.” She
left and John Trench moved up.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How’s it going guys?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Good, so far, Debra has established
eight people plus the little girl.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and then fell silent as Shayla
returned; she was tucking an earbud from a civilian walky-talky into her ear.
“Let’s go silent from here on, hand signals or soft speech if necessary.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded and then jogged forward where
she then hesitated while examining the trail and then forward again. Finally,
she veered off the established trail we were on and started up a slope. After a
few hundred yards, she went to one knee and held her right arm up with a closed
fist, then lowered it to her hip as she opened her hand in a palm down gesture.
Everyone stopped and took a knee, each person watching their area of
responsibility. Debra once again scratched a line, took a measurement and then
scratched another line. I moved to one side, kneeled, and watched ahead.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up and motioned everyone forward
as she rapidly started moving forward again. I studied where we were going as
she watched the ground. She finally stopped again and checked over the boot
prints before motioning Shayla forward, when she joined us, Debra pointed up
the slope and said, “See that saddle ahead? I’m certain that’s the direction
they are headed. Send your two buddy teams up there, but have them go around
the two knolls, not over the saddle. There’s no cover on this side and it’s a
great place for an ambush. Have them check obvious areas someone might lay-up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continued as Debra kept checking the
trail and just before we entered the barren area of the saddle, one of the
buddy teams reported finding the lay-up where two people had lain for a period
of time and observed their backtrail. They left behind trash from civilian MREs
and had defecated and urinated without hiding their waste. We pushed forward
over the saddle and into the next valley. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was approaching late afternoon when we
found a spot they had spent part of the day resting. They had performed a ‘J’
hook and bivouacked in a thick grove of small pine trees where they would be
hidden and be able to observe their back trail. They were gone, but Debra had
found a spot that from the way the pine needles had been disturbed, indicated
to her something bad had happened. It was in an area slightly removed from the
rest of their camp and we found a few shreds of what appeared to be pajamas and
small amounts of blood; she believed the girl had been raped. We pushed on at a
heightened rate of speed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At dusk, we worked our way over another
ridge and spread out along the military crest. There was another low valley
with what appeared, in the growing darkness, to be a small creek bisecting the
bottom. There were also two campfires burning brightly; they were feeling
confident they had successfully escaped.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla gathered us together and asked, “We
came after the girl, do we wait and try to spirit her out when they’re down for
the night? Or go in like gangbusters?” She wasn’t actually asking all of us;
she was asking Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Neither, and both,” she said. “We locate
and prepare to take out the sentry or sentries. We close in around them and
prepare to attack, on a pre-arranged signal, we hit all of them at the same
time with at least one of us designated to protect the girl. I’m the only
person here with body armor, so that will be me. When the shooting starts, I’ll
either cover her with my body wherever she is, or act as her shield as I
extract her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was extremely concerned about Debra going
in alone with rounds flying everywhere, “I’ll go with Sargent Tarn and cover
her six.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla chuckled, “Sargent Tarn, huh? Cool
your jets big boy, I’m not going to send her on a suicide mission, but she has
a point, I like the idea of Debbie protecting the girl.” She looked around and
added, “We don’t know enough about what is going on down there, so we’re going
to recon it first. We’ll infiltrate down to the…” She hesitated as she examined
the fires in the distance. “See the downstream end of the creek, below their
fires, see that rock outcropping? That will be our jump off point. We’ll move
down to there, get organized and send a team in to check things out and then go
in for the girl and kill the gang. That’s where we’ll rally at if this goes
sideways. If shit goes bad, I’ll blow a signal on my whistle. If you hear a
sequence of three whistle blasts, break contact and head for the outcropping,
once we’re there, we head back to the farm.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved downhill as it grew steadily darker
and finally reached the creek. It was smaller than it appeared from the crest we
had observed it from and only a couple of inches deep. That’s actually pretty
good for Southwest New Mexico, which is fairly arid the majority of the year.
We were only a hundred yards from where the raiders had camped at and the wind
was blowing the wood smoke from their fires our way. We could also hear faint
sounds of talking and occasionally laughter. Then we heard a scream of pain
that could have only come from the girl.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla cringed and said, “Fuck this shit,
form a skirmish line. Trench, I want your team wide to the left, your job is to
keep any of these sons-of-bitches from escaping to the south, the rest of us
are going in from the East, that way our fire won’t be aimed in the direction
of our own people, let’s go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved out and began to move through the
brush and trees as we approached the camp. Debra had removed her boonie hat and
was now wearing a close-fitting helmet with an NVD attached, she led the way.
After several minutes, we were within mere yards of the camp. There were seven
men clustered around two fires and the location of the eighth was easy to
determine, he had to be the one whose attention was on the girl we could hear
crying a short distance away. Debra whispered to Shayla and then motioned me to
follow as she moved towards the sound of the girl.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found them, the girl and the raider,
around fifty feet north from the camp in a small clearing. With no hesitation,
Debra drew her knife, walked quickly up behind the man lying on top of the
girl, and dropped astraddle of his back. Covering his mouth and nose with her
left hand, she jerked his head back violently to the left and slid her knife
into the right side of his neck and slashed the blade back out, once, twice, a
third time as he struggled and then grew still. Flipping his body off the
screaming girl, she placed her hand over the girl’s mouth and whispered, “Shhh,
baby, your Grandfather sent me to come bring you home, be quiet now, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl became quiet and nodded, then Debra
removed her hand and began to cut through the rope that extended from the
girl’s bound wrists to a nearby tree. I moved forward and crouched behind Debra
and faced the campfires in case anyone came our way. Debra keyed the mike of
her radio, spoke softly into it and moments later, there was a single shot
followed be a short roar of gunfire. Then I heard Shayla shout out, “Cease
fire! Cease fire!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched as the squad walked into the
clearing and started securing weapons and looking through the large packs the
men had been carrying. Debra flicked on a light attached to her helmet,
adjusted the brightness to dim it and started checking the girl for injuries,
“Where do you hurt, Baby?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl was softly crying as she said, “I
want my mom.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, Sweetie, and we’re going to take
you home, I promise, but we need to fix you up first, okay?” Debra wiped away
the girl’s tears, “Okay? Tell me where you hurt.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My private places and my feet, my feet hurt
really bad.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra worked her way down her legs and
examined her feet, “Jesus,” she softly said. “Daniel, I’m going to need both
our IFAKs and probably more.” I opened mine up and handed her the removable
insert. Then I walked away far enough to get Shayla’s attention.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She jogged over and asked, “How is she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not good, but at the moment it looks like
her feet are going to be the problem. Debra is using our IFAKs to bandage them,
but she thinks we’ll need more.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll send Mitch over and he can take over
while…” Mitch Reynolds was our medic.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t think the girl is ready to have
a guy touching her; let Debra treat her and maybe you, or Rachael can help?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That way is it? Fuckers!” She strode away
and a few moments later returned with Rachel Getty.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, get someone to help and cut some
poles for a rain poncho stretcher; we’ll carry her home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On it.” I trotted away and grabbed Trench
to help; within twenty minutes we had an impromptu stretcher ready for the
girl. I carried it over to the women and sat it next to them, “It’s good to
go,” I said. “We put Reynolds on it to test it, it will hold her just fine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled up at me and then back to the
girl, “Charlie? This is Daniel, he’s one of the good guys.” Charlie? “Daniel,
this pretty little thing is Charlotte, but she prefers to be called ‘Charlie’.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to give her a reassuring smile as I
said, “Hi, Charlie,” I extended my hand to shake, but she flinched and drew her
hands to her chest.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie looked at Debra and asked, “How do
you know he’s a good guy?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra placed her hand over Charlie’s and
gently squeezed, “I know he’s a good guy because he’s my husband. He’s such a
good guy, that I decided I was going to marry him and someday day I hope I have
a little girl that’s as brave as he is and you are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little lady looked back and forth
between us and finally said, “If you say so, okay. Can we go home now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gave Shayla a questioning look and
waited until Lincoln said, “The guys are using paracord to string up the packs
to keep the animals out of them. We’re taking the weapons and ammo we gathered,
plus a few odds and ends. Let’s get her on the stretcher and then over by the
fire until time to go.” She looked down at Charlie and said, “Sweetie, we have
a long way to walk, so we’re going to need some of the men to help carry you,
is that going to be okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are they good guys too?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Every single one of them; every one of them
will fight to protect you from the bad guys, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie looked around and then asked, “Which
guy is the boss, you know, the one in charge of everything?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla softly chuckled and said, “That’s me,
Charlie, I’m the boss soldier of this group; they are my squad.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? You’re a lady and you are the
boss?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I am. Where we come from, women can be
bosses too.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie stared at her for a moment and said,
“Okay, the men can carry me too, but no tricks or pranks, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla laughed and said, “I bet you have an
older brother, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but my cousins are all boys and like to
play tricks and pranks on me. My uncle says boys will be boys and never makes
them stop.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled at her and said, “It’s okay for
a boy to be a boy, but it’s not okay for a boy to be a jerk. You should come
and go to school where we live, I know a really nice lady that can teach you
how to beat the snot out of boys that are jerks.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? That would be nice!” Even I softly
chuckled about that one.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra shifted to Charlie’s legs and pointed
Rachel to her upper body, “Let’s get her loaded up and headed for home.” Once
she was on the stretcher, they carried her to the fire and set her back down.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla checked the packs of the raiders to
make sure they were secured in the trees and then called everyone together
around the stretcher and Charlie. “It looks like you guys did a good job with
the packs; we’re going to head back now and get Charlie home as quick as
possible.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Trench motioned to the bodies lying
around and asked, “What about them? Are we going to bury them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shala shook her head and said, “Maggots
gotta eat too, yoke up you Oxen, and let’s get out of here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at Charlie’s expression, but
figured someone would explain where the oxen term came from. Four of the guys
picked up the stretcher and fell in behind Shayla as she called Debra and I
over, “I want you two, to hang back and maybe discourage anyone that might show
up looking for these guys. Debra, I’m sure the shooting we did could be heard
pretty far off, and you thought these guys might be looking to join up with
someone else. Let’s make sure our backtrail is clean, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How long do you want us to wait?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Two, to four hours. Your call, Sargent.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded and said, “I want to push a
little farther ahead and check things out, see if anyone comes nosing around,
then we’ll join up with the rest of you at the farm, if not sooner.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good enough, see you there.” She turned and
swept her arm forward and the rest of the squad, with Charlie, disappeared into
the night.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think we should get these fires put out,”
I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded, and then turned and kissed me
hard, “God, I love you so much!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sargent! We’re on duty! This could be
considered sexual harassment under cover of authority, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She poked me in the chest as she said,
“Asshole!” and started to turn away, but I reached out and pulled her back to
give her a lingering kiss.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finished, I said, “Put the fires out
now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a fire burning inside of me that
can never be extinguished, but, yeah, let’s put out the fires.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worked together as we used our
entrenchment tools to dig up dirt and scatter over the fires. Once the fires
were reduced to tendrils of escaping smoke, we secured our shovels, she pulled
her NVD down and led the way into the darkness as I followed. A short walk
ahead, we came to a large clearing and she whispered in my ear, “The moon
should be above the horizon in about fifteen minutes, we’ll wait here, so you
will be able to see too.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laid down side-by-side and watched the
clearing, well, Debra did, until right on time, the moon broke the horizon; the
monochromatic view was startling. Leaning close to her ear, I breathed, “How
did you know when the moon was coming up?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at me and I could see her bright
white teeth in the moonlight as she smiled and said, “Farmer’s Almanac.” She
glanced around and added, “Let’s move back into the shadows, we’re exposed out
here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We belly crawled back into the shadow of
trees and waited again as I began to struggle to stay awake. Finally, she
checked her wrist watch and then nudged my shoulder. Pointing with her thumb
back over her shoulder, she slowly stood and began to disappear into the night
with me close behind.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever we were in the moonlight, we sped
up and jogged at a quick pace. If we both would have had NVDs, we could have
caught up with the rest of the squad sooner. As it was, we came up on their
rear about a mile from the farm. We joined Shayla and told her our backtrail
was clear and she said good. Then she sent us ahead to warn the farm they were
coming with Charlie. We jogged ahead and as we exited the tree line, we could
see every exterior light was on. There was someone sitting on the back porch
and we could see whoever it was, was obviously asleep in their chair.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra held me up and then called ahead,
“Hello the house!” The person asleep didn’t move the slightest. Debra shouted
louder, “Hello the House! Carl Maniker!” A light came on in the house and the
door to the backyard swung open, “Carl Maniker! This is Sargent Tarn of the
Rangers!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The man asleep
leaped to his feet and aimed his rifle in our general vicinity, but Carl
Maniker pushed the man’s rifle down. “Come on into the light so we can see who
you are!” More lights came on and a middle-aged woman joined him on the porch.
We walked closer with our hands up until they could see us, you could literally
see them relax.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man who had been asleep was the same one
who spoke disparagingly of playboy models in the squad and was still an
irritating slug, “I guess you two gave it up, right? Or did the cheerleader
have a bad night and someone had to walk her home.” He turned to his father and
said, “See? I told you we should have taken care of this ourselves. The rest of
them are probably walking around in the dark lost; what a waste of time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maniker stared at his son, but then said to
Debra, “Any news, Sargent?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, the rest of the squad is coming
down as we speak and they…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gave up!” The slug said, “You gave up,
didn’t you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Man,” I said. “If you could curtail that
wagging muscle you call a tongue, you might find out…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow, it speaks,” he interjected. “I’m
surprised a cockless man that follows a woman can even talk…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s it!” Debra said as she strode
forward. “Your ass is mine!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Richard!” Maniker said. “Shut up so we can
find out what…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…” I started to say.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Richard the slug said, “My ass is yours?
Girl when I’m done putting you in your place, you’ll be wanting a real man, not
the little bitch you have with you.” He leaned his rifle against the wall of
the house and stepped off the porch to meet Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going to try and calm Debra down, but
instead, I said, “Have fun, Babe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a good six-one, maybe six-two, 220 or
40 pounds with a pronounced beer belly. Debra is five-foot-six and maybe 125,
or 130 at most, but it’s all muscle and lightening reflexes. Faster than you
can say it, she had planted her left food in his left hip joint and used it as
a step stool to get her high enough to swing her right leg around his back and
over his right shoulder where she hooked her left leg with her right ankle and
squeezed until his left shoulder and head were pressed together. Then she added
a new one I had never seen her use before, instead of throwing her weight to
the side and taking him down in a body throw, she hooked the two middle fingers
of her left hand in his nostrils and clamped her hand over his mouth as he
struggled to breathe. Within mere moments, he collapsed to his knees and then
his side as he blacked out from lack of air. She held him like that for at
least ten seconds, and then released his unconscious form. After she stood up
and finished brushing herself off, she looked at me and said, “I’m sorry,
Honey, I realize you probably wanted to deal with him yourself, but if you
killed him it wouldn’t look good from the perspective of us trying to get along
with our neighbors. You’re not too mad at me, are you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped my head a little to hide my smile,
but then addressed Maniker instead, “The rest of our squad is on their way and
should be here any moment. We came ahead of them to tell you we have your
granddaughter and she should be okay physically after she heals up, but she was
used pretty hard. Is her mother here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The woman beside Maniker said, “I told my
daughter-in-law to wait in the house until we knew what was happening; I’ll get
her now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind me I heard the sound of multiple
footsteps and as I turned and looked, Shayla and the rest of the squad entered
the light. “Let’s take her to the porch,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The slug was starting to revive himself, but
everyone was ignoring him for the most part. Shayla finally leaned over and
asked, “Uh, what’s up with the playboy model dipshit?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He got on Debra’s bad side.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I missed it, shit.” She chuckled. “Was
it quick?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For the most part; she suffocated him until
he passed out, oh, look,” I said as he slowly got to his feet. The crotch of
his jeans was soaking wet. “I guess no one ever told him to take a piss before
starting a fight.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla shook her head and then said, “Is
this going to be a problem?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know why it should, he shot off his
mouth, he was insulting and he made threats against a woman, and then a woman
handed him his ass.” As we were watching him stumble around, Debra walked up
and talked to him for a moment and then walked away. “I wonder what that was
about?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think Debbie will tell us?” She
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, maybe not, depends on which she
thinks is more fun.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lord, I’ve seen her idea of fun before and
I still cringe over it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her and asked, “What do you
mean?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The time in the gym, right before you and
her got back together.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess the blank look was a giveaway.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She never told you?! Oh, my, god! I would
have been bragging about that forever.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What happened?” I asked as my curiosity got
hold of me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like I said, right before the two of you
got back together, I used to sneak into the gym the INSEC guys laid claim to.
Anyway, I would sneak in and get a workout and every once in a while, Debbie
would be in there early, working out too. We never said much to each other,
just sort of hi and bye, you know? So, I’m in there and two of those really big
asshats come in and start giving me a hard time. I try to ignore them, but I’m
starting to get really nervous because of some of the things they’re saying,
really vulgar things that shouldn’t be said to a woman, ever. So, I get off the
leg lift machine and start getting my stuff to leave when I start to hear
someone skipping roping. I look because I’m afraid it will be another INSEC
guy, but it’s Debbie, skipping rope and watching us. The two guys look at her
and she smiles, like, hey baby, you know what I mean? The old come-hither look?
Well the one guy says to the other one, you can have this one, that one’s mine
and starts swaggering over to Debra. As he’s on his way, he’s already telling
her what a good time she’s going to give him, and just before he gets to her,
she releases one end of the rope, flicks it around like some sort of a bullwhip
and WHAP! Right between the eyes in the center of the forehead! The guy drops like
a rock and she goes back to skipping rope like nothing happened, nothing at
all. I’m staring at her, she’s staring at the second guy, and he says as he
starts walking towards her, “I’ve seen your little trick, it’s not going to
work on me and I’m going to fuck you up.” I’m thinking, oh shit, but Debbie
just smiles as he keeps coming. I looked at her eyes and what I saw chilled me
all the way through. He wasn’t going for her, she was hunting him, she was a
predator and there was mayhem in her eyes. He gets close enough and she lets go
of the rope like she did before and he throws his hand up to block the handle
of the rope from hitting his face, but she’s not going for his face, the handle
she whips out hits him right in the nut sack and just like the first guy, he
drops like a rock and doesn’t move as he tries to breathe. She walks up to him
and wraps the rope around his throat and steps on his neck as she pulls up and
she starts talking to the over-muscled assbite very calmly. She tells him, she
wants to end his pathetic life, but maybe he’s just having a bad day, so she’s
going to give him a second chance. She says, she’s playing with him, but next
time she won’t be feeling playful. Then she tells him, she’s going to be in the
gym a lot, from 4:30 in the morning until 6:00 in the morning and says he and
his friend are not going to be there when she is. She slacks up on the rope and
the guy finally says, which days will you be here and she says, guess. Then she
coils her rope up, smiles and waves goodbye to me and left. I still go every
morning from 4:30 to 6:00 and I never saw those guys there again. To tell the
truth, I don’t think she even knows in was me in there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be damned,” I said. I wondered if she
was under the influence of the contaminant at the time, if so, both of those
guys were lucky, very lucky indeed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the retelling of a rope skipping
Debra, Charlie’s mom had appeared and there was an emotional homecoming.
Maniker approached Shayla and told her he would be in to discuss some sort of
payment for our services with Packer. Shortly thereafter, we loaded up and
returned to the Facility. Debra and I had passionate sex when we got home and
then again when we woke up the next day. I don’t know why, but it was kind of
rough and hard, and she seemed to really enjoy it. There’s a lot more to my
lady than I can ever imagine, I’m looking forward to any further surprises.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-16987335606957216802021-04-05T08:25:00.003-07:002022-08-29T13:40:52.247-07:00ASYLUM: Chapter 16<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
16</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things started happening at a pace that
amazed me. All of the facilities staff were involved in upgrading the
protections of the facility. The front of the facility, the one I entered
through my first day, was quickly reinforced with concrete traffic barriers
left over from the original construction. It was an obvious choice for rolling
motorized troops in quickly, because of the roadway. The guard shack on the
road was abandoned, though it was cinderblock construction and the walls were
reinforced with additional concrete poured in the voids, it was too easy of a
target. Instead, Packer had two, two-man bunkers built 50 to 75 yards into the
woods to cover the shack entrance. Another three fighting positions were built
outside of the entrance that could be fired from in just about any direction.
The backhoe operators did most of the digging. They would dig the size hole
needed and then move on to the next one while Militia and Rangers finished
them. I looked at where many of the fighting positions were located and to tell
the truth, it seemed to me they were a colossal waste of time because of where
they were located, or oriented. I’m not a tactician though, so I kept my mouth
shut and tried to soak in what I could.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Major increased road patrols and one of
things I began to notice was whenever a patrol was going out, they seemed to be
carrying more supplies than they normally would. When they returned, they no
longer had the supplies they left with and not as many personnel either; I
wondered if Packer was stationing troops in places away from the facility. By
the end of the tenth day, there were no Rangers to be found anywhere in the
facility, including Danni or Dan. The Militia was performing the road patrols,
contacting the outlying locals and warning them to keep their heads down. Many
of them volunteered to help if needed, but Major Packer wanted to leave them
out of it. He figured if they weren’t involved, maybe there would be no
reprisals committed against them if things went sideways for us.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly, to me anyway, was the amount
of fortification that was done to the inside of the facility. On the loading
docks, Packer had bunkers built that were made of traffic barriers and sand
bags. They even had roofs built over them that were also sandbagged. Then from
somewhere, they started positioning large, heavy-duty nylon bags that were
filled with dirt. I found out these were called HESCO Bags and had been used by
NATO and American troops in the Middle-East to build Forward Operating Bases.
The massive doors that separated the Phases and Levels were partially closed
and then pinned in place so only one or two men could pass through at a time.
Each door, which was now a fatal funnel, was supported by multiple fighting
positions that could cover the narrow entrances and support each other as well.
I began to firmly believe we had a good chance to repel any attack by just
wearing them down. A battle of attrition.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would, occasionally, ask Packer if there
was any word from the two squads he had sent out, okay, a little more often
than occasionally, but he would always respond, no. Finally, he told me to stop
asking and he would tell me when he heard something. I guess I was becoming a
nuisance. Working for Facilities, I was intimate with some of the defensive
plans. Packer was concerned about the use of chemicals to attack the facility,
so I learned a little more about the HVAC system. The exhaust plenum building
contained two sets of fans. There were the normal ones, but there was a second
set that were turbines and could be easily reversed, so the flow of air could
be switched if needed. This would result in both the air intake and exhaust
systems pumping air into the facility which would push any noxious gases out
through the Loading Dock and the main vehicle entrance. The use of smoke or
tear gas against us had always worried me because we were underground, but it
appeared the situation was well-in-hand.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the twelfth day, the defense preparations
reached a fevered pitch as everyone rushed to finish and be ready for the
expected attack. All of the dependents were relocated deeper into the facility
and every weapon we possessed was passed out to those who were willing to
fight. The cafeteria staff was working around the clock preparing cold meals
that could be placed where the combatants and noncombatants could access them,
and then we waited.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned home and started gearing up. I
decided to wear the FLC and the Sustainment belt with the bandoleer and the
hydration pack. That would provide me with a total of sixteen magazines, five
quarts of water, and enough food for 24 hours. Then I returned to the Ranger
Bunker to see where I should be. Packer called me to him and said, “We’ve done
what we can and now it’s wait and see if you were right.” He motioned me to
follow him and I sat in the same golf cart as he did as we were driven down to
Phase Four and then to the old Marlow’s residence. When we walked in, I was
shocked to see at least a full platoon of the Militia scattered about the 1<sup>st</sup>
and 2<sup>nd</sup> floors. Packer went straight to the elevator and disappeared,
so I looked around until I saw Dak waiting patiently with the others.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dak, why are all of you here instead of
manning positions farther out?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged, “Beats me, but if you look
around, I’m seeing a lot of people that look like the cream of the Militia.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you have any idea what, might, be the
plan?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I’m not supposed to,” he quietly
said. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Packer told Fel that he wasn’t sure
everyone in here was on our side, so he’s kept his plans on the down low. All I
know for sure, is the people you see around us? We’re some sort of a Reaction
Force. There’s a team Topside, covering the exit from the Panic Room and they
will tell us if we can utilize it to try a surprise flank attack on any ground
forces involved in the attack.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s going to be slow going getting, what,
thirty people up a one-hundred-foot ladder?” I said, “Plus, we can only get maybe
a fireteam in the elevator at any one time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged, “Hey, I’m just a grunt tonight,
you know?” He paused, and then said, “What do you think, can we pull this off?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, Dak, but I trust the Major
implicitly. If anyone can, it will be him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced around, and then whispered, “Have
you seen any of the Rangers? I haven’t even seen Daniel or Danni in days.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, I noticed the same thing. They’re
out there though, you can count on that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Scary shit, this waiting, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I know,” I said as I thought about
the times when Becker had me and I was waiting for him to come visit again.
“Waiting is always hard. You’ll do fine when it’s time though, you’ll see.” I
patted his upper arm and then walked to the elevator to wait. If I was going to
go, the sooner the better. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 02:30 hours, the elevator doors opened
and Packer stepped out, “Okay, first Militia fire team, in the elevator now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shayla Lincoln stood and waved her fire team
forward, “Load up people, and make it quick.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to squeeze in with them, but the
Major held me back, “Where are you going, Smith?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major, I’m in Lincoln’s squad, isn’t this
what you brought me here for?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a negative, I have other plans for
you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped away and I could feel my hands
trembling. Damn it! Waiting sucks! I stood there while all thirty people
eventually disappeared into the elevator. It had to be getting crowded in that
panic room.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After we were
alone, Packer said, “Okay, first, I talked to Thomas, his squad is joining up
with Ranger A Company on our Eastern Flank and will be following them in. B
Company is at the Western Flank just outside the wire and will secure the
airstrip as they come in, but I want you to do something else. You are familiar
with the Air Strip Control Tower, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, I installed the fire sprinklers
in it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, Nadia Tooles is waiting for you in
the panic room, the two of you are going there and making sure those lights for
the Air Strip are not turned on until I give you the go ahead, understand?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, no lights until you give the
word.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elevator returned from the last load and
Packer told me to follow him into the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember you told me there is a path over
the top of the facility and you used to hike it once or twice a week to kill
time, and when you had insomnia?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can you find it in the dark?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely, I’ve hiked the trail numerous
times in the dark.” I had, just as I had told Packer before, whenever I would
suffer insomnia.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your job is to make sure Tooles gets there,
she installed the electrical in the tower, so she knows everything about it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir,” I said again as we walked into
the rock corridor leading to the panic room. When we entered the room, I was
surprised by the amount of communications gear it now contained. “Wow!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome to the Radio Shack,” he chuckled.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia Tooles was standing next to the door
that led to the shaft up to the surface, “Hey, Nadia,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tapped her wrist watch and said, “Times
a wasting, we have some rough country to cover and not much time.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer handed her a small walky-talky and
then he gave one to me, “I’ll give you the go ahead in the clear, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea what he said, had meant, “In
the clear?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia laughed, “The Major means, no fancy
military code shit, he’ll tell us when to flip the switch.” She turned and
started up the ladder to Topside.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to follow, but Packer held me
back, “I don’t want to say too much in case you get captured, but just know, Debra
will need those lights when I tell you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra? Why would she…never mind, Sir, just
tell me when.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started the climb to the top and you know
what? All the gear I was carrying was heavy. By the time I reached the top and
climbed out the hatch, my right leg was letting me know it wasn’t one hundred
per cent yet. I glanced at my watch and by the luminescent face, I could see we
had ten minutes until whatever was going to happen, actually was supposed to
happen. I set out at a hard pace, but Nadia didn’t complain at all.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept glancing at my watch and at three AM
exactly, we could see when the glow from the lights in the loading docks went
out, we couldn’t see in the loading dock itself, but only the dark parking lot
when the lights shut-off. I hoped that was part of Packer’s plan and not
something the electricians had missed. We stopped for a moment, thinking a war
was going to break out, but nothing. I was starting to worry I had screwed up
when Nadia said, “Do you hear that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened, and finally made it out, the
sound of a plane to the north of us. Judging from the sound, it was a big one.
As we listened, we could hear it as it turned South pretty far away, and then
it sounded as if the noise was getting louder as it traveled in an Easterly
direction, “Come on,” I said. “Let’s get to that tower.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved as fast as we could through the
dark, but it was still slow going. Then we noticed the sound of the aircraft
became more noticeable and then even louder. Eventually, we could start to make
out its dark silhouette as it blocked out the stars. It was at least a half a
mile away when there was a sudden flash from its side and a tracer streaked
down to the loading dock. The resulting explosion flashed and rumbled as
another tracer streaked into the dock again. Another round struck and then a
steady, high speed stream of tracers began pouring into dock area. The
explosions were not as powerful as the single shots, but there were scores of
them.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holy Shit!” Nadia shouted.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, fuck,” I said. “They have a gunship?
They’ve got one of those big gunships!” What the hell could we possibly do to
stop it; we had no anti-aircraft capability at all! Nadia was standing still in
stunned silence, so I slapped her arm and said, “Let’s go! Come on!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can’t fight that! How can we fight
that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The firing from the aircraft died out and we
could hear it turning away. “I’ve seen those before, they can only fire from
the one side at the loading dock as they fly by. Now they have to make a circle
so they can line up their weapons again, come on! Let’s go!” I took off again
and when I looked back, she was close behind me. I ran until I was gasping for
breath, but the gunship made two more attacks on the loading dock before we
reached the base of the Control Tower.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tooles produced a key and unlocked the steel
sheathed door so we could enter. Inside was a room about twenty by twenty feet,
and there were still some tools and materials lying against a wall to the
right. Along the wall straight in, were a bank of breaker boxes. To the left
was a simple, but very steep wooden stairway going up to the actual control
room. Tooles went straight to the breaker panels and started flipping switches.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The tower was powered down before, and
without the gennies running we need to turn on the batteries for backup power.”
She stepped back and waited a moment and then we could both could hear a
humming noise start. “Alright, we’re good to go; let’s get upstairs where we
can see what’s going on and tell the Major we’re here and ready to light the
landing strip.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s enough batteries to light up the
air strip?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course not; I assume the Major is
planning on restarting the gennies before we try and light up the strip.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assume, ass-u-and-me, I hoped that wasn’t
the case.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started up the stairs as she said, “Are
you coming?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Right behind you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took the stairs two at a time and before
I reached the top, I could hear her speaking into the radio, “Smith and Tooles,
ready when you are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer responded, “Standby, Tooles, wait
one…five unidentified individuals are arriving at your position, be prepared to
defend yourselves.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roger that.” She looked at me and asked,
“Did you relock the door?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Crap!” I started running down the stairs as
fast as I could. At the bottom, I rushed forward and as I placed my hand on the
deadbolt, the door began to slowly open. I took a step back and then lunged
forward reclosing the door with a slam and twisting the lock. I stepped to the
hinge-side of the door and blew out my pent-up breath as I leaned against the
cinder block wall, damn, that was clo…a long burst of machine-gun fire ripped loose
and a dozen holes appeared in the door. “Holy Fuck!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Smith?!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m okay, but someone means business!” I
reached in beneath my Flick and pulled out my foam earplug case hanging around
my neck, rolled them and then inserted them into my ears. If I was going to
have to shoot in that little cinder block room, by god this time I would have
at least a little protection. The Control Tower had windows that sloped
outward, so I asked, “Nadia, can you see anything outside by the door?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a moment she said, “No, it’s in the
shadow from the moon, wait! All five are jogging away from us; it looks like
they’re leaving!” I looked around and saw three bundles of ¾ inch plastic
conduit lying against the wall. I rushed over to them and used my knife to cut
the nylon bands holding them together. Once loose, I grabbed double handfuls of
the pipe and scattered them haphazardly, throwing the ten-foot lengths between
the stairs and the door. As I returned to my spot by the door, she said, “No,
they stopped and I think one of them is aiming his weapon at the door, you
better…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost lost consciousness from the
explosion, I don’t know for sure, but maybe I was out for a moment or two. I
was crumpled against the wall with the door, which was hanging by just the
bottom hinge, leaning precariously over me. My left side, which had been
completely exposed, felt like it was on fire.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Smith!” Her shout almost sounded like a
screech from far away, “They’re coming back! Get ready! Smith? Daniel!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first, and then the second man through
the door stumbled and fell trying to run over the conduit as it rolled and
slipped beneath their feet. The third, fourth and fifth, crowded in and between
trying to help the others up and their rush for the stairs, they grouped up at
the foot of the steps. Tooles must have fired at them from above because all of
them started firing upwards.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I leaned out past
the edge of the door and shakily brought the bullpup to my shoulder, with all
the firing going on, they wouldn’t hear mine. I put the laser dot on the
rearmost and shot him through the Kevlar helmet he was wearing, then the next,
and the next. The fourth one looked back and saw me as the third man was
falling, but he was in the process of changing mags, the fourth shot penetrated
just below the rim of his helmet. The fifth must of noticed the lack of fire
from his friends and turned as he pointed his weapon in my direction, Tooles
put three rounds into him and he fell.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled myself from behind the door and
stretched my legs out as I leaned against the wall behind me. My left side no
longer burned, but it was stinging like a bitch. My ears, even with the plugs,
were a constant loud ringing that was causing me to get nauseated. I allowed my
head to droop forward as I tried to crack my neck and saw blood dripping onto the
front of my militia smock and fighting load carrier. Great, Debra was
guaranteed to, as Danni described it, pitch a fucking fit. Raising my head back
up, I saw Nadia looking at me from the top of the stairs as her mouth was
moving; I pointed at my ears and shook my head, if she didn’t understand I
couldn’t hear her, tough shit. I closed my eyes instead; it seemed to settle my
stomach.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have dozed off; I hadn’t slept the
night before and then again waiting for the three o’clock jump off. When I opened
my eyes, Nadia was crouched over my legs and opening a roll of gauze. Using a
tube of antibiotic ointment, she squeezed a generous amount onto it and applied
it to the left side of my face. It stung, but I let her continue.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s going on?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can you hear me?” She asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Barely, you’re going to have to talk
louder.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned over and said directly into my
right ear, “Packer ordered me to flash the airstrip lights four times and then
shut them off. All this for four flashes of light.” She wiped at my neck and
then examined it, satisfied, she said, “You missed some of the action.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What did I miss?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That big plane, the one you called a
gunship? Somebody shot it down, and I mean as in blowing it right out of the
sky. I just happened to be looking at the right time and the right place to see
it happen. You know how you could see like a solid line of fire from that one
gun as it flew by?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, it’s called a gatling gun.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever, I was watching and suddenly a
line like it was shooting at us, appeared from the sky and lit it up. One of
the wings came off and the other wing tipped up and it plowed straight into a
mountainside. It had to be from another plane.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned, “Really? A plane on our side?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I never saw it.” She pulled my
multi-tool from its pouch and used its blade to slice open the sleeve of my
shirt. “Damn, that looks a lot like hamburger, we need someone better trained
to treat the rest of this shit.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, for trying, Nadia, I appreciate
it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, I owe you more than this, a lot more;
I’ll never forget you coming through that door to save me and Stacy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You got that last guy, he had me dead to
rights, you know?” I leaned my head back and sagged, “I’m going to close my
eyes for a while, do you mind?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course not, I’m going to try and prop
the door closed and then I’m going back upstairs where I can see what’s
happening.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke up to Nadia shaking my shoulder,
“Hey, hey! Can you get up the stairs? You’ve got to see what’s going on!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually did feel a little better, I
didn’t feel so fuzzy and the nausea was gone, “Maybe, what’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve got to see it, Daniel!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I started to get up, but my left leg
seemed to be stuck to the floor. She helped me get up and held my elbow all the
way up the stairs. At the top in the control room, she rolled a pivoting chair
over and I sat down, “Okay, what am I…” The line of the forest erupted as
explosions ripped through the trees. The windows vibrated and I started to
wonder if they were going to shatter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From an elevation of maybe 500 feet, an A-10 jet climbed and banked
away, my stomach began to churn as I exclaimed, “They’ve got A-10s too!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? No, they’re strafing the bad guys,
Daniel, they’re on our side!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? Outstanding!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, look over there!” She said as she
pointed at the air strip. “The six small ones flew in at 4:30 this morning
while you were asleep. Each one had least ten infantry guys in them and those
guys started sweeping towards the facility, the other two big ones with two
propellers? They dropped off more troops and then started setting up what I
think are hospital tents.” She stopped as the A-10 made another pass over an area
out of our view, “That is so awesome when they come in like that and fricking
lay waste!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smaller helicopters were UH-60
Blackhawks with Air Force markings. I couldn’t remember the name of the two big
ones, but both of them said MARINES on the sides. “Damn,” I said. “I slept
through an awful lot.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know how you did it, those
helicopters and jets are fricking noisy!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it just one A-10?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’ve seen at least two at the beginning
when they made their first runs.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment I looked to the West and saw
a formation approaching at low altitude. It was four A-10s in a ‘V’ formation
and as they passed over the facility the lead aircraft waggled its wings before
all four climbed and flew away to the East. “There were four,” I said. “I guess
they’re done.” I listened, but couldn’t hear anything, “Is there any shooting
going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I can still hear it coming from the
woods, but I can’t call unless there’s an emergency, Packer made an
announcement over the radio when he warned us not to fire on any aircraft.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do they still need us up here?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, there were some Air Force
guys that came by and said they might need the Control Tower for air traffic
control, but nothing since then.” She stopped talking and cocked her head as she
listened, “It’s quiet now, there’s no shooting, but that’s happened before.”
She glanced down beside the chair and added, “You’re bleeding again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked down and saw two small puddles
below where my thigh rested in the chair, “Yeah, my pant leg was stuck to my
leg and the floor, it probably pulled something loose when you helped me up.
“I’m really thirsty, but if I start drinking it will probably cause the
bleeding to start back up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Blood loss or dehydration, you’re screwed
either way.” I think she was trying to be humorous.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you always this way in the mornings, I
mean, you’re a real ray of sunshine, there.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, I guess I’m not much good at this
mothering stuff. My vote is for drinking some water.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, me too,” I said as I pulled the hose
from my hydration bladder up and began to suck on it. The water tasted stale,
but it was cool and wet. I pointed out the windows, “Someone’s coming.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia pulled a monocular from one of her
pouches and looked through it, “Oh, good, that’s Richie, one less thing to
worry about. Maybe we can get you a ride down to the clinic.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Richie, huh?” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned red and stuttered, “Yeah, I guess
you noticed we have been kind of hanging out together.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we talk ever so often, but he never
mentioned he was seeing someone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I asked him not too.” She seemed
embarrassed. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why? He seems like a really good guy. It’s
not like his marriage means anything.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, look at me, I’m short, thick
waisted, my boobs are too big, and I’m not attractive. Look at his wife, she’s
attractive, has a body I would die for, and…well, I mean, what chance would I
have if she decided she wanted him back?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He told me once that she was everything he
ever wanted until they got married. Then, not so much. From what he told me,
he’s not looking for a model, he’s looking for a life mate.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cart rolled to a stop and I heard Rich
shout into the broken door, “Nadia! Nadia! Are you still in there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh shit! I have the door blocked!” She ran
down the stairs and I forced myself up and started down also. My whole left
side was hurting and as I looked down, I could see a surplus of small shredded
tears in my smock, and the legs of my cargo pants. What the hell did those guys
use to blast the door open? I could hear the door as the bottom scraped on the
concrete floor and then Rich talking.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but Dan Smith got a shitload of
shrapnel or something all over his left side. We need to get him to the
clinic.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled out of Rich’s embrace and started
to come back for me, but I was down the stairs already. “I’m good, but a ride
sounds really excellent, I think some of whatever is stuck in me is getting
pulled on by my clothing; it’s a bit painful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich hurried to me and asked, “Do you need
some support? Damn, your clothing is completely soaked on that side.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I can walk okay, just everything keeps
jabbing me; it’s going to be a lot of fun getting my clothes off.” I kept
drinking my water until we got to the front of the Ranger Bunker and realized I
wasn’t going to be treated there. The exterior walls had been blown, in both
the infirmary and the ready room. All the glass windows were blown out and it
looked like a real mess. There were several people in the infirmary collecting
undamaged supplies. Rich turned down the main causeway and the interior of the
complex was trashed. The walls were pock marked and some of the cinder block
rooms we passed were no longer rooms; they looked like caves with the walls
blown out. I hoped mine and Debra’s apartment was okay. Then as we pulled to a stop
in front of the clinic, I asked the question I had been avoiding, “Rich, have
you seen Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just once, she and some of those Air Force
guys were pinned down by heavy machinegun fire, but we couldn’t get to them to
provide help.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was she okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At the time I saw her, yeah, but things
were pretty chaotic then.” He seemed unsure of himself.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed to get out of the cart, “Thanks
for the ride, Rich, if you see Debra, let her know where I am, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,” he answered and then they drove
away.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked into the clinic and there was
basically laying room only. Only a few people were standing. I stood there for
a while and realized I was starting to bleed heavier, probably from the water I
was drinking; my left foot was in a small puddle of thinnish looking blood
collecting on the floor.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary Cho was hurrying past and then saw me,
“Daniel? You’re standing in a puddle of blood.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good Grief, between you and Debra, martyr
much?” She asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra’s here! She’s hurt? Where is she? How
bad?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa! Whoa! Slow down there, Speedy! Yeah,
she’s here, come on I’ll put you next to her, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, take care of these people here before
me, but yeah, take me to Debra.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“These are all minor wounds; the bad ones
are going to the Field Hospital the Marines set up outside. They have the
expertise on combat trauma. You will have to be satisfied with my skills though
as far as…Daniel is this all dried blood from your injury?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grabbed my left arm and I flinched as
whatever was in me, got pushed deeper. “Yeah, but it was mostly stopped until I
woke up and started drinking water.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She guided me past several drawn curtains
and then said, “Wait here a moment.” She walked into a room and then pushed out
a folding cot with a thin mattress on it. She pushed that into the next
curtained area and waved for me to follow her. I walked in and there was Debra
in a bed that was raised to a semi sitting position.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the hell!” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had her patient robe pulled out of the
way and was poking at the bandage taped to her side, “Honey!” She said
excitedly, “You finally found me!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Finally found you?! I just found out you
were wounded! What happened?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aw, the piece of shit that shot me was playing
dead. I walked by him and heard the click of his safety, As I turned, he put a
round in my side and I shot him 3,4,5 times; I was so pissed I can’t remember
how many shots for sure. That anger thing? It really helps as long as you’re
pissed. It wasn’t until like fifteen minutes later when I saw blood on the
sleeve of my jacket that I realized I was hit and it started to hurt. Then I
really got pissed and…” She trailed off and said a little more softly, “I tried
to be careful, just like you said, really, I did. Uh, you’re not mad at me, are
you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “If I didn’t love you so
much, I’d put you over my knee and paddle your ass.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you love me sooo much though, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I guess so, but that paddling just
might happen anyway.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She chuckled and said, “By the time you
catch me, you’ll have other things on your mind, I promise. Now give me a kiss,
god I missed you!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stiffly leaned down and kissed her with
more fervor than I thought I could muster. She reached up and curled her left
hand around the back of my neck and pulled my mouth down harder on hers as she
reached around me with her right arm to pull me tightly against herself. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright you two, just because I’m putting
the both of you in the same treatment area doesn’t mean any hanky-panky is
allowed, Dan, sit on the cot here and let’s get those clothes off.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I straightened, walked towards the cot and
sat down as Debra saw her arm was stained with blood, “What the…really?! You
did it again?! God damn it, Daniel…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cho turned from me and pointed a rigid
finger at Debra, “Get your ass back on that bed right now! You pull those
needles out of your arm and I swear, you are the one that’s going to put them
back in!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No! Get back on the bed or I’ll take him to
the tents outside, what’s it going to be?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra backed up and then scooted backwards
onto the bed, “Okay, okay, geez. What happened, Daniel?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Some of those guys were trying to break
into the Control Tower by the air strip, first they tried shooting it with a
machinegun, then they backed away and hit it with a round from a grenade launcher,
I think. Unfortunately, I was standing next to the door and I guess I caught
some shrapnel from the blast.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary had my shirt off and was starting on my
tee-shirt, but every time she pulled it over another of, whatever they were,
I’d hiss with pain. Eventually, she gave up and used a pair of scissors to cut
it off. That worked a lot better. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the hell is this?” She said as she
examined what appeared to be copper wire.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” Debra asked as she craned her neck
to see.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It looks like a piece of copper wire, or
something similar.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mary,” Debra whined, “I might be able to
help if you let me get closer.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stay there, Tarn, I’m not going to tell you
again.” She pulled over a tray of surgical tools and removed what I swear
looked like stainless steel, needle nose pliers. “Sorry, Daniel, but this is
probably going to hurt.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I could respond, she tugged on the
wire and when it didn’t come free, she jerked on it. Holy shit! It burned like
a son-of-a-bitch! “Damn it, Mary,” I said. Then I apologized, “Sorry, you
caught me off-guard.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m fairly thick skinned, Daniel, if it
makes you feel better, curse all you want.” She turned and gave Debra the one
she pulled out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see Debra holding the wire to the
light as she examined it and then she rolled it on the top of the table next to
her bed, then raised it back up and examined it again, “Mary?” She said. “This
thing is hollow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know,” was Mary’s answer. “Almost every
one of them is seeping blood. That’s why he’s lost so much and they seem to be
resisting coagulation. The bad thing is, a lot of these hit fleshy areas where
there was no bone close to the surface and they are going to need to be
surgically removed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Debra said. “Get my clothes and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bull shit!” I said. “You’ve been shot and
by god you’ll stay in that bed! Mary, do you have something I can cover myself
with? I’ll just walk over there and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The hell you will!” Debra started slipping
off the bed and onto her feet.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary slammed the pliers down on the tray and
shouted, “I’ll be the one to say who does what! Both of you are so damned
hardheaded, you don’t know if you’re coming or going! I am in charge! You will do…what
I say!” Mary was always easy going and careful about how she treated her
patients. I think it was at that moment we both decided to become more
compliant.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh,” Debra mumbled. “Uh, okay, I’ll just
sort of lay here and maybe get some sleep.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary stared at me and finally I figured I
better say something, “What she said.” As I pointed at Debra.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary nodded her head and said, “Alright, now
that is settled, I need to make a phone call.” She walked out with her back
stiff and her head held high.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra watched her leave and smiled at me as
she slipped out of bed and walked quickly to me while pulling the IV stand
behind her. She sat on my right side and leaned her head on my shoulder, “Is
this okay, no discomfort?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always.” I glanced down and then asked,
“How bad is the gunshot?” I was thinking of my own, previous wound.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mary is describing it as a deep graze, it’s
going to leave a scar, Hon.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no scar that could detract from
how beautiful you are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at me and then pressed her
lips to mine before saying, “Remember you said the next time we needed to be
separate, you wanted something I had worn so you could smell it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The next time one of us is gone, we both
keep something the other has worn, so we can sleep with it, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Deal, now give me another kiss and then get
back in bed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did and just moments before Mary walked
back in. “Okay, things are slowing down over at the Field Hospital, so Doctor
Horne is coming back over here. He’ll check you out when he gets here and
determine if those wires need to come out now, or later. In the meantime, you
are getting x-rays so we’ll know where to look for the ones that aren’t
sticking out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She helped me finish undressing, the pants
were ruined also, and then she took a shitload of x-rays with me on my side, my
stomach and my back. By the time we were done, Horne had arrived and checked me
out. Apparently, they had several wounded that were injured by the same type of
weapon as I, and they were having trouble stopping the bleeding in them the
same as me. Horne said, the military doctors believed the hollow wire in the
explosive warheads contained a drug cocktail that inhibited the coagulation of
blood and there was a drug that could possibly counteract what they thought was
used. There was also a good chance the material used could be flushed from the
wounds, that was what he wanted to try with me, if I was willing. I agreed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I awoke the next day feeling like Becker had
beaten me again and the left side of my body was covered by a patchwork of
bandages. After lifting my hospital gown, I said, “Geez, how many were there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Forty-two,” Debra said. I glanced over and
she was lying on her right side watching me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Crap, Doctor Horne must have been up all
night.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope, he taught Mary how to do what he was
doing and they worked together on it. I think he’s going to start teaching Mary
to do a lot of minor surgeries. We need more doctors and I think she would be a
good choice.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then sat up as I swung my legs
over the side of the cot. “We need to stop meeting like this.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re being silly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be, you’re usually so somber and
unsmiling, I love it when you kid around with me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How about a morning kiss?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No tongue, my mouth tastes awful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and grabbing the IV stand, I pushed
it over to her bed stiffly and bent over to kiss her, “Whoa!” I heard from the
curtained entrance, “Quick somebody bleach my eyes and get that man some
underwear!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni was standing there with a grin on her
face while Dan just shook his head.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled the back of the gown together and
kissed Debra anyway. “So,” I said as I straightened up, “What’s got you two up
so early?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It isn’t early, my friend,” Danni said.
“And we wanted to see how the two of you are doing and then escort you home.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have looked surprised, “Escort us
home? Debra got shot, she needs…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To get home,” she said as she started
getting out of bed. “I’ll get better sooner there, than here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May as well give up, Daniel,” Danni said.
“You’ve already spoiled her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yep,” Debra said. “But I made sure he
enjoyed every minute of the spoiling.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait a minute,” I said. “They cut my
clothes off, I don’t have anything to wear.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We already have both of sets of your gear
and weapons outside in the cart. Mary says you can wear the gowns home and
bring them back later.” Daniel said. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,” I stammered, “You want us to go out
there with our asses in the wind?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you idiot,” Danni said. “Mary gave us
two more you can put on to cover the vital parts. Come on, we already picked up
lunch for the six of us.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Six?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, Rich Morrison and Nadia Tooles are
going to meet us at your place.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “Let’s get out of here.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived at the apartment, Rich and
Nadia were waiting for us, so we unlocked the door and went inside. Dan carried
my gear and carbine while I carried in Debra’s. When I asked her where her ruck
was, she said she wasn’t sure because she left it on the helicopter she rode in
on. “You got to ride in a helicopter?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, all the way from Holloman.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn,” I said. “I always wanted to ride in
one of those, what’s it like?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In a Blackhawk?” She asked, then her,
Danni, Dan, and Rich all said “Noisy,” at the same time. Debra laughed and
said, “Yeah, they’re noisy alright.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Speaking of which,” Nadia asked. “How’s
your hearing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Better,” I replied. “I was a little worried
there for a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I could tell you were pretty much
deaf there at first.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra perked up and asked, “Deaf? What do
you mean? What happened?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh shit, here we go.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel didn’t tell you?” Nadia asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra stared at me and said, “I guess not,
but getting him to talk about stuff is like pulling hen’s teeth sometimes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced around and asked, “Who wants a
beer?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni and Dan looked at each other and then
both them pointed at me and shouted, “Deflection!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What the hell are you two doing?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni
laughed and said, “We were talking to Dak and he said that was your favorite
ruse to avoid topics that made you uncomfortable. You would deflect the
conversation somewhere else. Have you ever noticed when he does it, Debbie?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I have, he does it a lot, but
normally I can get him to come around if I feel it’s important.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “Group analysis of Daniel is
over, who wants a beer, really, cause I’m going to have one.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stood up, “I’ll get the glasses,” she
said as she entered the kitchen. I went to the fridge and brought out three
quarts. Danni poured and I passed the glasses out. In the background I could
hear Nadia, “…so I asked, did you lock the door? Daniel says, oh crap, and runs
back down just in time to slam the door closed in their faces. Then I hear a
machinegun firing and Daniel and I shout back and forth. He tells me to check
the windows and see where they are, but they ran off a little way before
stopping and one of them aims a rifle with a bigger barrel underneath the
regular one. I shouted to warn Daniel, but then the explosion rattles the whole
building. I run to the stairs going down and see five guys running in, but they
start sliding around on a bunch of plastic conduit. How that got there I have
no idea because it wasn’t there before.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I scattered it around,” I said. “I’ve
slipped on that shit before and it’s deadly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay. I start shooting at the guys at
the bottom of the stairs and they start shooting at me, so I duck away. Then
they keep shooting, but it keeps getting less and less and finally I look down
as the last guy standing aims at Daniel and I fire three rounds that hit him
and down he goes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked at me and asked, “How did they
miss you as they were coming in?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The door was hanging down; I was behind it
and they must have thought I was back upstairs. When they started slipping and
falling on the conduit, I leaned out and started shooting them from behind;
with all the firing they were directing at the top of the stairs, they couldn’t
hear my single shots. By the way, do you guys know if any of our people
collected their NVDs?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one shrugged, and then Daniel asked,
“Were they good ones?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have no idea, but they had them on as
they came through the door.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That may be the reason they missed you
behind the door, NVDs can seriously limit your peripheral vision,” Dan
commented.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich
nodded in agreement. “I always preferred the ones made for a single eye,
especially if they were Thermals.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” Danni said. “So did I.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wouldn’t know,” I said. “I’ve never seen
through one of them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” Debra asked. “I have a set back in
the Squad Bay, I’ll get them when I finish duty…damn, I guess I won’t, I’m on
medical leave until Horne releases me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “No worries, I’ll bring them by
tomorrow when I get off, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you still remember my combination?”
Debra asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Month, day, year of your birth.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good,” Debra responded. “It’s inside of a
fat fifty ammo can; just bring the whole thing because I may need to charge the
batteries.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright,” Danni replied.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited together for quite a while and
then Rich and Nadia left. We talked about them as a couple and both of the
girls thought it was good that Rich and Nadia were together. The last thing we
discussed was how Thomas and Debra convinced the Air Force to become involved
in our problem.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They weren’t very interested at first, and
we never were able to speak with the Base CO. His XO considered us nothing more
than mercenaries fighting for food and shelter. When we told him where we had
come from, I thought he was going to have all of us arrested for being foreign
military agents because of our association with Global, but once we were able
to explain what had happened here, and the fact Global was no longer in
control, he seemed to calm down a bit. Then, as we were being escorted by Air
Police to a holding cell, I saw someone I had served with in Afghanistan,
Master Sargent Lundstrum. I called out to him and waved; he recognized me
immediately and came to see what was going on. They wouldn’t allow him to speak
to me until we were all processed and in cells. He was my Platoon leader and
was there the day I earned my Bronze Star. As soon as I explained to him what
was going on and what I was a part of, he went directly to the XO and vouched
for me. They pulled my records and came back to talk to Thomas and me again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They basically released us, but we had to
stay in the rooms we were assigned for almost a week. Sargent Thomas, finally
requested we be allowed to leave because the Rangers were going to need every
man we had in the upcoming fight. That was when we were told the CO had sent a
Reconnaissance Team to check us out and they agreed to assist us. They said we
were the first organized group, they knew of, that had pledged their loyalty to
the Constitution and had held free elections. Holloman sent in UAVs to recon
and discovered the opposing forces were gathering down below us in Lordsburg at
the High School, so they organized at Deming and used part of the highway
between Deming and Silver City as a runway for their A-10s. They were waiting
for the action to begin when they were finally able to contact the Facility and
talked with the Major.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait,” I said. “So Major Packer knew all of
this and didn’t tell anyone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, but late in the game and nothing was
set in stone. I found out a Combat Air Control team was supposed to be sent in
to take our Control Tower, but their transportation quit on them and they had
to ride in on the helos that I rode in on. Thomas and the rest of our squad had
already left and wanted to join up with the of the Rangers, but because I’m
ex-Air Force, Air Security, I stayed to provide liaison. In the helicopters,
four of them each contained ten Air Security guys and two more of them had
Marine Raiders. The two Marine CH-53s had another twenty Raiders and the field
hospitals with Doctors, nurses, the whole nine yards. When word came through
from here that the enemy had a gunship, the A-10s were sent to shoot it down
and then provide ground support when they realized the enemy had committed all
of its resources to the attack. It was estimated they had almost a full
battalion of troops. Once we knew the gunship was down, we loaded up and flew
in to the landing strip, offloaded, and started a sweep to the East and hit
their attacking force in the flank. Packer was able to shift forces he was
holding back to attack the Eastern flank and all of the Rangers that had been
prepositioned South of the Highway swept forward, captured their vehicles, and
then advanced into the woods to attack their rear and hold them in place, at
least long enough for the A-10s to shoot the shit out of the attacking force.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It sounds to me,” Danni said, “That we were
lucky you were sent with the team to Holloman. Has anyone heard anything about
Bellows’ team in Tucson?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I haven’t,” Debra said. “Anyone else?”
Everyone looked at each other and shook their heads. “I imagine Major Packer
will send someone to check on them when the chance comes up. I’ve been out of
the loop today, does anyone know if we took prisoners? How many we killed? How
many we may have lost?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel said, “I heard we lost twenty-two
Militia and Rangers killed; another twenty, or so, wounded. The attackers were
taking it in the ass when they entered the facility, the way Packer had it set
up, they were walking from one fatal funnel to the next. They only made it to
the doors of Level Three when they were stopped and then the Militia started
pushing them back. I saw Shayla Lincoln and she said her platoon accounted for
almost half of our dead Topside. They pushed too far forward and got hit by
friendly fire from the A-10s.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dak was with them,” I said. “Has anyone
heard…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wounded,” Daniel said. “But not too badly. Marvin
was with Dak and got hit at the same time, he didn’t make it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it,” I said, “He was a good guy, I
really liked him.” Marvin was the kind of worker that didn’t sit down when he
ran into a problem, he would just keep going once he did what was needed doing.
He was always friendly and easy going, smart, but not pushy. Yeah, he was going
to be missed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra lowered her head and said, “I really
feel bad now, I once referred to him as a Mall Ninja because he bought really
expensive gear and his AR was very expensive also.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He was dedicated,” I said. “He just figured
if it cost more it must be better. That rifle of his? He paid almost two grand
for it. It has a special nitride receiver and barrel and he bought a
top-of-the-line holographic site for it. He read a lot of information on line
and that’s how he decided what he needed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Somebody is going to inherit some nice
gear,” Rich said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all silent for a while and then I
said, “Anyone else we know that didn’t come through alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan shrugged, “The Major has Captain
Williams working up a casualty list as we speak. We’ll know more tomorrow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked around and said, “We should go see
Dak, I know it lifted my spirits when you guys came to visit me when I was laid
up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra nodded and stood up, “Yeah, what do you
guys think? Should we go now? Felicia may be so busy she can’t get away to sit
with him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all agreed, but Debra and I needed to
clean up a bit and change clothes. Mary had warned us not to get our bandages
wet, so basically, we took spit baths while we helped each other out. Finally,
we all left in the golf cart Dan and Danni had driven us home in. Dak and
Felicia live in one of the apartments next to the Marlow’s ex-residence; she
uses the actual residence as an administration center now. I think the reason
is to avoid controversy over who gets to live there.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knocked on the door to their apartment
and Felicia answered; her eyes were bloodshot and you could tell she had been
crying. “Good!” She said as she swung the door wide open and we could see Dak
trying to struggle into a pair of pants. “Somebody tell this idiot he doesn’t
have to go check on anyone now! They’re all here! See?” She said to Dak, as we
started walking in, “Now stop trying to be so damned macho and relax before you
start ripping stitches out!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak was still trying to pull pants on over a
heavily bandaged right leg, but he began getting red in the face as he stood
there half naked. “Uh, hi guys.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told you they would come to see you as
soon as things settled down, but nooo, you had to be the tough guy and screw
yourself up,” she stared daggers at me, “Just like Mister Oh Yeah I Got Shot
does every time he gets hurt! We don’t need two of him, right, Debra!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra started laughing and said, “We don’t
even need one of him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See?” Felicia said to Dak, “Everyone is
fine, everyone is okay, they even came to see how you are! Now sit down and
stop being an idiot!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, geez, Fel, cut me some slack, okay?” He
sat down and tried to pull his pants back off. “A little help here, please?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gingerly knelt down and then started helping
him pull the pants leg off of the thick bandages on his leg. “What the hell?” I
asked, “Were they going to put a cast on, but changed their minds?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Naw,” he said. “They had to put a shitload
of stitches and staples in and wanted to limit my ability to flex my knee until
the cuts healed up some.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra scratched her own bandage under her
shirt and asked, “What happened?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess it was shrapnel from some of those
big machine guns on the A-10s. I saw it coming and dove into a low spot in the
ground, but it wasn’t low enough, or big enough. I got hit in three places with
shrapnel and it opened up the length of my leg. Doctors think they got it all
and I’m not feeling very much pain.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like I already told you! That’s because
you’re full of painkillers, you idiot!” I had never seen Felicia so upset and
she was not backing off.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With his pants finally off and folded, I
tried to stand, but unfortunately, I had kneeled on my right knee and my left
was too sore to use in order to stand back up. I dropped the left leg, then
brought the right up and stood with a little help from Debra who grimaced also.
“Don’t do that, Babe,” I said. “You’re going to pull the stitches in your
side.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia looked back and forth between us and
said, “Are you two fucking with me?” I have never heard Felicia use a curse
word; she even says carp instead of crap.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra started laughing again and said,
“Welcome to my world, Felicia!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia stared at her and then walked into
the kitchen, sat at the table and laid her forehead on her forearms. Danni got
to her first as she started to cry and then Debra was right there also. Both
had their arms around her and started talking softly, but Felicia said, “How
can I get him to stop doing stupid shit, if everyone around him is doing stupid
shit?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe we should give the girls some space,”
I said. “Let’s go outside and let them talk for a while.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan gave Dak a helping hand up from the
couch and then pulled his right arm over his shoulder while Dak hopped out the
door I opened. Outside was a bench for Dak to sit on and Dan lowered him down
on it. “She’s really upset,” he said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wouldn’t you be?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan shrugged and said, “There you go.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak looked at me and asked, “What’s wrong
with you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted my shirt and showed the bandages,
“Same as you, but a different kind of shrapnel from a grenade.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, a bullet wound from a guy playing
dead, he waited until she walked by and then tried to shoot her in the back.
She filled him with holes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good for her. Those guys tried to push
through us after we got hit by the A-10, but we held them until some of the
Rangers swept around and reinforced us. I got my share of those fuckers. The
fighting was so close in, I saw them shooting our wounded, but we stopped them
hard.” He looked away and I thought I saw tears, “They were shooting our
wounded.” He shook his head, “Those fuckers came to kill us, all of us, but we
stopped them, when they started trying to surrender…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, “What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a haunted expression, “When they
threw down their weapons and put their hands on their heads, I…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You what?” Dan softly asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I kept firing, I shot maybe four or five
more, and I’m not sorry; I’d do it again.” He glanced at the door of the
apartment and said, “Don’t tell Fel, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “The guys I shot? I shot from
behind, in the head. I didn’t want any of them to come back again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan nodded in agreement, “They set the rules
of engagement, so we played their game, they lost.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni leaned out the door and said, “Why
don’t you guys come back inside, Felicia is squared away now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did and then we sat and talked for quite
a while. Eventually, Dak needed a pain pill and then he was out for the night.
Danni and Dan drove us home and we promised Felicia we’d be back to visit
again; she kept thanking us for coming, she said it would make Dak proud
because we did. When we got home, we went to bed; I normally sleep on my left
side, but that was a no go. Debra couldn’t sleep on her left side either, so it
worked out I guess; she had the first nightmare she had since we started
sleeping together. I comforted her and she finally fell asleep again. It took
me forever to fall asleep; I kept seeing Dak’s expression when he told us he
shot those men trying to surrender. He hated what he had done, but he would do
it again. Yeah, me too.</span></p>
dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-86758437440456619682021-03-29T20:11:00.002-07:002022-09-17T16:15:03.473-07:00ASYLUM: Chapters 14 & 15<p> </p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Chapter
14</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, no, that can’t be true,” she started to
get up from my lap, but I held her firmly there.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I could be wrong,” I said. “But I don’t
think so.” She put her arm back around my neck and seemed to settle back down
and relax.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It does explain some of the feelings I’ve
had, but we haven’t gone crazy like those people on the first day, the ones that
killed, or tried to kill others.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,” I slowly said. “There is the way I
killed Becker. When I did it, if I look back at it, I had a distinct
disassociation with what I did. Almost like I was watching me do it instead of
actually doing it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, “Yeah, some of the things I said
to you, I felt the same way.” She shivered and then said, “Are we going to
become like those others? Are we dangerous? Are we going to get worse?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think so, it’s been months since we
were exposed and we probably received a very small, maybe infinitesimal
exposure. Is it affecting us? Yes, to a degree, but a very small degree.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to have children, for us to have
children, will I be a danger to them? If I still go and help at the Child Care
Center, am I putting the children there, in danger?” She was starting to panic,
“What if…do you think it will be genetic, will we pass it on to our kids?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop it, Baby, don’t start conjuring up
demons. If that were possible, we would already be aware of it, okay?” I
caressed her back and then pulled her back tightly to me, “I’ve seen you with
the kids at the center, there’s nothing to worry about.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, they’re helpless.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” I said. “They’re not, they have you to
protect them. Babe, think about this a moment, when you were so angry you were
pulling your own hair, did you want to hurt me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I mean, you needed me to help you, and
I love you, and I need you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then I think you can put that worry to
rest. We, you and I, are not a danger to anyone, except those who would harm
us, or harm those we love.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and said, “Okay,” I felt some of
the tenseness leave her. “I think you’re right; I believe you, but what do we
do now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We go to the Major and tell him our
suspicions. Then, we go to the source and find out the truth.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who is the source? Who would know…Aw shit!
Please don’t tell me you are thinking of Gupta?” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who else would know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No! Absolutely not! I don’t want that bitch
anywhere near you! I will kill her before I ever…” She trailed off. “I’m doing
it, aren’t I?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There,” I said. “See? You recognized what
was happening and shut it down. That alone, right there, tells me there is
nothing to be concerned about. We are not going to become homicidal maniacs.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled back and looked into my eyes as
she frowned, “Did you do that on purpose? Bring her up to see how I would
react? To test me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t need to test you, I know who
you are, I know how you think.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and kissed me, “Yeah? If you think
you know me so well, what am I thinking right now?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know what you are thinking, and if my leg
wasn’t so weak, I know, what I would be doing right now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, and what is that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d be carrying that hot ass of yours to
the bedroom.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood and started walking backwards
toward the bedroom, “How about you chase me instead?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up as she spun around and scrambled
towards the bedroom laughing, “You’re laughing now,” I said. “But you won’t be
when I’m done with you!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shouted from the bedroom, “Oh yeah?
Prove it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, we didn’t go back to sleep, we
just lay together and talked and then showered for the day, dressed, went to
the cafeteria, and then Packer’s office. The Major was sitting behind his desk
and listening to Sergeant Banner as we stood outside and watched through the
window. He saw us and held up a finger, Banner looked out and then smiled and
waved to us before finishing what he was saying to Packer. Finally, he saluted
and walked out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey guys,” he said. “The Major just gave me
permission to start a Tracker’s School, either of you interested?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can you wait until my leg is good to go?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m starting right away, but I’ll be
running the course every three weeks and I’m only going to train five at a time
so I can give a more personal and intensive experience.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay”, I said. “As soon as I’m back in
shape, I’ll be there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner looked at Debra and she answered,
“Can I take it the same time as Daniel?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No reason not to,” he answered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then, yeah, it sounds like it will be
interesting.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll be seeing you,” he said, and
then jogged away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Debra, “Does he ever walk?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, he does, but only when he has
to. He says it keeps him in shape.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then pointed to Packer’s door,
“Ready?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked a little nervous, but nodded and
said, “Yeah, let’s do it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached the door first, but waited as
Debra walked in first and then I followed. Debra went to attention, but I
didn’t, she had informed me, though I should address the Major by his rank, or
by his rank and name, I didn’t have to stand at attention like I had in the
past. Weirdly, it was hard not to do it when she was. She saluted and Packer
returned it in a relaxed manner, “At ease, Tarn, and have a seat.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sir.” She sat in the chair
Banner had been in and I pulled a second over beside her. “Permission to speak
freely, Sir?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Granted,” he said, but he looked puzzled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Major, Daniel and I were speaking last
night over dinner and we came to a rather startling conclusion.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, man,” he said as he shifted his
attention to me. “Is this trouble I smell?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Possibly, Sir, but not necessarily. I
looked to Debra and then continued. “I have a renewed interest in getting to
know Sara Gupta better than I do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I now believe, that both Debra and I were
contaminated by the people we had to kill during the containment breach.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He immediately straightened from the almost
relaxed slouch he had assumed and asked, “Why? Explain.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spoke for almost ten minutes as I
explained why we thought so. Debra joined in on occasion and pointed out her
own observations. When we finished, he sat there quietly and finally asked, in
a gentle voice, “Debra, so you believe your exposure to the contaminant was
responsible for your outburst when you discovered Daniel had been shot?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, that incident and others.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m going to be honest with you, Tarn, up
until that outburst I was seriously considering advancing you to the rank of
Sergeant, but I put that on hold. Do you believe this exposure you are speaking
of would hamper your ability to perform in a leadership role?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Undiagnosed? Yes, Sir, but early this
morning when Daniel told me he wanted to talk to Gupta about the effects of the
contaminate and I realized I was becoming inordinately angry, I immediately
tempered my response.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about you, Daniel, has it affected you
in any manner?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yes, Sir. As I told you, I
believe the particular violence I exhibited when I killed Becker may be
directly attributed to my contamination. You should understand, that Debra’s
encounter with the person we believe infected her was briefer than my own. He
was in the process of strangling me when Debra shot him.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see, has this supposed exposure resulted
in a degradation of your reasoning skills?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t believe so, Sir, but there is
really no way to be sure,” I answered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra said, “No, Sir, I firmly believe
Daniel is in full possession of his faculties. As always, he was the one who
realized what had happened to us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, we need that ability of yours to
weave things together and tie them off.” Packer sat there for a few moments and
then said to me, “Morgan has requested I send a team down and visit all of the
nearby materials providers to see if there are supplies we could salvage for
the Family Barracks project. He has requested that you accompany the team I
send. I know you just had your cast removed and you are not 100% healthy, could
you do it? Or should I put it off for a while until you are?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m a bit slow, Sir, but with an escort,
I’m sure I could do it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra instantly spoke up, “I’d like to
volunteer to accompany the team sent to support Daniel, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That would be a negative, Tarn, I may be
reluctant to put you in command of a squad, but I still need your expertise.
I’m going to reassign you to EXSEC 4<sup>th</sup> Squad as a Team Leader with
the rank of Corporal, until I can assess your emotional stability.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, thank you, Sir, I appreciate the
chance to prove myself.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “You just passed the
first test, Debra, I know full well you don’t want Daniel out of your sight and
you didn’t argue my decision. Well done.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her and could tell she was a
little flushed with pride, so was I, for her. All she said was, “Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why don’t you head on over to 4<sup>th</sup>
Squad’s bay and introduce yourself to Sergeant Thomas, he’s an ex-Marine Raider
and knows his shit. Tell him I am sending you over tomorrow morning to begin
your duty.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir. Should I come back here once I’ve
finished?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I need to talk to Daniel and then the
two of you can leave until this afternoon. I’m having a meeting with all the
Squad Leaders and Assistants to discuss some changes we’re going to make.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.” She stood up and started walking
out, but she traced my shoulder with her fingertips as she walked by.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once she was gone, Packer said, “She’s a good
soldier and an even better Human Being.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” he said. “Off the record and as
friends, why do you want to talk to Gupta?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who else? She probably knows more about how
the shit they made affects people than anyone. I firmly believe she was the
lead designer of whatever they made.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I agree, the FA had her off-limits, but
they’re not around anymore. Do you think you can bring her around?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, maybe not, it’s going to depend on
how strong her sense of self-preservation is. Frankly, I think she has an
overdeveloped sense of her own self-worth and I might be able to turn that on
her. She demonstrated an intense unawareness, the last time we spoke, of the
fact others might disagree with her belief system.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you are going to explain this in a
way I can understand?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Packer, you may be able to fool a lot of
people with that dumb old soldier routine, but I know how sharp you are.” I
smiled as I said it and he laughed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the doorway of his office, I heard,
“He’s got your number, Jerry.” I turned around as Gilly walked in and sat in
the chair Debra had been in. “We all know about the stringent prerequisites
Global had for everyone employed here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, Daniel,” he said, “Spit it out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Group think,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Group think, it is a manner of thinking
among a small group, that reinforces a perceived solution to a shared problem.
A psychologist by the name of, Janis, first presented his theory of group think
in a book he published in 1972. He stated that…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hold it, hold it right there, is this going
to be one of those, Occam’s Razor lectures?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, well, I guess it was, sort of.” I
thought for a moment and then said, “Okay, let’s avoid theory and replace it
with historical fact.” When Packer frowned, I added, “I’ll keep it as brief as
I can.” He nodded, and I started, “Let’s look at the Wannsee Conference as an
example of Group Think. In 1942, a small group of NAZI officials gathered in
Wannsee, Germany to discuss a method of solving the “Jewish Question.” These
men were all Nazi party members, they were all hardliners, they were mostly,
all highly educated, they all blamed the Jews for World War One and, the then
current, World War Two. They had no dissenting voices to moderate their
decisions, as a result, the only answer they could come up with was
exterminating the Jews. Their only question was the speed required to carry out
the Final Solution. They decided to create a fleet of gas vans that would drive
from one location to the next, pack Jews inside and gas them with the exhaust
of the trucks. They hoped each truck would be able to kill 1,000 Jews per day.
Later it was decided to concentrate the Jews in work camps so they could
provide cheap labor. When the new people were brought to the work camps, those
physically able were put to work, those who couldn’t work, went straight to the
gas chambers. That is an example of Group Think. They were so collective in
their thought processes; they could recognize no solution except mass murder.
Anything else, was simply outside the paradigm of their hardline beliefs.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you think Gupta and her cronies suffer
from this same group think thing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, for them, their actions may have been
the only method they could recognize to quickly end the problem of too many
people. You concentrate the intelligent ones you consider salvageable, in safe
zones and remove the rest. They don’t see their selves as mass murderers, they
see their selves as liberators, they liberated the over-taxed planet from the
disease of too many people. They were like the Nazis at Wannsee who were highly
educated, they had a common enemy, people, and they had a desire for a quick
fix. They, like the Nazis, dehumanized huge swaths of the human population so
it would be easier to rationalize their actions and see their selves as the
good people, the ones who truly cared about their fellow man, if, that fellow
man was worth their caring.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer nodded, “They couldn’t think outside
the box they themselves created, because they all thought the same.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Group Think, you limit your own options
because you all think alike.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Geez.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, I would like to talk with Gupta, and
see if I can weasel my way into her good graces and become her intellectual
friend.” I leaned forward as I looked closely at Packer, “What do you think?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He studied me and finally said, “To tell the
truth, Daniel, we’re already working that angle.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned back and said, “You are? Good, how
is it going?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It could be going better, and it might go
better if you became involved; let me think on it a bit and I’ll get back to
you, okay?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, if you don’t mind, I’m going to hang
out here in the Ready Room until Debra comes back.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No problem, she shouldn’t be long.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down at one of the tables, propped my
right leg up, which was more out of habit than need, and got comfortable. I
must have dozed off, because I jolted awake when my chin slipped out of my
cupped palm. I wasn’t surprised I fell asleep, after all, I only slept about
three hours the previous night. I looked around and saw Debra in Packer’s
office talking to him and Gilly, so I watched and finally Gilly noticed I was
awake and pointed it out to Debra. She stood up, listened to something Packer
said and then saluted before leaving and joining me in the Ready Room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, Honey,” She seemed a little withdrawn.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s wrong?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing, I mean, well, I guess Sergeant
Thomas was in the saferoom when I lost it and said he wasn’t sure a woman like
me was a good fit for his squad. He said he wanted someone more composed.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? What did Packer have to say about
that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He said he would talk to him about it, but
in the meantime, I should stay assigned to 3d Squad and he would look for
someone else for Thomas.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s bull shit!” I said as I stood up and
headed for Packer’s office, but she grabbed my arm and held me back.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t!” She angrily stated. “I don’t need
you to fight my battles!” She calmed down and said, “Please, Thomas is basing
his decision on what he saw with his own eyes, and I guess I can’t blame him.
He doesn’t know about the contamination.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up at Packer’s windows and he and
Gilly were watching us. I gave my head a slight shake and then turned back to
Debra, “How about we go get an early lunch and then hangout until time for the
meeting tonight?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The meeting is for squad leaders and their
assistants; the Major says we don’t need to stick around for it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? Well maybe I’ll be too busy to go
and find the stuff he needs for the Family Barracks.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be that way, Hon, it will work out,
we just have to wait for it to develop.” She kept looking at me and finally I
nodded in agreement, then she added, “I trust Major Packer to do the right
thing because I know, he will do the right thing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a couple of breaths and then looked
back up at the Packers and gave them a short nod. Gilly smiled and Packer
nodded back. I slid my arm around Debra’s shoulders and said, “So, do I have my
little amazon all to myself today, or are you back on duty with 3d?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“3<sup>rd</sup> Squad has the day off, what
do you want to do?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need to go out to the parking lot and
start the truck, check tire pressure and general things like that, oh, and
while we’re at it, I want to dig around in the stuff I packed up when we left
California, and find my cell phone and the charger for it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed, “What for? It’s not like you
can call anyone, or order pizza.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed as we sat down in the cart and I
started to drive us to the parking lot, “No, but I’m thinking its capability to
take pictures could be beneficial in a lot of different circumstances.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I can see that, plus I don’t have a
single picture of you. I’m going to see if mine is still around too.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started the truck, checked the tires, and
checked the oil, I don’t know why, it’s been driven zero miles since I parked
it. Finally, I went through some of my boxes until I found the cell phone and
charger, dropped it into a sock and brought it back with us. I started to lock
the truck back up, but saw John’s rifle case; Eugene Henderson had been after
me to bring my bullpup carbine by so he could check the fit of the sheet metal
stock he had made for it, but I hadn’t got around to it. I wondered if he could
use John’s and maybe modify it the way he had mine. I took it out and had Debra
hang onto it until we got back to the facilities building.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parking out front, I asked Debra, “I’m going
to run in and talk to Henderson for a few minutes, do you want to wait here, or
come in with me and meet him?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the guy that modified your carbine?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’ll come with you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my cane, so she tossed the rifle case
up onto her shoulder and we entered. I checked around and saw him working on a
lathe, so we walked over and stood there until he finished measuring the item
he was working on. “Hey, Eugene,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up and smiled, “Hey, Dan.” He saw
the rifle case and asked, “Is that your carbine?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Actually, no. This is a different rifle,
but the same type as my old one before you modified it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra carried the case to a nearby table, set
it down and opened it. Eugene followed and then said, “I assume this is the
girl you talked about incessantly?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, Debra, this is Eugene, my machinist,
Eugene, this is Debra, my fiancée.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both smiled and said hello, then Eugene
said, “You said she was hotter than hot, but you didn’t say she was beautiful
too.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra started blushing and Eugene looked as
though he was thoroughly pleased with himself. “Hey,” I said. “Eyes on the
rifle and not my lady!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra popped me in the arm and said, “You
actually brag about me to other guys?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eugene chuckled and said, “Debbie, he
doesn’t brag, he gloats, and now I can see why.” He opened the case and
examined the rifle. “Identical alright, but it has a longer barrel.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, it has a twenty-inch barrel instead
of the sixteen my carbine has.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you want me to see if the sheet metal
stock will work on this one?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, what do you think?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You remember we couldn’t just drop in your
receiver, right? I had to make some custom parts for yours in order for the
stock to fit and work correctly.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, I forgot about that. Alright,
I’ll bring my carbine by tomorrow and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not necessary,” he said. “When I made the
parts for your carbine, I made a few extras also.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You did?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hang
on,” he said, as he walked away and then returned with a box about
four-by-six-by-two inches in size. Within seconds he had the rifle field
stripped and then started replacing components. A few minutes later, he began
dropping the receiver into the sheet metal stock. The components that comprised
the butt stock portion fit perfectly, but the foregrip section was too
narrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn it,” he said. “I’d fix
this right now, but I need to finish another project for the Biochemistry Lab
right away. Can I keep the rifle until tomorrow?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure,” I said. “What is it you’re making
for the Biochemistry Lab?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s an air rifle they want for putting
down lab animals. They say the original barrel I put on it seems to jam about
every third time they use it; the syringe darts get hung up.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really, how many of these darts guns do
they want?” Debra asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The project specs call for six of them, I
told them I could make a new one whenever one wears out, but they said
Accounting wanted all the rifles made at the same time because it would be
cheaper to build all six at once instead of one at a time.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it?” I asked. “Cheaper, to build all of
them at the same time?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Marginally, yeah, but not really. Most of
the cost of any new product is in the production of the initial prototypes,
after that, the cost factor drops with every additional item produced.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Interesting,” I said. “Listen, do you mind
if I have Major Packer come over and take a look at the finished air rifle
before you send it back to Biochemistry?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think maybe he could use something
like this?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe,” Debra said. “If they are quiet
enough, it could come in handy for removing sentries, or capturing a high value
target.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, yeah, have him come over in the
morning and after he checks it out, I’ll call the lab and tell them it’s ready
for pickup.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good enough,” I said. “I’ll be by tomorrow
and see what you’ve got for me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra and I returned to the Ready Room and
spoke briefly with Packer about the air rifles and then we took off for home.
We showered and took a nap, then we were off to the cafeteria for a light
lunch. All I had was a couple of slices of fresh bread with gravy, and Debra
ate some canned fruit in a cup. I could tell that even though she wanted to
wait and see how the thing with Thomas worked out, she was still a little tense
about it. It really rankled her that Thomas had said she wasn’t good enough to
serve in his squad. She took a great deal of pride in how capable she was and I
knew for a fact she outshined many of the EXSEC males.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to eat the left-over casserole
early and then put on a DVD, but just as it was starting, Danni and Dan dropped
by, so we played a few hands of Canasta, guys against the girls; the girls
kicked our asses soundly. While we were playing cards, Debra asked them about
the meeting Packer had with the squad leaders because we knew both of them had
attended. They said Packer was considering changing around the composition of
the squads and going from the typical ten man squad the army used and using the
Marine Corps count of twelve. Also, he was thinking of forming a new unit that
would be responsible for searching for salvage materials we might need and
wanted everyone to consider a name for it. Daniel said he was leaning towards
calling the new unit Rangers, but not because so many of EXSEC were ex-Rangers,
but because the unit would be ranging about searching for what was needed. It
sounded reasonable to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They brought two six packs of Colorado
Koolaide to drink and when I asked why, Daniel informed us there wasn’t any
Shiners left in the Facility Exchange. I figured we’d probably never see it
again. That was unfortunate. Then Danni posed an interesting idea.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, remember the beer we had in
California? The homebrew made by your friend, John?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you ever help him brew his beer?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but I didn’t pay a lot of attention
to the process, that was always his thing and he really enjoyed doing it. I
just enjoyed drinking it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Debra said, “Yeah, but we loaded all of
his recipe books, his mixing pots, all that stuff, remember? Even a bunch of
cases of empty bottles. Do you think we could figure out how to do it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,” I said. “I guess we could, but it
takes a lot of work and patience. John always said patience was more important
than anything else.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Patience I have,” Danni said. “A desire to
drink this panther piss, not so much.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan smiled and said, “Why don’t we get the
stuff out of the truck tomorrow and see where we can set up at?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you two serious?” I asked. “Are you off
tomorrow?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hell, yes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll drop Debra off in the morning,
pick you guys up, and we’ll see what we can get going.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to use the liftgate, it was
necessary to unhitch the trailer and then pull the truck forward.
Unfortunately, we had to move a great deal of stuff in the back of my truck
before we finally reached what we were looking for. John’s brew kit was pretty
extensive, plus we had taken all of his supplies as well. Once we had
everything out that we needed, then we had to repack the back of the truck. I
also wanted to leave the truck in a manner that would allow us to repack the
brew kit if we decided to leave the facility for some reason. I guess I was a
bit attached to it because of who it had belonged to.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we had the brew kit, bottles, supplies,
flavorings and John’s notes loaded onto a cart and one of the work trailers, we
took a break. We all had bottled water, so we sipped at them as we talked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “The day we went after
Becker and I saw the two of you kiss the first time, I was ecstatic. I finally
discovered I had been right about the two of you being interested in one
another. I’ve asked Debra, but she says I should get the story from you two,
straight from the horse’s mouth, so give it up. Danni, why did you tell everyone,
including Daniel, that you were a lesbian, when you weren’t?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She snorted, glanced at Daniel and finally
said, “When I was in the Navy, I was a dental hygienist. The dentist I was
working for started hitting on me about a month into my first deployment. I
wasn’t interested in him because he was married and the Navy really frowns on
married personnel having affairs during deployment. I told him no, he said I
would come around and that he knew I found him attractive, which I didn’t by
the way. Anyway, about six months at sea, we docked in Japan and I went on
shore leave with some other girls from the ship. We ended up at a bar that
served American sailors and started to party a bit. Then he shows up at the
bar, the dentist. He starts asking me to dance, I tell him no, he keeps
badgering me, I keep saying no…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait,” I said. “I thought fraternization
between ranks was seriously frowned upon?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is,” she said. “Very seriously frowned
upon. So, he finally walks away and stands at the bar, I relax and tell the
girls I’m going to visit the head. I leave and when I come back, my friends are
gone. I figure they’re just screwing with me and sit back down at our table. A
Japanese waitress walks up and says my friends asked her to give me a double
shot and tell me they would be right back and I should hold our table. The next
thing I know, I’m waking up in some shitty motel, with Japanese cops all around
and I’m being arrested for prostitution. Finally, the Shore Patrol shows up
after I was taken to jail and the cops turn me over to them. They take me back
to the Jerry Ford and into the brig I go. I ask for a rape kit, I get examined.
The doctor tells our superiors the prostitution charges were bogus, because I
was bleeding from a broken hymen; I was a virgin up until then. They run blood
tests and discover I had been drugged. My friends show up and say they were
given a private room to drink in and the waitress told them she would tell me
where they were when I came out of the head. They had no idea what had happened
to me. Anyway, the dentist is questioned, he denied doing anything to me even
though he was identified by the waitress as the man who provided the double
shot of tequila for her to give me. We set sail and all of a sudden, the
investigation is dropped, and I get sent back to be the son-of-a-bitches’
hygienist again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was stunned, “You’re shitting me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I shit you not. Anyway, he starts hitting
on me again, I tell him to fuck off, I tell him if he comes close to me, I’m
going cut off his cock and shove it down his throat. He keeps it up though and
finally, one of my friends, who was a lesbian, gives me a small recorder and I
start recording the things he says to me. When I had two full recordings of the
vile shit he was saying, I take it to the Chief Petty Officer and play the
tapes for him. He says he’ll take care of it and confiscates the tapes. We pull
into port in Manila and the dentist gets transferred off and a new dentist is
brought onboard as his replacement. I’m informed by the new dentist, if I try
to sabotage his career the way I tried to sabotage the last dentist’s, he is
going to make sure I suffer. Most of the guys onboard left me alone, but there
are always a few who think because of the rape allegations I must be a whore
and I’m getting nasty remarks made to me constantly. Finally, I start telling
people I’m a lesbian so they will leave me alone and I just kept doing it. When
my enlistment was up, I joined the Marines and volunteered for the Female
Engagement Teams. Because I was a dental hygienist and I was a volunteer, I was
a shoe-in. I found I loved the job, so long as the guys left me alone, so I
kept right on doing what I had been doing and stayed a lesbian. Even after I
came here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holy shit,” I said. “I don’t know how you
did it, for all this time.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At first, it was easy because I didn’t want
the same thing to happen again. Then, it was just easier to keep on, keeping
on. It didn’t get hard until I came here and Daniel came onboard. I was crazy
about him after working with him the first week and then I did everything I
could to get his attention and be close to him. I don’t mean I threw myself at
him, but yeah, he was definitely the one.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wish I would have suspected something
sooner,” Daniel said. “I kind of thought something was odd with our
relationship, but then I knew she was lying to me and everyone else.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When did you think you knew?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, come on, Danny, don’t…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed, “She doesn’t like talking about
it, but it was when she dislocated my shoulder. The way she reacted when it
made that sucking popping noise when it pulled apart. She was running in
circles crying and saying she was never going to train with me again.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “Man, I’m sure glad I
didn’t find out how Debra felt about me, that way.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I kept hoping she would finally say
something, but then the night we went after Becker…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni interrupted him, “I didn’t want to go
into a fight and not tell him. I thought of the things Debra said, about how
she was so afraid something would happen to her, or you, and she would never
have the chance to tell you she still loved you. I sort of panicked and after
he finished my face camo, I told him I always hoped someday I would find
someone that I wanted to say this to, and I told him I wasn’t a lesbian.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He got this smile on his face and said, I
know.” She turned to Dan and said, “Asshole, why didn’t you say something
sooner!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I figured you’d get around to it when you
were ready.” Then he looked at me, “Debra said the night she first met you,
that you thought we were a couple. I started paying attention, read up on
nonverbal communication and realized you were probably right. At least I was
hoping you were right, I was already head over heels, but I didn’t want to
scare her off by jumping before she was ready.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,” I said. “Like Debra, I’m sure she is
worth the wait, congratulations to both of you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni tucked herself under Dan’s arm and we
sat there a little while longer in silence and then Dan tilted his face towards
the sky, “Do you guys hear that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I swear I can hear a Predator.” He stood up
and scanned the sky. “We used to see them every once in a while, overseas, you
know? They’re usually too high to hear, but…now it’s gone,” he said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What would a Predator be doing all the way
out here?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe it was the wind in the trees, or something,”
Danni said as she continued to look up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe,” Dan said, then he pulled Danni to
her feet and said, “Let’s finish this up and get back inside. I’m feeling a
little exposed out here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged and stood up also. Pretty soon we
were on our way back, but Dan wanted to talk to Packer before we figured out
where we were going to put John’s beer gear. Packer was intrigued with the idea
of brewing beer and wondered if a still could be created also, but none of us
had the slightest idea on how to do that. When Dan told him about hearing what
he believed may have been a Predator, he was even more intrigued.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell everyone and pass the word around to
keep an ear out. We haven’t seen very many contrails lately and it’s starting
to be something to get excited about when somebody does see one. I wish I could
send a crew over to Holloman and see if anyone is there. It might be to our
advantage to know, especially if it’s regular military in control.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t until later in the afternoon of
the following day that I was able to get back to Eugene Henderson. I walked in
and he stopped what he was doing and waved me over to a cabinet. Unlocking it,
he pulled out the rifle case with the bullpup and set it down on a work table.
“Okay, I fixed the foregrip on the stock, so it’s fitting the way it was
supposed to.” He handed the rifle to me and I started looking it over. “I also
took it out to the rifle range and checked it out. It’s a fairly accurate
weapon, but I noticed the point of impact starts drifting off from the point of
aim as the barrel begins to heat up. Were you aware of that?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I was. The man who owned the rifle
before it was bequeathed to me said the same thing.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I was looking it over and the pencil
thin barrel is probably the cause. They went light on the OD of the barrel to
cut down on weight, but a heavier, medium profile, or heavy profile barrel
would probably fix that and increase the accuracy of the system as a whole. How
would you feel about letting me work up a heavier barrel, maybe with fluting to
keep some of the weight down; I’m almost sure I could give it a tighter and
more consistent pattern.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can you do that? I mean keep the same
rifling and everything?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re short on material for machining
barrels, but I have enough for at least one. I’d love to work on it because I
can see a weapon like this getting real popular because it’s so short and
handy.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, go ahead and see what you can do. If
it falls through, we can always put the original barrel back on, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely, oh, one other thing. What’s the
twist rate of the rifling?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I remember correctly. It was one in
seven, why?’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From what I was able to learn, most of the
ammo you guys use is 62 grains, right?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Using one in seven is okay for a carbine, I
guess, but if you’re looking for a tighter grouping, you’re going to want
something closer to maybe one in eight rifling to stabilize the bullet better.
It’s not a bad set up for using different weights of bullets. Changing the
rifling would make a more interesting build, if you don’t mind?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, have fun with it.” I said. “Let me
know when it’s ready.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept working at strengthening my leg, and
whenever possible, Debra was working out with me. We paid attention to our
diet, and eventually the results began to show. First, we both lost weight and
then we both gained, I actually felt better than when I was working hard
full-time. Debra had always been in very good shape and we both were convinced
the frequency of our sexual interactions helped with our General good health
and stamina. Yeah, we had sex that often. The next time Banner ran a group
through his tracking class, I was unavailable, but Debra was, so I told her to
take the class even if I couldn’t; I still planned on doing it. She enjoyed the
hell out of the class and Banner said she was one of the best he had ever
trained. Debra told me to be careful if I ever left her because she could now
track me to the end of the world. I’m not going anywhere; I don’t want to. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henderson finally finished the barrel for
John’s bullpup and Debra and I met him at the rifle range. Debra brought some
Israeli Military Industry ammunition and we used that to try out the reworked
rifle. Debra was stunned with how accurate the bullpup was. Using the
mass-produced IMI ammo, she could consistently shoot one minute of angle with
it. She was convinced if she used some of her own special ammunition it would
shoot even tighter. I think I may have to keep that rifle locked away so it
doesn’t end up in Debra’s rifle case. Hell, if she really likes it, I’ll give
it to her. Henderson was really excited that it performed so well and wants to
try making several models using mine and John’s weapons to work off of. Sounds
good to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip down out of the mountains, for
construction supplies, kept being put off for various reasons and the weather
started turning cool. Because of the approaching winter the need for those
supplies began to become very important. So, Packer organized the effort and
down we went. I didn’t think it was that critical anymore, especially when a
full twenty per cent of the population decided to leave for greener pastures.
Most of those who left were people who whole heartedly agreed with the Zero
Population movement. Friction had been developing between them and the rest of
the community ever since the Final Authority and the Board of Directors had
been deposed and there were a great many who were glad to see them go. They
probably would have stayed if their faction had won the facility elections, but
they didn’t. Then they tried to evict everyone else saying the facility
belonged to the United Nations and the WHO, yeah, right. Governor Ortiz, yeah,
as in Felicia, allowed the 800 people who left to take a thirty-day supply of
food, their personal vehicles with a full tank of gas, and one of the eighteen
wheelers the facility possessed. That dropped our population to under 3200 and
opened up a lot of the now empty residential areas for the rest of us to spread
out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra and I retained our old apartment and
the emptied residences were allocated according to need. I thought there would
be a degradation in morale after the ZPG folks left, but actually there was a
renewal of purpose. People seemed more upbeat and livelier. Then Ortiz
announced that with the next Spring, we would be planting fields for food crops
and we would begin looking for cattle that roamed the Federal lands around us.
She also wanted to start actively searching for others that might have survived
the previous year’s turmoil with the intent of possibly infusing more numbers
into the facility. That last point was the reason we were sent to find
construction materials.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going, along with one representative
from each of the Facilities divisions plus one squad of EXSEC, which were now
known as Rangers. Dan’s idea of calling the group Rangers went over well with
everyone in EXSEC and Felicia decided the Auxiliary would be known as The
Militia from then on. Over time, members of the Auxiliary had come to be known
as Oxen, and a single member was referred to as an Ox. Simply an evolution of
the reducing of the term Auxiliary to a more abbreviated term. Even after the
name of the Auxiliary was changed to the Militia, the militia members continued
to refer to themselves as Oxen. I was a member, so I went along with everyone
else and used the terms myself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time had finally arrived for the
foraging team to leave and I was going over some last-minute additions to our
want list when Debra came jogging over to say goodbye. She had been on duty
during the night and I think Packer allowed her to leave early so she could see
me before I left.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes were looking a bit moist when she
grabbed me and she held on for a moment before reaching into the pocket of her
shirt and pulled out what I recognized as my old cell phone. “Hon, I added a
couple of pictures to the ones you already have of me and us together. I’m
really starting to feel this crap of you leaving, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “I know, we haven’t been apart
from one another for a very long time. I’m kind of feeling a little anxious
myself.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re going to be careful, right? You
won’t go and get hurt, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, Babe, I’m already looking
forward to coming home.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sergeant Bellows shouted for everyone to
mount up and I gave her a long kiss goodbye before I held her shoulders and
stepped back, “A week, Babe, maybe a little more and we’ll be back, I promise.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded as tears began to trickle down
her face, “Okay, you promised! You know how I feel about promises.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do,” I said. “And you’ll be right here,
won’t you? Waiting for me to come home, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I climbed into the truck I was assigned to
and shut the door, Bellows, in the first of four trucks, pulled forward and out
the main gate. The rest of us followed in a spaced-out manner, so we couldn’t
all be caught within a small ambush zone. Once on the road, we widened the
distance between vehicles and picked up speed. The posted speed limit was
45mph, but we traveled at a slower speed that would allow us to respond to poor
road conditions, or an attack. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All four vehicles had radios installed and
they were kept on constantly as the radio operators kept up a steady stream of
chatter until Bellows ordered everyone to simply monitor their radios unless
they had something to report. There were five of us in the first truck, a
Sergeant Kitson, myself, two other Rangers and a plumber from Facilities. In
the second truck, a car hauler with a crew cab, were three Rangers, an
electrician, an HVAC guy, and a guy from Janitorial Services. The third truck
was the eighteen-wheeler with two flatbed trailers, two Rangers and three
additional guys from Facilities, a lather, a carpenter, and another
electrician. The final truck, another crew cab, had four more Rangers, and a
mechanic from the motor pool. That truck also carried enough supplies to last
us ten days, three days longer than we figured we might need.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the group supplies, each man
had a Get Home Bag with five days of food for one man, a water purification
filter, the ability to carry at least one-and-half gallons of water, a sleep
system, and one set of clean, dry clothing. Instead of my Medium ALICE pack, I
had brought my MOLLE 2 large ruck. It wasn’t full of get home gear, because if
I had the time, I intended to pick up some items for Debra if I could. Like
everyone else, I was well armed and equipped for a fight; Debra made sure of
that before I left. I was wearing my FLC with six spare magazines attached to
it, the P-89, two spare mags for the pistol, my sheath knife, an IFAK, a single
one-quart canteen with cup, and a possibles pouch. Attached to the FLC above
the carbine mags, were four additional pistol mag pouches, one held a high
intensity handheld flashlight, one, a multi-tool, one held a water-proof
plastic bottle containing a bic lighter and five or six fire sticks, and the
last held a tourniquet. I learned my lesson about the importance of a
tourniquet when I used one on Mark Wilson.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By my feet, was my combat sustainment belt
and harness. Mounted to the PALS webbing from right to left was first, a
grenade pouch with a headlamp, then a flapped pistol holster mounted low below
anything else, holding two magazines for my bullpup. Next was an old school
machete, then a one-quart canteen. Then an M-240 machine-gun pouch in the
center of the back, that held two additional mags for the carbine, three MRE
sandwiches and a Coast Guard Lifeboat Ration Bar. Next was another one-quart
canteen with a cup. A general-purpose pouch with a multitude of assorted items
including packets of water flavorings, tea and coffee. A two-mag pouch for my
carbine, and finally a pouch holding two more magazines for my handgun. It was
a lot of gear to carry, but I was used to it from training and duty as an Ox.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip to Las Cruces, where we started,
was fairly uneventful. Between Bayard and Deming, we saw a truck pulling a
stock trailer a good half mile from the road we were on, but there was no
response to our arm waving or attempts to raise them on a radio. We continued
on. In Deming, we transitioned to the Interstate 10 and finished the drive to
Las Cruces. Our first stop was Home Depot, but it was a burned-out hulk. We
went on to Lowes and discovered it was stripped of a lot of items, but still
had a great deal of building supplies left inside. We spent what little light
there was left loading what we could, then left the town and camped on a road
that led out into the desert. We posted guards, ate our dinner and then went to
bed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the morning, we returned to Lowes and
continued loading up supplies. When we were sure we had most of what was
available and we could use, we returned to Home Depot and poked through the
ruins to see if there was anything we could salvage. Surprisingly, there was.
We were able to add to the Redi mix concrete we collected from Lowes, though
some of the bags had been rained on and were useless to us. We collected pipe
of several types, fittings, hangers, screws, a few unburned battery powered
tools, electric tools, two small concrete mixers and even a few toolbelts that
had survived. Under some of the rubble, we discovered sheetrock that was
scorched but was still usable. Boxes of joint compound, finishing tools that
though the handles were melted or burned off, we figured we could repair and
use. Door knobs, hinges, the list kept growing. By evening, we finally gave up
and headed back out into the desert to camp again, but in a different location.
Bellows didn’t want to establish a habit that someone unfriendly could
recognize.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night, I was missing Debra pretty
badly. As long as I was busy, I didn’t notice her absence, but as soon as
things slowed down, I began to ache inside. Finally, I pulled the cell phone
from my pocket and began to scroll through the pictures of her and the ones of
us together. Then, I came to the new pictures she had added. Holy shit! That
little vixen had included pictures of her partially nude in seductive poses.
Nothing was exposed, but wow! She could have easily been a centerfold. The
second to last one was her kneeling on our bed from the side, knees open,
sitting on her heels with one hand and arm covering her breasts, the other hand
in her long wavy hair, and staring into the camera with an almost aloof
expression on her face. God above, she was beautiful. Somehow, she had added a
written message to the bottom of the picture in her distinctive writing style.
It simply said, “I’m going to be so naughty with you when you come home.” Those
pictures carried me through the next three days, but the last day
was…different.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in the wrap up phase of the
operation, tying things down and covering the loads in the open with tarps. One
of our lookouts on the roof of Lowes called down by way of a radio. “Ox Four,
to Ranger One, there are three people approaching from West with a white flag.
Over”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Roger that, Ox Four, are they armed?”
Bellows immediately sent three members of the Rangers to find cover and watch
the stranger’s approach.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ranger One, that’s affirmative, but long
arms are slung.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All sentries, maintain your positions and
keep watching your areas of responsibility. All personnel, hold your fire
unless fired upon.” Bellows motioned for the rest of us to continue preparing
to leave as he walked out about fifty yards and waited for the people to reach
him. After they arrived, they spoke quietly for several minutes and then
Bellows returned and asked me, “We’re done here, right?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but we’ll probably have to come back
for more supplies. Are they upset we’re taking what we are?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, it depends on whether we allow them
to join up with us, or not. They say if not, they would prefer we didn’t take
anything because they may need it, but they won’t try to stop us.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, that’s a promising start to
negotiations. Why do they want to come with us?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It seems Las Cruces is a dangerous place to
be right now. They seem to think the reason we haven’t been attacked yet, is we
appear trained, organized, and alert. I told them we were all three and there
was more where we came from.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, are they offering anything?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Numbers, some combat veterans, a doctor,
several registered nurses, several teachers, a pretty long list to tell the
truth. The negotiator says they have around 150 people, give or take, and they
need a safe place to provide for their children.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded and then asked, “Any farmers?
Construction workers? Oh, and ask them if they have anyone that can brew beer
or distill alcohol.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bellows returned and spoke for a while and
then motioned me forward. I checked my gear and then walked forward to meet
them. The man negotiating was older, maybe in his early sixties and said his
name was Jesse Aquilar. The other two were Anglo, Rich and Stella Morrison.
“Sergeant Bellows says you want to join up with us?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If possible,” Jesse said. “There are
several armed groups here that are fighting over what’s left in the city, and
we are a lot smaller than the others. Most of the other groups don’t even have
women unless they’re used for sex against their will and no children at all. We
found a woman about a month back that escaped from Los Negros, and she was in
extremely poor shape. When they grabbed her and her family, they immediately
killed her husband and threatened to kill each of her four children if she
refused to work for them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Los Negros, are they a Black gang?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but I can see where you’re coming from.
These guys and some of the women with them were members of ANTIFA. You know how
they always wore black? They still do and that’s why we call them Los Negros.
They came here to protest and riot when the Governor visited, but got stuck
when everything started falling apart. The night of the Locos, they went into
hiding and didn’t come out until most of the trouble was over. They were fairly
well organized and tried to take over the city, but a lot of us fought back.
Unfortunately, there were too many and they were well-armed too. Then there’s
the other groups, but most of them are loosely organized and most of the
individuals are Locos. I know one of their leaders, I went to NMSU Las Cruces
with him, but he’s different now, whatever happened the night of the Locos, it
got him. He’s crazy violent and likes to torture people he captures.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at Bellows and then back to
Aguilar, “The woman you mentioned, you found her, but not her children?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Stella said, “They murdered them in
front of her. She died of her own injuries a few days after we found her.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jesus,” Bellows said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Night of the Locos, you mentioned, what
happened?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged, “Some people say a plane flew
over and sprayed something early in the evening that caused people to go crazy.
Another guy I know, and trust, said it was a drone because it wasn’t big enough
for there to be a pilot. If that’s the case, it may have come from the UCAV
site West from Las Cruces.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We saw that as we were driving in,” Bellows
said, and I nodded in agreement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever it was,” Stella added. “It was
very effective and lingered until the sun rose the next day. People who went
out after the spray had settled that night became disoriented and mentally
unbalanced also, but after a full 24 hours, it didn’t seem to affect anyone
anymore. I’m thinking whatever it was, was designed to deteriorate over time or
it was rendered ineffective by sunlight, maybe the UV spectrum.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “It sounds as though you’ve put
some thought into it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘I have, I was an Adjunct Professor at NMSU
and taught science classes to the Arts Majors. Nothing heavy-duty, just enough
to meet the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah,” I said. “I have a few of those under
my belt.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re a college graduate?” She asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Unfortunately, no. I was working full-time
and taking classes at night and on-line.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How close were you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I needed nine more credits for my BA.” I
answered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, no, you were so close!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not close enough though. Okay,” I said.
“How long will it take to organize your people and have them ready to move?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesse answered, “We’ve been preparing to
move out for a long time, but had no idea where to go. We sent small groups to
Deming and Lordsburg, but they were attacked and we lost folks in both towns.
We even considered Silver City, but the guys that went to check it out were
shot at more than once. We have enough school buses and trucks to move everyone
and a lot of our belongings as well, we even scavenged fuel for the buses,
trucks and the few private vehicles we still have.” He glanced at his two
friends and said, “Probably tomorrow morning with a little luck.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bellows spoke, “Screw luck, we are leaving
in the morning, so you’re going to have to make it happen. We will meet you at
the Mesilla Avenue on-ramp to the I-10 at eight o’clock tomorrow morning. Can
you be there?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of them exchanged looks and
finally, Jesse said, “If we’re a little late, can we catch up with you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “We don’t drive like bats out of
hell, so yeah, there’s a good chance you may be able to.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich pointed to my radio pouch and the FRS
civilian band handheld it contained, “FRS?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” Bellows answered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have a few of those ourselves, but we
try not to use them because Los Negros monitors radio comms around here, give
us a channel to contact you on and at least we can let you know we’re coming.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright,” Bellows said. “Send on channel
10, receive on channel twenty. That way they only get half the conversation if
they detect your signal.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Smart,” Jesse replied. “Until tomorrow
morning then?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll see you at Mesilla,” Bellows replied.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited until they passed from sight
around a corner and then returned to our own, “What do you think?” Bellows
asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hard to tell, for sure, but they seem okay
on the surface. Anything bothering you about them?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It doesn’t really bother, me, but Debbie
may not like that Stella woman.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why? She seemed alright.” I answered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but she sure was looking you over,
hard and long, considering her husband was standing next to her.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? I thought she was just being
attentive.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a word for it alright, attentive.
Debbie has always said you were a little naive for how intelligent you are.” I
frowned and he smiled to ease the comment, “Geez, man, half the unmarried women
in the Rangers and the Militia keep eyes on you, but Debbie has already staked
a claim, so they don’t approach you. Just be aware, I wouldn’t encourage Stella
with being too friendly, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said. “But I’m not so sure that
was Stella’s intent; like you said, her husband was right there.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished securing the loads on, and
within the trucks, then once again drove to an area outside of the city to park
for the evening. The next morning, we gathered up our sleeping gear and headed
for Mesilla and the I-10. We arrived fifteen minutes early and waited until
eight o’clock, but no one appeared, so Bellows sent all but one of the trucks
farther up the I-10 while we gave them a little extra time. At eight-fifteen we
received a radio transmission that the Las Cruces group were almost there at
Mesilla. At eight-thirty, a convoy of eight school buses and three UPS trucks
arrived and lined up on the on-ramp. I was one of the crew that had remained at
Mesilla and when Jesse stepped out of the first bus, I simply keyed the mic of
my radio and informed him to follow us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled slowly forward until the bus
convoy began to follow and then accelerated up onto the freeway. West of Las Cruces
there is a long uphill grade, and as we reached the top, I could see our own
trucks pulling out from the side of the road and we fell in behind them.
Initially there was a lot of chatter on the radios, people asking questions
about where we were going and how long it would take to get there. Bellows
finally got on the radio and told everyone to shut the chatter down because
they were giving us away to anyone that might want to follow us. It was
generally fairly quiet afterwards.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost three in the afternoon before
we finally made radio contact with the facility and were able to inform them,
we were almost home and were bringing new people with us. I could tell from
Packer’s voice over the radio that he wasn’t excited about having 150 new people
dumped in his lap without prior notice. When we finally arrived, we were sent
to the air strip where all the newcomers’ vehicles were parked while a group of
Rangers and Militia stood by. Doctor Horne showed up and began a process of
examining the arrivals to make sure nothing was being brought in that might
endanger the health of the community and it was easy to tell he was stressed
over the possibility. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and the new Doctor worked together and
the new guy told Horne he had brought quite a bit of pharmaceuticals that could
be added to the facilities’ stocks if they were allowed to stay. The extra
nurses and an extra pharmacist were worth considering also. The new doctor was
also an obstetrician and Horne considered him an added bonus because we were
experiencing a lot of pregnancies now that condoms were in short supply. Packer
interviewed every veteran in the new group himself and found several who were
interested in joining the Rangers and the rest said they were interested in the
Militia. He was going to have Dan, Danni, Banner and Bellows also interview
everyone. The newcomers had been through a lot of nasty circumstances and had
already formed a militia themselves. Rich Morrison led their militia under the
direction of Aquilar, so there was that. I found it personally odd that a guy
married to a college professor would be interested in anything militaristic,
but he said there was a reason why Stella had been kept as just an adjunct, her
politics were a little too conservative for the faculty leadership. I ran into
that myself on occasion when I actually attended classes. Most of the
conservative professors were very old and carried a lot of tenure. The newer
professors were the ones that seemed more liberal in their attitudes and belief
systems.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t see Debra until well after her normal time off; her squad had been doing
a perimeter check and followed what they first thought to be someone scoping
the facility again. It was, but it was a small family that were looking for
somewhere to land after discovering that bugging out to the woods wasn’t as
easy as they thought it might be. With winter coming on, they were looking to
change their circumstances.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reunion with Debra was spectacular. When
her patrol realized we were back, her squad leader cut her loose and she came
running out to where we were busy integrating the new group. I could hear her
calling my name as she searched through the crowd and started calling out to
her also. At the time, I was standing with Rich and Stella and when they asked
what was going on, I told them my fiancée was trying to find me. I was actually
kind of surprised at the look of disappointment Stella had when she discovered
I was engaged. I also noticed that Rich was staring at her and when she looked
at him, he just shrugged and walked away. Debra found me, dropped her gear and
literally wrapped her legs around me as I caught her flying at me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You weren’t supposed to be back until
tomorrow!” She kissed me and almost broke my neck she was squeezing me so hard,
“Are you okay? You didn’t get hurt? Did you have trouble? Who are all these
people?” Then she looked directly at Stella and said, “And who are you?” As she
dropped her feet to the gravel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a name="_Hlk43236097">Stella smiled and
said, “Professor Doctor Stella Morrison, School of Science, NMSU, Las Cruces.”
She offered her hand in greeting.</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Debra glanced at her offered hand and then back to her face, “That was a
mouth full, Debra Tarn, Daniel’s fiancée.”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stella gave her a strained smile and said, “Is that the only way you
have to self-identify? Your association with a good-looking man?”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Debra,” I said as I placed a hand on her shoulder. “Stella’s husband
just walked away, I’m sure…”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“School of Science, huh?”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes.” Even I recognized the condescension in Stella’s short answer.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I graduated with honors from the school of death and destruction, I see
you stare at my man’s junk again like you were when I got here and I’ll give
you a demonstration of the expertise I possess in, MY, chosen profession.”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stella backed up a step and said rather quickly, “I better go find my
husband,” as she stood on her tip-toes and glanced around over Debra’s head.
“I’m kind of busy, so…”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, you are,” Debra said as she took a step forward. “Does your
husband know of your, busyness?” </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Looking over Debra’s head again, “Daniel, we’ll continue our
conversation tomor…”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No,” Debra said. “You won’t, tomorrow, he’s going to be busy taking
care of his fiancée’s needs.”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stella hurried away.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Debra turned around and leaped back into my arms and wrapped her legs
around me again, “If you could see your face right now!”</span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk43236097;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra…” Then I laughed and pulled her tight
to me, “God, I’ve missed you!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me too!” She planted a kiss on me and then
leaned back as she looked at me, “Did you see the pictures I added to your
phone?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I did. Babe, you are so
beautiful, and sexy, and erotic.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you liked them?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Geez, Babe, what man wouldn’t?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and then said, “I’ve never done
anything like that before, but for you, I’d do anything.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I just thought of something.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oooo, a special request? What is it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Baby,” I whined. “No, well yes, do you
remember the day I washed our laundry and then told you I smelled your shirt
and got aroused by your scent?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My stinky shirt! You are such a pervert!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I have never, ever been with you when
you smelled bad in any way. Really, next time we are separated, I want
something you have spent the day in; a piece of clothing, so I can lose myself
in your scent when I miss you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, no, Honey, no, no way!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You really want something that I wore?
Really?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, really.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll think about it, but no promises.” She
looked around and then said, “Are you done here? Can we go home?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think so, are you ready?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God, yes. I need a shower though when we
get to our apartment.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a point of sniffing her hair and
said, “No, you don’t.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left and started walking home,
hand-in-hand. My right leg had improved a great deal since the cast was
removed, but it was still a little weak and it hadn’t been exercised or
received physical therapy while I was gone, so it was with some relief when Dan
and Danni pulled up beside us in a cart and offered a ride. We both threw our
gear in the back and I added the pack I had taken with me on the salvage trip.
When we arrived, they helped us carry our equipment in and then sat down while
Debra and I both took a quick shower.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the first out and opened the pack I
had taken with me, “Okay guys, I returned bearing gifts, so I hope you aren’t
offended by what I brought the two of you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni immediately frowned and asked, “What
did you bring back with you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the top of the pack and handed Dan
two boxes of condoms, “If you guys are in the same shape as Debra and I, these
might come in handy.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan laughed as Danni shook her head, “Dan,”
she said. “Maybe you better hang on to those, the pill doesn’t affect me the
way it does Debra.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know,” I said, “But how long do you think
those pills are going last? I kind of doubt someone, somewhere, is mass
producing them.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dan and I have already discussed it and if
I get pregnant, hopefully it will be after things have reached a fairly normal
situation. Either way, we’re kind of looking forward to it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded knowingly, “Yeah, Debra would get
pregnant right now if she felt comfortable with the state of affairs, but until
then, we’ll keep these handy.” I dropped the condoms back into the pack and
pulled out a roofing hatchet I had found at Lowes. “I remembered you said once
you wished you had gotten yourself one of these, Dan. Do you still want to try
one out when you’re in the field?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hell, yeah!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll have to figure someway to attach the
sheath to your gear though.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got that covered, Danni has a few of
those adapters Marines used for attaching their K-bars to their MOLLE gear.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” I said, then to Danni, “Do you
have a spare one? Wait, never mind, I’ve got my knife attached already and it
seems to be working fine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You sure?” Danni asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’m good to go.” I listened and then
said, “It sounds like Debra is done in the shower and I have a surprise to give
her, do you mind hanging out alone for a minute?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course not,” Danni said. “Is she going
to like it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think so, I hope so.” I replied as I
walked to the bathroom door and asked, “Hey, Babe? Can I come in for a minute?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be silly, of course you can.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eased the door open and saw she was bent
over trying to dry her mass of hair. I stepped in and closed the door, “I got
you a couple of things while I was gone.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She straightened up and looked at me, “You
did? You didn’t go off by yourself and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I didn’t,” I said. “First, but not the
most important, guess what I found?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked a little dubious, but I think she
realized I wasn’t going to prank her somehow, “I hate guessing, you know that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I know it, but I meant it as just an
expression not actually a desire to play twenty questions with you. You know
how you’re always saying you wish we were safe enough to have kids because you
really enjoy it when, well, you know.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When you’re inside of me, God you are such
a prude sometimes.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “One of us needs to be
and I like the way you are, so you’re stuck with me being the prude. I found,”
I said as I pulled a packaged condom from my shirt pocket. “This.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes lit up and she squealed, “You found
one?” Then in a lower voice, she said, “I want to use it tonight, okay? Unless
you want to save it for some special occasion?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I found four cases.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Four cases? Oh…my…god. Honey, you are the
very best man a woman could want.” She grabbed me, kissed me, and then went
back to drying her hair.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Baby, I’m not done yet, so throw that towel
down on the toilet lid and sit down.” She frowned, but did as I asked, with no
questions. I reached into my pocket, but before I pulled it out, I said. “Close
your eyes.” She did, and I slipped it on to her ring finger, “Okay, you can
look now.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes widened as she looked at the simple
thin gold band with a small diamond. A gasp escaped and she looked up at me as
a tear started to trickle down her cheek, “Honey, it’s a, it’s…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“An engagement ring,” I said. “And when you
finally stop the planning and decide to do the actual deed, I have a matching
wedding band to go with it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You really do want to marry me.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, yeah, I mean, didn’t you think I
wanted too? We’ve been talking about it for months, we live together, I love
you and you love me, why wouldn’t I mean it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled me to her and held me against her
body, “I knew it, but there’s always that little thought in the back of my
mind, that maybe you will figure out I’m not worth it, or something. I’ve been
told so many times that I’m…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t me, Baby, I’m the one that
recognized what a prize you were and are. I’m going to be eternally thankful
you gave me the chance.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed behind me and said, “Bathrobe
please?” I removed her robe from the hook she hung it from and handed it to
her. She put it on, tied it off and then said, “Danni is going to full on shit,
let’s go tell her.” She walked past me and into the living room as she wiped
her eyes and then walked straight to Danni and held her hand out for Danni to
see. “Look what I just got.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni’s eyes widened, “Wait, what? He just
now, gave you, your engagement ring? When you had just got out of the shower
with your hair everywhere, no makeup, not even any clothes on so you could have
some dignity? Did he sit you on the throne while…oh my god, you were sitting on
the toilet? Are you serious? Did he at least wait till you were done peeing?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel my face draining of blood, how
could I be such an idiot? Girls were all about how things should be done, the
proper sequence of events, the proper…I really screwed up. “Uh, Debra, I mean,
uh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I really screwed this up, didn’t I?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed, wiped her face again, and said,
“No you didn’t. We don’t live in the same world anymore, and I think you are
very romantic in your own little way. I’ve had three men offer me an engagement
ring before. They all knew how to do it, the right words to say, everything,
but you are the only one that made me feel like you meant it. You didn’t screw
up; you love me unconditionally and I will always remember today with
happiness.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow, I felt like she was trying to ease
the feelings of guilt flooding over me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But,” Danni started.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan interrupted her, “Danni, and where were
we when I said you were going to marry me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You didn’t say I was going to marry you,
you said…” He kept staring at her until she seemed to deflate, “Okay, yeah you
did, but if you ever tell anyone what happened…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never,” he said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What happened?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed and said, “She was coming out of
the head and…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I swear…” She said as she drew back
her fist and aimed at his arm, “I mean it!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, okay, I said, never.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra
got dressed and Danni helped her braid her hair. We ended up playing some cards
for a while and finally Dan and Danni called it a night. I doubt they were more
than ten feet from our door before Debra was dragging me to the bedroom while
asking me where the condom was. A lot of people seem to consider sexual variety
as new, and different people to have sex with. People like Debra and I, we like
variety, but with each other, not others. I’ve noticed what seems to be people
jockeying and shifting partners, I think some of it is people searching for
someone to be with permanently, others I think are just looking for the variety
they can’t imagine. Some, I think are just bored. I think that’s the case with
Sara Gupta, she’s bored and shopping around. I wish she would have left when
those other 800 people did, but she didn’t, and lately she’s been hanging
around causing problems here and there, problems we don’t need, or want.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started approaching Dak and Felicia
first and making overtures of friendship based on the last time she hung out
with us. Knowing full well the stunt she pulled in the past with me and Debra,
her reception was understandably cool. Dak and Felicia informed us of her
interest in renewing the old acquaintanceship and asked the rest of us what we
thought about her as we were playing cards one night. Naturally, Debra and I
were definitely against her coming around, but Danni, with Felicia, seemed to
think it could be advantageous.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was the first to voice her legitimate
concerns, “No, absolutely not! I don’t want to see her! I don’t want to hear
her voice! And I’m surprised the two of you would even think of having her come
around. I’m not the only woman here that has a good-looking man they care about
deeply. Why would you even want to have her close to your men?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia answered, “Debbie, are you afraid
that Sara will take Daniel away from you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, absolutely not, but it didn’t occur to
me she would even try before, and look what happened. I almost lost him forever
and not because she almost got him, but because I believed the shit she
created. That bitch wanted to ruin our lives, so she could get hold of Daniel’s
sperm and impregnate herself with his child, no, absolutely not! I will kill
that bitch…” I could see it coming, that anger that she and I knew we could
control, if we chose to.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe,” I reached out and gently took her
arm. “Babe, you are letting that shit get hold of you, come on, Babe, let it
go, let it go.” I watched her eyes and as they started to get damp, I could see
the calm coming. “There you go, she can’t hurt us anymore, she can’t.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, took a deep breath and exhaled,
“No, she can’t.” then she turned to Felicia and added, “No, I’m not afraid she
can take him from me, but that’s not the point, the point is, she tried. No
matter how attractive I might think Dak is, even if I wasn’t with Daniel, even
if I thought Dak was the most desirable man I had ever met, I would never
consider coming between the two of you. I feel the same about Danni and Dan.
No, some things are sacred, and trying to take another woman’s man is as far
from sacred as you can get. Remember when we all saw the picture of Daniel and
that woman? Do you remember? Both of you automatically supported me, even
though we eventually found out the truth, but you were with me one hundred
percent. That’s what sisters do, but Sara isn’t our sister, she doesn’t deserve
the title.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni stepped forward and wrapped her arms
around Debra, “Debbie, we’re not talking about her becoming our sister like you
are, what we’re interested in, is delving deeper into her involvement in what
happened to our world. I, and Felicia, both believe she can tell us an awful
lot about what happened. Since most, if not all, of the ZPG people left, she
has started to come around. There are times when you can see behind her eyes,
and what I see is horror. Why didn’t she leave with the others? Why did she
stay here, with us? Something is going on and we need to find out what it is.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Try to think about my position here in the
facility,” Felicia said. “As Governor, as the chief administration official,
it’s my responsibility to discover the dangers my community faces and try to
ameliorate the possible effects those dangers may have in store for our people.
If that means I have to occasionally deal with the devil, then so be it. I just
have to realize who I am dealing with and take that into account when I do it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra frowned and said, “How do we know we
can trust anything she says?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s the whole point,” Dan said. “We know
from past dealings with her she can be dishonest, we take that into account and
verify anything she says. From her past actions, we know who she is, what she’s
capable of, and then act accordingly when she tells us anything.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked at me and asked, “What do you
think? Should we, god I don’t know, should we allow her to come around?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think the chance for her to cause
problems is too big to ignore, I also think she may know things we need to
know. Do I trust her? No, emphatically, no, but like Dan said, we know who she
is. Another thing is, I want to know why she stayed when most of the others
left. What happened? If we can get that out of her, it could be a start; I
believe we should make the effort.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra reluctantly nodded, “Alright, but
I’m not going to act like some new age forgiving person who turns the other
cheek. If she even looks at you the wrong way, I’ll rip her hair out and I
don’t care if it makes me sound like a jealous harpy.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled her tight to me and said, “Deal,
but if I tried to kick the ass of every guy that looked at you with desire, I’d
be fighting all the time.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And how many of those guys have sent you
pictures of me making out with another man?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“None, of course,” I answered. “But I’ve
seen guys looking at you that made me a bit irritated. The only reason I
haven’t gotten pissed is because I know you would never respond to their
advances if they made one.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled up at me and said, “So, you do
get jealous, huh?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,” I hesitantly said. “But I trust you,
I know you would never do something behind my back. You’re the type who would
tell me you were tired of me and move on before getting a new man.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She snuggled up against me, “That’s not
going to happen, I’m yours forever.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, you two,” Danni said. “If you need us
to leave so you can have some quality time together, say so, otherwise let’s
get back on topic. Do we encourage Gupta, or tell her to fuck off?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra looked up at me and finally said, “I
guess we invite her in, but with reservation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All six of us nodded and finally agreed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Felicia said. “I’ll invite her to
join us the next time we get together, maybe a night of card games or
something. When do you guys want to do it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni said, “The sooner, the better.” Dan
nodded in agreement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at Debra and then said, “As soon
as possible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia looked at Dak and asked, “You’ve
been quiet about the whole thing, what do you think?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From the perspective of a friend? I say no.
From the perspective of a psychologist? I say a reserved, yes. There’s pros and
cons for any argument we have, but in the end, I think we give her the chance
and if she blows it…oh well. At least we took the high road.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” she said. “As soon as possible, so
how about I invite her to play cards with us tomorrow night?” Everyone looked
around, and nodded, “Okay then, tomorrow it is. We’re going to be an odd number
of people, any idea of someone additional we can add?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni immediately said, “Ted Banner, he’s
been wanting to find something to do besides work and drink. I think he’ll fit
in with us pretty good.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” Felicia said. “Since you know him,
Danni, I’ll leave that to you.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the next night, Debra and I were waiting
for everyone to show up and I could tell she was beginning to regret the whole
idea of bringing Gupta into our private space. She wasn’t alone, I had my
misgivings as well. Danni and Dan arrived first and they had Sergeant Banner in
tow. I liked Banner quite a bit and was happy to bring him into the group. He
was the one who had the tracker school and I know Debra often spoke highly of
his abilities including his training style. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Danni, Dan, and I had approached Packer
about brewing beer, he told us to pick one of the rooms in the construction
workers’ barracks and set up there. While we were moving the equipment in,
Marvin, one of the guys that worked for me on the sprinkler crew, recognized
what we had and got excited. I guess he had been home brewing for years and
wanted to know if he could help make a batch. So, he and Dan are working
together and Dan is learning the trade. They have been using John’s notes and
recipes and tonight we will be trying out the first batch while we play cards.
I’ve got twelve quarts in the fridge and I’m hoping it will be as good as John
used to make.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dak and Felicia finally made their
appearance and Sara was with them. The first thing Sara did was ask Debra if
they could speak privately for a few moments, so Debra took her outside and
they were gone almost thirty minutes. I was starting to get rather nervous when
they finally came back, but Debra seemed more relaxed even though Sara appeared
to still be somewhat nervous. We sat around as a group and just talked for a
while then we broke out enough of Marvin and Dan’s homebrew to give everyone a
taste. I don’t believe it was as good as John’s, but it beat the shit out of
Colorado Koolaide.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We broke into two groups of four and started
playing Canasta. Banner and Gupta had never played before, so the first couple
of games were pretty rough as they started to get the hang of it. The beer
helped to loosen everyone up and before long we were all laughing and joking
around. Around eleven o’clock, Dan and Danni left, they had duty the next day,
and shortly after, Dak and Felicia left. There were just the four of us left.
One of the things I noticed was Banner seemed to engage Sara in a lot of
conversation. When she finally said she needed to be leaving, Banner offered to
walk her to her quarters and she accepted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At our front door, Sara stopped as they were
leaving and said, “Debra, I realize that this evening must have been difficult
for you, I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your forbearance. What I
did, I wish I could undo, I wish I hadn’t…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We had this discussion earlier, Sara, we
agreed to start over and I don’t go back on my agreements. I’m very comfortable
with Daniel’s and my relationship and I have no concerns over it anymore. Let’s
see where this goes and leave it at that, okay?” Sara nodded quickly, gave us a
brief smile and then walked away with Banner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we closed the door, I asked Debra,
“Okay, now tell me the truth, how are you really feeling?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I willing to give it a shot, but it’s a
very reluctant willing, you know what I mean?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did the two of you talk about
outside?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We carefully, very carefully, danced around
the gorilla in the living room. Finally, she just flat out admitted that what
she did was wrong on a shitload of levels and asked to be forgiven someday if
she proved herself worthy of forgiveness.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think you can?” I asked. “Forgive
her, I mean.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, I don’t know, she has a long way to
go for that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, that’s the same thing I was
thinking.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“On the one hand, I want to hate her with
every fiber of my being, but on the other, she seems so, I don’t know, lost, I
guess. Did you know she wanted to leave with the ZPG people when they left?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I figured she wanted to stay, maybe
because being on the road might be dangerous.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She says they wanted her go with them, but
she says they told her she wasn’t committed to the cause. She wanted to follow
a long-term solution to over-population, but they said the course was settled
and they told her there was only one solution to the problem and they didn’t
want to hear her suggestions anymore.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What were her suggestions?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She didn’t say, but I’m pretty sure neither
of us would have approved.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s change subjects, what did you
think of Marvin’s and Dan’s beer?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can see it becoming a problem, that stuff
was damned good.” She looked up at me and smiled, “That was one of your
friend’s recipes, wasn’t it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, it was. You’re right though, I can
see it becoming a problem.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I noticed Sara didn’t think a whole lot of
it at first, but then she seemed to relax and drink it once she found out it
was the only alcohol available.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but not until Banner offered her
more, that was when she seemed to really relax,” I said. “I think Banner is a
little interested, what do you think?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked away, opened the fridge, and took
out two of the quart bottles, “I think we have another beer and then make love,
what do you think?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think another quart of beer and you’re
going to be throwing a sheet over me wherever I pass out. I’ll split one with
you?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Deal.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day, Packer called the apartment
and told Debra to go back to Fourth Squad, Sargent Thomas agreed to give Debra
a chance and see how things worked out. I told her to be careful because he
might try to push her buttons just to see if she would hold together. She
agreed it was a definite possibility and if their roles were reversed, she
might do the same. I was scheduled to return to work at Facilities with the
plan of developing supply for all the new sprinklers needed for the conversion
of the Workers’ Barracks to family quarters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, we continued to run into problems
centered around material availability. Felicia, as Governor, assigned Morgan as
the new director for construction materials. She wanted structures built for
storage near the area she wanted allocated for farming during the coming
Spring. That was going to require more visits to the lowlands for supplies.
Then we started running into sanitation problems. We were going to need septic
systems for all of the structures we needed Topside and we didn’t have the
materials for that either. Morgan assigned one of the plumbers the task of figuring
out what we could do in ways that were done in the past before
industrialization, but the library within the facility was sadly lacking in
information. It seems the powers-that-be before the ZPG people left didn’t have
a clue when it came to building a new civilization from scratch.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the new people from Las Cruces were
fitting in and many of the men and women joined either the Rangers or the
Militia. After the period of time they had spent fighting to survive in Las
Cruces, they were eager to make sure their new home was well-defended. We were
again running out of weapons to issue to the newer members. Debra continued to
practice with John’s bullpup and Packer was the first to suggest I consider
allowing her to use it full-time. When I asked her if she would like to, she readily
agreed, she had really come to like the weapon. With the heavier, fluted,
barrel, she could readily outshoot her Designated Marksman Rifle. She turned in
her rifle for someone else to use and began to carry the bullpup whenever she
was on duty. She seemed to get a kick out of the two of us having similar, if
not identical weapons. The one change she made to the weapon was to have
Henderson thread the barrel so she could switch from a muzzle brake to a
suppressor whenever she wanted. I had heard her original rifle fired with a
suppressor on it and though it was quieter, it would never be considered
silenced. She said only the rifles in Hollywood were silenced by suppressors;
in the real world, the discharge could be muffled, but never silenced because the
bullets traveled faster than sound and created a sonic boom just like a
high-speed jet did. She told me the suppressor would make it more difficult for
a counter-sniper to locate where the rifle was fired from and almost eliminate
the muzzle flash. If it keeps her safer in a fire fight, I’m all for it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesse Aquilar suggested Felicia give him a
post in the Facility Government because he was the leader of the new people,
but she declined. She told him he would be found a job he could do and that
would be the best way to fit in. He ended up in the same accounting office as
Shayla Lincoln. Rich and Stella Morrison were both given jobs they could relate
to. Stella went to Education and Science Development; her first job was to come
up with expedient explosives that could be used by the Rangers and the Militia.
She did that in an exemplary manner. Rich, who was an ex-Marine, went to one of
the two new Ranger squads that were formed with the addition of the Las Cruces
people.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were enough new volunteers for the
Militia that Packer was able to form five new squads. Originally, my own squad
in the Militia had been assigned as 1<sup>st</sup> Squad, 3d Auxiliary Platoon,
Able Company, but unofficially, we were the fourth squad of 2nd Auxiliary
Platoon. Now, we were officially called, 1<sup>st</sup> Squad, 3d Platoon, Able
Company, Militia. Two more of the new squads were assigned to the 3d Platoon,
and the final three were formed into 1<sup>st</sup> Platoon, Baker Company
Militia. Even though a significant number were ex-military, some were not, so
they were immediately trained up as I had been. Gillian Packer and Mrs. Bellows
were sewing their fingers to the bone to provide smocks for all the new Militia
members.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the new people tried to fit into the
Facility population, but many seemed to gravitate towards remaining separate.
There was nothing wrong with maintaining friendships with people they had
suffered with, but it also slowed the integration process. Major Packer,
realizing the problem, took action. He eventually broke up the Militia squads
that contained the people from Las Cruces and spread them through the Militia.
That seemed to do the trick as the new people were accepted by the previous
members of the Militia and they made new acquaintances they became friends
with. Rich Morrison, though he was assigned to the Rangers, would often seek me
out and talk. That’s how I came to learn why he put up with Stella’s often
blatant overtures to other men while he was present. Before the end of
civilized society, they had filed for divorce and when things started breaking
down, Rich left the apartment he had moved to when they separated and moved
back into the home they had bought together previously, for mutual protection.
He told me the separation had been Stella’s idea from the start and she had
wished to experience herself without his encumbrance. He seemed sad about the
whole episode, but also seemed to have accepted that his marriage was over.
When I asked him why she still used his last name instead of her maiden name he
laughed and said, “Staszczyk, spelled S-t-a-s-z-c-z-y-k. Her maiden name was
Polish and she always hated it because so many people struggled trying to
pronounce it. She told me she was really happy when she married me because she
could change her name to something pronounceable.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow,” I said. “That is a tongue twister
isn’t it?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed again, “Yeah, but it wouldn’t
hurt my feelings if she changed her name to something even easier to say like,
I don’t know, Stella Asshole, or something even easier to say.” His expression
saddened and I realized he still loved her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, I guess the ‘encumbrance’ was sort of
one-sided?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, she said she needed someone who
wanted to be something, do something with their life, be important, or
something. I was simply happy just loving her and being with her; raising a
family together, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I know, I’m happy as hell with Debra;
we’re so much alike and yet, so different also.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I see the two of you together, I get
jealous because the two of you are so good together. Maybe someday I can find
someone like that too, but I’m not holding my breath, you know? Just a word of
caution, after the little run in Stella had with Debra, she backed off her
interest in you, but since we’ve been here and she’s heard so much about you, I
think she might be exploring the possibility of trying to take you from her.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not going to happen,” I said. “We’ve
already had someone try that and they were almost successful. No, it’s going to
be me and Debra, all the way to the end.” I paused, and then asked, “What has
Stella heard about me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me a puzzled expression and
answered, “You’re kidding, right? Smith, you’re a damn legend around here.
Stella says, any woman with a mercenary nature is probably keeping an eye on
yours and Debra’s relationship. And the guys around here? Shit, they admire the
hell out of you, and wish Debra was available. Some of the stories I’ve heard
about you are damn near unbelievable. Did you really go into a fire fight with
a broken leg? Or kill a man with your bare hands while rescuing two women,
again with the same broken leg and after being shot?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked away in embarrassment and said, “I
didn’t know my leg was broken.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started laughing and said, “Oh, well that
explains it all.” He laughed again and added, “When I first heard about the,
‘Oh yeah, I got shot’ thing, I thought it was an exaggeration, you know, a
little bullshit to liven up a story, but I bet you really did say that.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do me a favor, don’t mention that little episode
around Debra, okay? She still gets a little bent out of shape when she thinks
about it. I know she’s really pissed when she starts a sentence with, Mister Oh
Yeah, I got Shot.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Deal.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things kind of settled into a new normal.
Packer started sending teams of Rangers out to explore the surrounding
territory and make contact with any people they came across. There were quite a
few as we eventually discovered. They were spread out pretty thinly, but they
were there and loosely organized. Most of them were cattle ranchers or their
employees, but there were others as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some were retirees, some were definitely less desirable types, like meth
cookers, and the like. We made contact with the ones we deemed desirable and
arranged agreements that could benefit all of us. The cattle ranchers and small
farms were a real boon; fresh beef was back on the menu at the cafeteria and
after the farmers realized there was a substantial population at the facility,
they made plans to expand their plantings come the next spring. At the request
of the surrounding population, Packer and Felicia formed agreements to begin
patrolling the roads. We even took in a few and included them at the facility.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another project Packer was working on was
getting a Ranger team over to Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo, New
Mexico. He was still wondering about Dan’s belief a Predator had flown over the
facility. The Major believed if one had flown over, it could also have come
from Tucson; either way, it was on his to-do list. I was rather curious about
the possibility of someone watching us also, but if Major Packer sent a team to
Tucson, or Holloman, Debra as ex-Air Force was guaranteed to be on the team
that went; I wasn’t happy about that. Hell, Predators were long range aircraft
and could come from places a lot farther away. I’d have to wait and see.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had another get-together with the eight
of us again, and I was surprised to see Banner and Gupta making headway in
their fledgling relationship. There was a lot of personal touching going on,
but when I asked Banner about it, he said they were taking it slow. Danni told
me when she spoke with Sara, she said she was eagerly waiting for Banner to
make all of the first moves. She was finding him intriguing. I don’t know, I
hope things will get better for her, but all I have experienced has been her
less favorable side; I guess Banner is seeing something else. We did have an
interesting talk before we were supposed to start playing cards and we never
did actually start playing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still wondering about the papers I had
seen in the cafeteria with her name on them and rather than beat around the
bush, I straight up asked her about internet access. “Sara, does your lab have
access to the internet?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She simply stared at me for a few moments
and then reluctantly gave me a simple nod.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No one else is getting anything, how are
you getting it?” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s an encrypted satellite transmission.”
I could tell she really didn’t want to talk about it, but Banner, who was
standing nearby, abruptly sat beside her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sara, when I told you I was interested in
seeing where we could take this, whatever it is we’re doing, I meant that
completely. I really do want this thing between us to develop, but like you
yourself said, you needed to earn our trust. This is a chance, there will be
more, but this is a big one. Those people had you do things you didn’t agree
with and then they shit on you because you were not on board for the way they
wanted to proceed. Tell everyone where you were, the day they left.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was hiding.” She was staring at her hands
as she starting wringing them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why,” I asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was afraid.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner sighed and said, “Sweetheart,” Sara
glanced at him with a surprised expression on her face and then concentrated on
her hands again. “Three-word answers are not going to cut it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cleared her throat and then said, “I was
hiding because I overheard two of the lab technicians talking about me the day
before everyone left. They didn’t realize I could speak Spanish. They were the
ones from Venezuela and they were part of the ANTIFA contingent here at the
Facility.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra gasped, “Wait! What! There were ANTIFA
people, here, in the Facility?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara nodded, “Yes, that was another thing I
disagreed with. I have no respect for terrorists. My parents were killed in
Mumbai by Muslim jihadists. ANTIFA is just another group like those.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sara,” I said. “What did they say that made
you want to hide?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They were glad we would be leaving the next
day and they could put an end to me. The way they said it, it sounded like
there were more than just them that wanted me dead.” She pulled a handkerchief from
one of her pockets and dabbed at her eyes. “Those people, they say you are with
them all the way, or you are against them; there is no middle-ground.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you knew that,” Danni asked. “Why didn’t
you come forward sooner? Why didn’t you warn us of what they were planning?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wiped her eyes again before she
answered, “I had faith in the movement, that it would find the moral way to
reduce the population. Mass murder was not what I envisioned. I saw a slowing
of the birth rate and then a reduction as births continued to fall. I advocated
for selective breeding, that would allow the most promising members of each
race to repopulate the earth with a manageable number of people. I read
somewhere that it takes seven generations for people to change their basic
belief systems, we couldn’t wait that long, within fifty years it would be too
late to make a change and the effects of climate change would be irreversible.
Seven generations would add up to 175 years, that would have been 125 years too
late. The Earth, our mother, would be terminally wounded. It was just a matter
of time until we all died with our planet and I couldn’t understand why so many
people refused to believe the scientists. 97% of scientists agreed we were
adversely affecting our world, but no one tried to stop it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head, “Well, that seven
generations thing you mentioned? The idea it takes seven generations for people
to change comes from the Iroquois Nation circa 1300 AD. Add in, an Iroquois
generation is 100 years instead of twenty-five years like we consider it to be,
and there’s not much sense even trying if that’s the case. As far as 97% of
scientists agreeing people are causing climate change? That’s BS also. In
actuality, only 1.6% of the scientists actually surveyed, agreed that man was
causing a dangerous degree of climate change, the rest agreed with the
statement, mankind might be adding to it, but not to a dangerous degree.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could have heard a pin drop in the room.
Dak was the first to reply, “Why would someone lie about climate change to
begin with? It doesn’t make sense.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged, “Any number of reasons are
possible, but the one I’m going with is, the guy who did the study needed
research funds and thought he came up with a new exciting topic he wanted to
explore. People love doom and gloom until it’s knocking on their door, then,
not so much.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sara shook her head, “I refuse to believe
that. Everywhere you would go you would hear that 97% statement. I heard it in
lectures as a student, politicians repeated it, my fellow scientists repeated
it constantly as the reason we had to take action as quickly as possible.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner spoke up, “Didn’t Herman Goebbels say
if you repeated a lie enough times it becomes the truth?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “Yes, he did. For those of you who
don’t know who he was, he was Adolf Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda and he used
the idea constantly. I discovered he wasn’t the first to say it though, I
believe the first time it was printed was in 1869, but I can’t remember the
name of the book.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra frowned and asked, “Why would you read
a book published in 1869? Things have changed so much…oh, you were a History
major, that’s right.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed, and said, “Babe, I didn’t read
the whole book, just the part that was cited in the footnotes of another book I
did read. I used to always check the veracity of footnotes because they were
wrong so many times. I counted the incorrect footnotes of one book I had to
read in college and found as many as 28% of them were misquoted, or completely unconnected
to the topic they were used for.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan looked shocked, “Are you shitting me?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God’s truth, Dan, 28%.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,” Sara said. “What you said, about
climate scientists, it can’t be true, it can’t.” She was obviously distressed,
“If what you say is true, then everything I have done was based on a lie. My
whole life, is a lie, everything I’ve…”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner took one of her hands and said, “You
did what you thought was best for the world, for humanity. The world was
over-populated and you wanted to solve that problem. The way you wanted to do
it was the correct way, the humane way. What it looks like the others did? No,
that was wrong, what they did was murder, no, what they did was the worst case
of genocide the world has ever seen.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sara,” Debra said. “Did you know what they
were doing? What they created? Did they create the different versions of the
flu the world suffered from? Finally, what did you know about the blue aerosol
that was crated up in your lab? Where was it sent and why? Wasn’t the flu bad
enough? Billions died, so many children.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was, I am, a geneticist. I don’t make
poisons to kill people, I tried to find ways to eliminate the parts of the
genome that weakened us, cures for genetic malfunctions. I believed, and still
do, that our predilections to destroy could be removed with enough study. Once
the population was reduced, there would be no need for wars for resources,
clean water, fuels, all the things that were running out.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lebensraum,” I said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danni looked at me and asked, “What?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lebensraum, it’s German for living room.
They wanted more land to call their own, so their population could spread out
and expand. It was one of the more compelling reasons for why they started the
Second World War.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan looked puzzled, “I thought they started
the war as an excuse to wipe out the Jews?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t get me wrong,” I said. “What they did
to the Jews was horrific, over six million were killed, but they also killed an
additional five million of other groups, Gypsies, Slavs, the mentally ill,
people with birth defects, you name it. As horrible as what they did was,
others have been better at it. Stalin, or Mao se Tung, come to mind the
easiest, another could be Margaret Sanger. They killed tens of millions of
their own countrymen over politics, or racial prejudice, but they don’t even
come close to what the ZPG people have accomplished. Sanger would be proud of
what they have done.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra sighed, “Yeah, I have always wanted to
have a big family with lots of children if I could find the right guy.” She
smiled at me and winked, “but I always kind of kept it to myself because so
many people were against big families, you know?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell that Sara wanted to make a
comment about having large families, but she controlled herself and kept her
mouth shut. I also noticed both Danni and Felicia nodded in agreement with
Debra’s sentiments. I knew Danni was raised by her aunt and was an only child
like Debra, but I discovered that Felicia had seven siblings and wanted a large
family of her own. I noticed when she talked about it, Dak got a bit pale. I
felt the same as Debra, I wanted as many kids as she was willing to have. I
guess growing up in foster homes made me want a family I could call my own.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a group, we talked well into the evening
before everyone began to leave for home. Early the next morning Banner came to
talk to me again; he had some distressing news he had gotten from Sara. He said
that when he and Sara arrived at her apartment, she had invited him in and
asked him to spend the night with her, but that wasn’t the news he found
distressing. Sara told him that the people who had left for parts unknown,
considered their leaving as temporary, they fully intended to return and retake
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
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</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
15</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra and I were preparing to go to the
cafeteria when Banner arrived, but with the news he had, all thoughts of eating
were gone. Instead of breakfast, the three of us headed for Packer’s office at
the Ranger’s Bunker. When we arrived, Major Packer looked surprised.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Smith, Tarn, and Banner, well this is
different,” he said. “Why is something different making me nervous?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to talk, Major, and it could be
news you don’t want to hear,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer pointed at the two chairs in his
office and said, “I guess we need another chair, Sargent Banner, why don’t you
grab another one from the Ready Room.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll get it,” I said. “Ted, why don’t you
get started.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner said, “Thanks, Daniel,” as I turned
and left the office. When I returned with a chair, I placed it next to Debra
and started listening.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“…so, she invited me to stay the night with
her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About time,” Packer said. “I was beginning
to wonder if I needed someone else to approach Gupta.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huh? I thought to myself.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir,” Banner said. “I started this process
as a favor to you, but to tell the truth, I’ve become more involved than I intended
to. Frankly, I’ve developed rather strong feelings for Sara and this whole
project is starting to screw with me.” He shifted in his seat and looked away
from Packer for a moment before once again looking him in the eye.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see,” Packer replied. “How involved have
you become?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Very, but I do not believe it has affected the
performance of my duty. However, if you decide to banish Sara, I will be
leaving with her.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t consider that a viable option,
you’re too valuable to the Rangers.” He scrubbed his face and then said, “Okay,
you didn’t come here to extort a promise to allow her to stay, so why are the
three of you here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner slid forward to the edge of his seat,
“Because late last night, or early this morning, while Sara and I were talking
in be…while we were talking, she told me something I felt you needed to know at
the earliest opportunity. I told Sara that I was going to tell you and she said
that was the reason she was telling me. I truly believe she is coming around,
Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,
and what is this crucial information?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sara is convinced, the people who left here
are planning on returning and retaking the facility with the help of trained
military personnel.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God damn it, I was afraid that
son-of-a-bitch wasn’t just blowing smoke up my ass!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nether Debra, or Banner replied, so I said,
“Sir?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anthony Dupree, that French fucker on the
Final Authority, when they were in the process of bugging out, he made a
comment to me as he was leaving. He said it looked like the inmates were now
running the asylum, but he wondered how long we could keep it. Then he said he
would be seeing me again under different circumstances.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, great,” I said sarcastically. “I wonder
where they went and who is going to help them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is going to create a major burden for
the Rangers,” Packer said. “We’re going to need OPs, roving patrols, Reaction
Teams and more intensive training for the Militia in both rural and urban
settings. We need the capability to monitor radio comms, maybe some sort of
anti-aircraft capability. Christ, my life is getting extremely difficult.” He
looked at Banner directly and asked, “Did Gupta have any kind of timeline?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Sir, she just knows what she heard
during unguarded moments,” Banner replied. “You have to remember; she was
marked as unreliable and was probably facing a death sentence if she left with
the others.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, you’ve told me,” Packer leaned back in
his chair and again scrubbed his face. “Okay, I want a meeting with every
Company Commander, Platoon Leader and Squad Leader from the Rangers and the
Militia in two hours.” He turned to his phone and picked it up, finally he
said, “Gillian, use the P.A. system and announce a Yellow Alert immediately,”
He glanced at his watch and then added, “Also announce a briefing for all
Company, Platoon, and Squad Leaders at 0900 hours in the Ready Room, thank
you.” Turning back to Banner, he said, “how’s that school of yours coming?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got a backlog of people wanting to
take it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, co-ordinate with the squad leaders, I
want at least one trained tracker in each of the Ranger and Militia squads,
preferably one in each fire team.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, with your permission, I’ll get
started on that now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Granted.” Banner stood and saluted before
he left, Debra and I started to stand also, but Packer waved us back down,
“Tarn, I want to talk with you for a moment.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to stand and leave, but once
again, Packer waved me down, “This concerns you too, Smith.” I sat back down,
and Packer continued, “Debra, Banner says you were damn good in his tracking
class and Thomas says you’re one of the best Designated Marksmen he’s ever
seen.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?” She said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Thomas also says that since he has
been serving with you, he has reappraised his opinions and believes you would
be an outstanding Assistant Squad Leader. However, with your tracking skills
and your DMR skills combined, he would rather utilize you as a Scout Sniper,
what do you think? How do you feel about that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The skills of a Tracker and a Scout aren’t
really the same, Sir, but I’m willing to give it a try.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is some overlap, Tarn, Thomas was a
Raider, but he’s also ex-Force Recon and says he would be more than willing to
train you in scouting.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll serve wherever you think is best,
Sir.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, you are officially the Rangers’ first
Scout Sniper. One other thing, though you will not be an Assistant Squad
Leader, you will be in the chain of command. Therefore, I am advancing you to
the rank of Sargent. Do you accept?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra smiled broadly at me and then said,
“Yes, Sir, I do!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, get on over to your squad bay and
inform Sargent Thomas, I’ll give him a call myself after you head that way.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sir!” She stood and saluted the
Major and then we walked out and into the Ready Room where she threw her arms
around me and said, “See? I told you it would work out, didn’t I!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, I am so proud of you, but does this
mean I have to salute you before sex now?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, no saluting, but if you could stand at
attention…oh wait! You already do that, don’t you!” She started laughing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good grief”, I said. “Now whose being
silly? Get going, I’ve got an extremely important sprinkler head somewhere that
needs to be moved, or something.” She gave me that sexy contralto chuckle of
hers and quickly jogged away. I headed over to Facilities and discovered the
work they wanted done, couldn’t be, because of lack of material. Then Morgan
told me I had a call waiting for me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was surprised after I said hello, it was
Sara Gupta. “Hey Sara, what’s up?” I really didn’t want to speak with her
without someone else present, but I went with it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel, I called Debra’s squad bay, but
they told me she was reassigned to a different squad. Then I tried calling
Theodore, but they told me he was involved with a training exercise and was in
the field. I don’t know how to contact Danni or Dan and Felicia…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cut to the chase, Sara, I don’t need a list
of reasons why you are calling me. What do you need?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hesitated, and I began to wonder if my
tone was harsh, but then she said, “Last night, you asked if I had an internet
connection. I told you I did, and I suppose you might want to use it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If possible, yes, but you said it was
encrypted.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The connection is encrypted, yes, and you
need a computer that contains the decipher program in order to use the
internet. When everyone left, they took my computer from my lab and from the
others as well, they thought by removing the equipment they could isolate the
facility and make sure anyone who stayed, like me, wouldn’t be able to use it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you’re using it, how are you managing
that?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After the accident in my lab, I was told
all of the electronic equipment was going to be replaced because of
contamination concerns. I went to the computer tech’s boneyard and took the
hard drive from a nonworking computer and replaced the one in my lab with the
bad one. We received our new computers, and I kept the hard drive from the old
lab computer hidden. The new computers were already encrypted, but when they
started to suspect I wasn’t fully agreeable to their plans, they took my encrypted
equipment and isolated me from the net. After they left, I changed out the hard
drives and now I’m back on the encrypted net. It’s been a godsend for me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is the computer in your lab?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” she said. “But the connection has
been spotty lately. I need a computer tech I can trust to see if it can be
improved.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t know anyone you can trust.” It
wasn’t a question; it was a statement.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are the chances we can figure out some
way to add the encryption translation to other computers, like mine?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, swapping out the hardware was
simple, but now I’m thinking we’re getting into coding. I was told some of the
Las Cruces people were computer students, maybe we could check with them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know either, I’ll check around and
see what I can come up with.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Daniel, I wish I could be more
helpful.” She sounded sincere.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s alright, and thank you, Sara, I’m
glad you gave us the latest information you have. Do you have any idea where
they may have gone?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, only that it had a military contingent
they could rely on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, thanks again and I’ll try to keep you
in the loop, alright?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Daniel, goodbye.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bye, Sara.” I hung up the phone and stared
at Morgan’s wall. “What now?” I asked it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left Morgan’s office and walked to
Packer’s again, but he wasn’t there. As I was about to leave, Gillian came out
and saw me, “Daniel, did you need something?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I needed to speak with the Major; I just
spoke with Sara Gupta, and she said she had a tentative internet connection,
but according to her it was spotty. We really need to get back to it somehow
and I was wondering if he has, or knows, someone that might be able to help.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I’m no slouch and I can even do some
minor coding, but I’m willing to bet we need someone with a little more, shall
we say, expertise? I know a couple of the people from Las Cruces were employed
at NMSU and were involved with computers, you might touch bases with Stella
Morrison, she should know who they are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, no, I’m afraid someone else will have
to do that, let’s just say Debra would frown if I had any dealings with
Stella.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really? Stella seems rather nice.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I thought so too, but even Sargent
Bellows warned me off from her. He said she was looking me over pretty hard and
didn’t think Debra was going to be all that welcoming about it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I’m sure if someone warns Stella that
Debra can be rather, possessive…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Too late,” I said. “Debra saw her giving me
the once over the day Stella’s group arrived here and there were a few words
exchanged. Stella attempted to wow Debra with her title and how smart she is
and then insinuated that Debra’s claim to fame was being my fiancée; it didn’t
go over very well.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh my, she didn’t realize the stringent
employment standards for everyone working here, did she?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No. Stella introduced herself as Professor
Doctor Stella Morrison, Science department, NMSU, Las Cruces.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, wow, that was a mouthful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started laughing and said, “That’s the
same thing Debra said!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly laughed and said, “Good for her. What
happened next?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The comment about Debra identifying as my
fiancée, and then Debra said something like, School of Science, huh? And Stella
said, in very condescending manner, yes, and Debra said she graduated with
honors from the school of death and destruction, and she would give Stella a
demonstration of her expertise in her chosen discipline if she caught Stella
staring at her man’s junk again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilly burst out in gales of laughter, just
as Major Packer strolled through the doors of the Ready Room. “What the hell is
this, Smith, you making a play for the finest woman in the Hole?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help it, I had never heard Gilly
laugh like that and it was infectious, I started laughing harder. “Sorry,
Major, but I’m going to let Mrs. Packer explain, she can probably do a much
better job than I can.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried several times, but every time she
got to Debra’s statement about watching my junk and death and destruction, she
would lose it again. So, even though she was telling the story, I ended up
finishing the critical parts. Packer got a huge kick out of the whole episode.
“Yep,” he said, “That’s our Debbie alright.” I told him of Sara’s phone call
and after checking the time, he told me he needed to prepare for the upcoming
meeting, but he would check with Stella herself and see if the Las Cruces
people had anyone that could help to establish a reliable connection to the
internet and transfer the encryption.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left, and looking for something to do, I
wandered over to the Machine Shop to touch bases with Henderson. I wanted to
see if he was having any luck with the measurements, he had taken from my
bullpup carbine. He told me he had a working prototype, but he still needed material
for the barrel. He had given a short list of required metals to Morgan, and
Morgan had promised to send the request with any salvage crews that were sent
out. The two metals he was most interested in acquiring was</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SAE
4140 chrome-molybdenum or "chrome-moly" steel and the second was 416R
Stainless-steel; either one was suitable for barrels. He told me he had a short
conversation with Packer concerning the possibility of automatic weapons and he
figured he could develop something along the lines of what Packer was looking
for, but it was going to be a ways down the road before he would be able to
start on the proposed project. Another project he was working on in his spare
time was a breakdown rifle with an integral suppressor. He was leaning towards
making it chambered for .45 ACP in order to keep the velocity below 1126 feet
per second, thereby eliminating the sonic crack of a bullet breaking the sound
barrier. It was a fairly interesting discussion.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After finishing with Henderson, I decided to
go to the cafeteria for an early lunch or late breakfast. As I walked in, I saw
Rich Morrison standing in the buffet line with Nadia Tooles. I grabbed a tray
and joined them, “Hey, Guys,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, Daniel,” Nadia said, and Rich smiled
as he nodded to me.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Late breakfast?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Naw,” Nadia said. “Late dinner. I was stuck
working on the electrical switch for the fuel transfer pump on the Number Three
generator last night.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What was wrong with it?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It took us forever to trace it down, but
someone installed an interrupter in the remote signal wires.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “Okay, that sounded a
lot like Greek to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Join the club,” Rich said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia chuckled and then explained, “You know
we cycle through all three facility generators, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, during the daylight hours when most
people are awake, we run two of the gennies,” I said. “At night, the facility
powers down and we run off one, but one is on standby. Maintenance is performed
at low power hours on the third generator that is not on standby.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, you know the basics.” She said, “Last
night while the crew was inspecting, and maintaining, Generator Two, Generator
Three started sending alarms that the fuel transfer switch was inoperable. What
a cluster fuck. The Diesel Maintenance guys started going like gangbusters
trying to get Number Two back online while we started searching for the
problem. They got Number two back up and shifted it to standby and took Three
offline. Generator One was working fine, so we relaxed and started tracing
circuits.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been in the dark inside the facility
when the power has gone down and it’s not fun, at all. In fact, I don’t know of
anyone who doesn’t carry a flashlight with them at all times. “So, everything
is good to go?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not at first, we couldn’t find the problem,
but finally, we found the interrupter inside of a junction box. After examining
the equipment that had been installed, we realized what we were looking at was
sabotage. That led us to start tracing circuits on the other two Generators and
guess what we found?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They were sabotaged also?” I asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yep, one of our guys did a diagnostic and
discovered all three gennies were set to shut down at the same unknown time and
stay off until the interrupters were removed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why would someone do that? I mean that’s
kind of a shitty hack, you know? And why didn’t the other two gennies go down
the same time as Number Three?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The interrupter was wired into the wrong
power supply circuit, received too many amps and the timer burned out. It was a
screwup that blew their plan,” she said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, this was definitely, purposeful?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, most definitely. We figure some
of the ZPG people did it just to fuck with us when they decided to leave,” she
added.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, the interrupters were on timers, are
you sure? If so, can you tell me when they were supposed to go off?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich raised one eyebrow and asked, “There’s
more to this than just a shitty prank?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered, “I hope not.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know,” she said. “We pulled them
out and gave the equipment to our Super, he said he would give it to Morgan.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” I said with a little more urgency.
“I’m going to take this to Morgan, Ortiz, and Packer and see what they think
about it.” I continued through the buffet, but all I took was a cold cut
sandwich and then hurried back to the Ranger Bunker.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived outside the Ready Room it was
crowded and Packer’s emergency meeting with his leaders was just getting
started. I was going to wait, but left for Facilities instead. When I arrived,
I went straight to Morgan’s office and knocked, he looked through his window,
saw me, and waved me inside.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Smith, what’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I heard you had someone pranking with the Generators
last night.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we figure one of those asshats that
left wanted to screw with us one last time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you have the, uh, interrupters, I think
Tooles called them?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened a drawer and removed a handful of
small black units and displayed them, “I’m going to have Electrical check all
of our critical systems to make sure they didn’t screw with anything else.
These wouldn’t have caused any major damage, in and of themselves, but if the
one hadn’t fried, we could have been searching in the dark for the others for
god knows how long.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, all they would have done is created a
major headache and a lot of dark,” I asked for clarity.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, once removed, everything goes back to
normal.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tooles said they were timers; do we know
when they would have shut down the electrical?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t,” he answered. “But anyone with
some computer skills should be able to determine that, why?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because I’m thinking this may be something
more than a prank. Do you mind if I take those?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure, if you think you need them. You can tell
which one was burned out; the plastic case is melted.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached across his desk and took the items
he held out, “Thanks, Morgan, I’ll catch you later, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure thing,” he answered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My leg has been steadily improving, so I
jogged back to the Bunker; the meeting was still in progress. I stood outside
and waited, hoping Packer would notice me. He didn’t, but Gillian did. She was
standing just outside of Packer’s office and covertly waved to me with a
curious expression on her face. I pointed to the Major, pointed to myself, and
then tapped the face of the watch on my left wrist. She nodded to me and
gestured for me to go around. I figured she intended for me to come in the back
way through the Family Barracks; I nodded and hurried outside.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gillian met me in the hall of the barracks,
“Daniel, what is it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gilly,” I held out the interrupters.
“Someone installed these in the control circuits of all three of our power Generators.
We know they are timers, but I think we need to know when they were set to shut
down our power.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took one from my hand and inspected it,
“I’ve never seen anything like this, but I know what this is,” she pinched an
oblong portion of the instrument she was holding and pulled it out. “This, is a
thumb drive; follow me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed her back along the hall to a door
she opened and then through another door to the right, I suddenly realized I
was in hers and the Major’s private quarters; someplace I had never been invited,
so I stopped and waited at the door. She walked to a computer workstation and
then looked back at me, “Daniel, please come in.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.” I walked in as she turned on
her computer and I admired what she had; there were three computer screens and
all of them had different things displayed on them. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She busied herself changing a few of the
cables around and then glanced up at me, “I’m isolating the systems so if there
is a malicious virus, it doesn’t infect all three.” Finally, she placed the
thumb drive into the side of a computer, used the mouse to open a few different
pages and then leaned forward to examine the results. “It is a timer, it was
designed to break a single, low voltage, electronic circuit.” She looked up at
me and asked, “These were installed in the control circuits of all the Generators?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How were they discovered?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held up the one that was melted, “This one
was connected to the wrong power source, which caused it to burn out and prematurely
send a warning signal to the controls that started shutting down the fuel
supply.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, “Ingenious. Was it hidden within
the normal wiring circuits?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, it took the electricians hours
to locate all three. Once the power was off, all someone would have to do is
remove these and restart the system.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, they could deprive us of power and when
they were once again in control, turn everything back on.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what I’m thinking, can you tell when
they were supposed to activate?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, They would have all activated at
0300 hours,” she looked at a calendar and then added. “Thirteen days from now.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Three o’clock in the morning,” I said.
“That would be a good time to stage an attack, wouldn’t it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned and looked up at me, “Yes, it
would. I guess I better tell the Major; he’s not going to be happy about me
interrupting his meeting.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, probably not, maybe we should wait
until the meeting is over?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Absolutely not, he would be even more upset
if he wasn’t told right away.” She stood up as though she was bracing herself,
then smiled and said, “Follow me,” as she walked out of the apartment up the
hall to the Major’s office and the Ready Room. I followed, but I stopped before
following her into the Ready Room. She walked deep enough in, so he could see
her coming, then turned and strode straight to him and whispered in his ear for
a moment.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll give him credit, he immediately asked,
“How did you find this out? Is the source credible?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and then pointed to me where I
stood. He turned and looked at me and turning back to the audience in the room
said, “We have new intelligence we just received; it appears we have thirteen
days to prepare for an attack by what we assume will be a trained military
force, continue with your SOP until notified. Captain Williams, Sargent Thomas,
and Sargent Bellows, please remain, the rest of you are dismissed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas and Bellows both moved forward as
everyone else were filing out of the Ready Room. Williams was standing beside
and slightly behind Packer while he was addressing the troops, now he walked
forward and sat on one of the tables. “Major?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer held his hand up for a moment as he
addressed Gillian, “Call Felicia Ortiz and have her get down here right away,
as Governor, she needs to be in on this.” She nodded and hurried away, then
Packer waved me into the room, “Smith, how certain are you of this?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Too many coincidences, too many things said
by the people who left, the timers, the Generators…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Save it for now, Smith, let’s wait on the
Governor and you can tell all of us at the same time.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sargent Thomas said, “Major, this possible
attack will probably move up the missions you have assigned both mine and
Sargent Bellows’ squads. Should we give orders of preparation and get gone with
the wind?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I want both of you fully briefed, so
you can tell anyone you think can be of assistance. You will be leaving sooner
than I anticipated though, so as soon as we are done, I want both of you to
prepare your squads to leave.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both answered, “Yes, Sir,” and then
waited patiently.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited also and the longer I waited the
more nervous I became. I began to second guess my conclusions and what ifs
started bouncing around in my head. Was I over-reacting to a simple prank? I
almost wished I would find that to be the true result. I didn’t want to have to
fight people that might be just as well-trained as our Rangers were, just as
well armed and maybe better armed than the Rangers and the Militia were. We had
no heavy weapons, no machineguns, no mortars, artillery, tanks, or air support.
We were just a bunch of weekend warriors, closet commandoes and…shit, I needed
to stop and have faith in the capabilities of our people. We knew our
battleground and we knew how to fight within our own battleground. Have faith.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felicia finally arrived and I could tell
someone must have given her a heads-up about what she had been summoned for.
She was nervous as hell. Packer directed me to tell what I knew and then
Gillian told them what she had discovered on the thumb drive. Packer mentioned
the comment that Dupree had made, and the information provided by Sara Gupta.
Then I heard some stuff I had never heard before. When the ZPG people left, I
had assumed that the Marlows had gone with them, but that apparently wasn’t the
case. They were still here, and the reason was, Mary Marlow was afraid to
leave. She was afraid Becker’s father would get hold of her. She and her
husband weren’t running around free though, Packer had them sequestered where
they couldn’t stir shit up. Good. I wondered what Tooles, and Menendez would
say when they found out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I told what I knew and suspected, it
turned into a roundtable discussion. It was during the discussion I discovered
what Bellows’ and Thomas’ missions were, Packer was sending them to Holloman
Airbase and to the Air National Guard Base in Tucson. Thomas was going to
Holloman with his squad, with Debra. They were figuring it would take ten to
fifteen days to go, make contact if they could and see if any help was
available, and then return with Debra. Shit. I don’t remember too much after
that revelation in regard to the plans they were making. All I could think of
was, the love of my life was leaving and going out on the road where I couldn’t
be there for her, where I couldn’t protect her from harm.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was rather quiet in our apartment that
evening, neither one of us wanted to be the first to mention it. Finally, I
said, “Why do you have to go? You could quit and we could load up the truck and
hit the road. We can find somewhere quiet and raise a house full of children.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shrugged and said, “This is actually a
pretty safe place to raise kids, Daniel. Out there? Who knows?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe, but at least I would be by your
side, at least you could be completely certain the person beside you has your
back 24/7.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey, you know how much everyone watches
out for each other. It’s a sisterhood, a brotherhood, we all watch each other’s
backs. There is not a single person in the Rangers that I don’t trust to look
out for me, the same as I would look out for them. There is not a single person
who wouldn’t endanger themselves, to help the other members of our team.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s what I’m afraid of, Debra, because I
know you would risk your life for them as well. You always get upset when I’ve
done the same things you are talking about doing for others; you want me to
avoid danger, why can’t I want the same for you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened her mouth to reply, and then shut
it. After a moment she answered, “There’s things I could say to debate you; I
could say I’ve been trained to a higher degree than you have, I could say I
have the personal protective gear that you don’t, but none of that would help
lessen your concerns, I know that. Believe me when I say it makes me feel so
good, knowing you are worried for me. I’ve never had someone who cared about me
the way you do, but if I said, okay, let’s run away together, I would be
forever ashamed I had done it. I know you understand what I’m saying, I’ve seen
you do it yourself, Mister Oh yeah, I got shot,” she smiled as she said it.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You realize that was a poor example for a
reason to go get shot at, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s all I’ve got, I would rather be like
you, than to run away.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s an expression for that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed, “Hoist on your own petard?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hmm, that’s not fair,” I answered.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All’s fair in love and war.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes, I like it better when you
pretend to be dense and malleable, I probably look like I’m sulking, probably
because I am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, you do, but you do it with a certain amount
of sexiness. I don’t want to discuss this anymore; I want you to make love to me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did, and in the morning, I loaded her
ruck and gear bag into a golf cart and drove her to the place where the two
squads loaded up into four trucks and then watched her drive away as she waved
to me and blew me kisses. I was genuinely frightened it would be the last time
I would see her.</span></p>
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Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<![endif]--></p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488636116028625083.post-27839863222893557282021-03-22T08:31:00.004-07:002022-06-25T07:00:04.078-07:00ASYLUM: Chapters 12 & 13<p> </p><p>
</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
12</span></b></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate it when I wake up and I’m not sure
where I am. I looked around and it was dark, the room seemed familiar, but
different. I could hear Debra’s soft breathing though, so I relaxed and went
back to sleep.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke up and looked around, what the hell?
I thought I was hallucinating. I was in the bedroom of the original apartment I
had when I was running the sprinkler crew. I wasn’t in my bed though; it was a
hospital bed. This was confusing. I sat up and…damn…my right leg was in a full-length
cast. Then I experienced a sharp pain in my side and remembered, oh yeah, I got
shot. Wonderful.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey! Is anybody there?” I heard a scuffling
sound and then Debra walked in.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, Honey, you woke up!” She walked to the
side of the bed and checked the IV bag that looked like it was empty. “Yep, all
done,” she said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, what’s going on?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The clinic is overfilled, and they needed the
extra space. The guy that had your apartment didn’t need it anymore, so here we
are.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why wouldn’t he need it any more, did he
leave?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He bet on the wrong horse and lost.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra, I'm feeling a little fuzzy, could you
please give me a direct answer?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He decided to support Marlow and got his
ass shot away.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay, but why are we here?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Everyone that matters decided you deserved
it and I win by association.” She smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. “Are
you hungry?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I am, but what the hell is this?” I
asked as I pointed at the cast on my leg.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bright smile dimmed a bit, “Yeah, that.
Um, it sort of broke.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How does a leg sort of break?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, Horne says it must have had a green
stick break that didn’t show up on the x-rays he took when it was originally
injured.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, every time I took a header, I screwed
it up again?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, and then Becker was able to brace
against the wall you had him on and landed a powerful blow when he stomped your
leg. That’s when it snapped. Nobody can understand how you were even able to
stand after your leg was broken, and then you were shot too, and…” She stopped
cleared her throat, wiped her eyes with the heels of her hands and then with
fire in her eyes, she said, “Oh, yeah, I got shot?” Then in a louder voice, “Are
you fucking kidding me! Why the hell, did you go in there by yourself, Mister oh,
yeah, I got shot!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened my mouth to answer, but…</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debbie, Debra! We discussed this didn’t
we?” I looked at the entrance of the bedroom and Gilly Packer was standing
there with her arms crossed and tapping her foot. “You, are a warrior also, you
live and work within a warrior culture; I know you understand the whole
mindset, so let’s give it a rest, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra spun in a circle while she pulled her
hair and then stormed out of the room as she shouted, “Gahh!” I heard the front
door open and then slam shut.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I really put my foot in it, didn’t
I?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She chuckled, “To say the least? Yes.” She
pulled a chair over and sat, then reached out and poured a cup of water, which
she offered to me. “In all seriousness, how are you feeling?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A lot better than I did, and not as good as
when I woke up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can imagine. Jerry has removed her from duty
until the two of you are better.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because she’s so upset?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s part of it, and none of it. Jerry
wants you healed up as soon as possible and having her here to help you is
important to that healing process. With the number of people killed and injured
in the firefight they needed the room at the clinic. He also recognizes that
Debra needs some healing, she loves you so much and sees the fact you were
injured as a personal affront. You promised her you would not get involved in
the fighting and you did. Not by choice mind you, but you did, none-the-less.
However, going into that room by yourself, that was a major mistake on your
part. You willingly went against her wishes and broke your promise to her and
as a result, you were almost killed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There was a reason I did that,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was it a good reason? A reason she can
accept?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought I could save lives, I thought I
could save those two women and I thought I might even come out of it
unscathed.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Might come out unscathed? Hmm, I’d not sure
I would say, might. Maybe you believed you would?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, “Good point to bring up, I wish I
could have had a little motherly wisdom when I was young.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am curious, why did you think you could
pull it off?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was something the Major told me…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, Lord, please don’t tell Debra that.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “I won’t.” I shifted my
left shoulder as a feeling of pressure intensified, she stood and leaning over
me, pulled my shoulder forward and then adjusted a small pillow that had
slipped too low and was pressing against the wound. “Thank you, that was getting
a little uncomfortable. The Major recognized that I was struggling with what
Becker did to me and he was trying to help me understand why Becker went crazy at
the end. It was because he realized he had lost. That he hadn’t beaten me
mentally, psychologically. He flipped out because seeing his victims beg and
plead was what he craved. I wouldn’t do it. When I went in, I had purposely
antagonized him to the point he lost it again, at least I thought he had. I
figured he would be so busy beating Nadia, that I would have a clear shot, but
he was waiting for me with his weapon already aimed. I walked right into it.” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you still managed to shoot him as
well.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gilly, please? Explain that to Debra, use
more detail, language you may have used, but won’t with me. Draw a picture for
her, so she can understand what you were thinking and why. She’s lost right
now, her world as she sees it was almost ripped away, she needs stability, and you
are that stability, she needs you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Gilly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, she’ll be back very quickly, she
never stays gone very long, and I need to get home. Follow her directions and
I’ll stop in once in a while and see how you are, okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Ma’am, and thank you again.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laid in bed for maybe five minutes and
decided I would wait in the living room. I checked the IV bottle and it was
completely empty, so I removed the needle and wiped down the back of my hand
with an alcohol wipe from the nightstand next to the bed. I was able to get
somewhat turned, but the damn cast was going to suck big time and there was no
cane anywhere. Hell, the cane probably wouldn’t be much help anyway. More than
likely, I would need crutches.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you doing?” She was leaning
against the door frame and I hadn’t noticed before she wasn’t wearing a uniform which
was her normal attire. Instead, she had a pair of very snug jeans on and small,
low topped deck shoes. The blouse she was wearing was thin and almost
transparent. It was a complete change from the way she normally dressed. In
addition, she normally braided her thick, long, curly hair, but today it was
loose and almost wild in appearance. I loved it when she wore her hair down and
loose. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know, every time you say, ‘uh’, I know
you’re up to no good.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And every time you say, ‘Oh’…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Debra?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry, I was just trying to lightened the
mood a bit after storming out of here like a petulant child.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You lighten my mood just leaning on that
door frame.” She ducked her head in embarrassment, but I could see her looking
at me through the long, loose, curly tresses that were framing her face. “God,
you’re beautiful.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up straight and slowly meandered
around the bed until she was standing beside me very close, her hands folded
over each other at the level of her lower belly, looking down at me through her
tresses. “Do you really think so?” She softly asked.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh… my…god, you are teasing me! You are
teasing a guy that’s all screwed up and can’t do anything about it! You vixen!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe you can’t do anything, but I bet I
could do something, for both of us?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankly, I had my doubts, I was still in a
lot of pain even though I had a suspicion there may have been something added
to the IV that helped in that regard, but she proved me wrong.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, she provided me with a pair of
crutches, but I could only use one, using the second next to the wound in my
upper side pulled on it too much. She assisted me, against her own judgement,
to get off the bed and into the living room. Just before I hobbled out, she
said, “Oh, yeah, I almost forgot.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Major sent you a surprise.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She skipped ahead of me and as I rounded the
corner and into the living room, she struck a pose like a showroom model and
swung her arms out towards a chair. I recognized it immediately, “That’s the
chair I sat in at Marlow’s!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it is!” There was also a matching foot
rest.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, wow, how did you…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed, “Packer overheard your comments
about how comfortable the chair was and decided the Marlows didn’t need it any
longer. There’s no room for it in the holding cells they now occupy. So, he
sent some of the guys down and they ‘requisitioned’ it for our use, well for
your use. When they got there to pick it up, the three members of the,” She
held her hands up and mimed making quotation marks, “Final Authority, were
there arguing over who should be allowed to claim the residence and its
contents. The guys walked in and started removing the chair and footrest and
they, the F.A., demanded they stop looting the ‘Official Residence’ of the
government.” She rolled her eyes, “Talk about delusions of grandeur, anyway,
our guys went ahead and ‘requisitioned’ the furniture and then brought it here,
for you. What do you think?” </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know, maybe it was a reaction to my
injuries, maybe the drugs I suspected I had been given, maybe I’m just a mushy
kind of person, but I choked up and my eyes started to water, “Why? Why would
the Major do this for me, I’m not special in any way, I mean, look at me. I
can’t even go to work and screw fricking pipe. I’m basically a drain on
everyone around me. I can’t even take care of you, I can’t take care of me, or
even make love to you. I’m not a well-trained soldier, I’m not, I’m not…the
only thing I am, is useless.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kicked the foot rest out of the way and
said, “Sit down, Honey, you’re starting to shake.” I managed to get turned
around and she helped me get positioned while she held my leg in the cast, up.
Then she pulled the foot rest back and lowered the leg onto it. “Is that good?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you.” Damn that chair felt good.
“This thing even smells good,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, one of the F.A. said it was genuine
Corinthian Leather, like maybe it was too good for anyone, but one of them.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
haven’t met any of them, they sound like they’re probably as useless as I am.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop it, you’re just depressed and in pain,
so I think we need to talk a bit.” She went to the kitchen and brought back a
chair that she sat down in, facing me. “You think you’re not special, but you
are and not just to me, but everyone around you. The things you have done, that
no one else could have done…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Anyone can do what I do…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I said stop it, it’s my turn to talk and
for you to listen.” The determination in her voice shut me up. “Everything we
know, everything we have found out, about what is destroying everything around
us, was found by you. You made the connections no one else knew how to do.” I
started to object, but she held her hand up and cocked her head to the side in
disapproval. “Sure, lots of people know how to read information and write
notes, but very few have the intelligence, or intuition, or whatever it is you have,
to make the leaps in logic you have done, and then provide the evidence to
support your conclusions. You seem to know what to look for and where to look,
you know how to draw the connections that take mundane, every day shit, and
weave it into a tapestry that makes sense. That is only one of the reasons you
are special and we need you. By-the-way, let me know when you want your
computer and I’ll get something set up so you can work out of your chair,
okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You think you’re not a good soldier?
Bellows and Danni both, have told me you were outstanding when they were
training you for the Auxiliary and both of them wanted you to be a squad
leader, but the Major said he needed you elsewhere. They said if you had been
in the regular military like we were, and received the necessary training, you
probably would have gravitated towards a career in Special Operations. That’s
how good they think you could have been. Are you a Special Forces Operator? No,
of course not, but you could be if you dedicated yourself to it. Major Packer
has already said he wants to start a more extensive training program for
personnel he wants to add to External, and he’d like for you to be in the first
class.” Then with a little exasperation, “If you’d stop doing shit to screw
yourself up.” She took a deep breath and slowly released it. “I’ll get to that
in a minute,” she paused and said, “No, let’s get to that now, so I can stop
getting angry with you every time it pops into my head.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh, alright, I guess.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ve gotten past the fire fight thing
where Wilson and his friend were wounded, but…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait, I keep wanting to find out, but other
stuff keeps getting in the way, how are they?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded, and then said, “I saw Melissa at
the clinic and asked her how Mark was doing. She says Doctor Horne was very
pleased with his condition and was very optimistic about his future physical
well-being. The artery in his leg was clipped, but was easily repaired and he’s
already home. The other guy, I think she called him, Smitty? He’s already back
on duty. His was just a flesh wound.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, that’s what I was hoping to hear.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And that’s another example of your
capabilities, she told me Mark spoke highly of your professionalism when
treating his wound and you probably saved his life. I guess he figured he was
going into shock and you finished for him. Then, bum leg and all, you went
hunting, yeah, he thinks highly of you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can brag a little if you want, you
earned the right by saving the life of a battle buddy in combat, and then
taking the fight to the enemy.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept looking at her, so she knew she had
my undivided attention. Finally, she just sighed and shook her head. “God, I’m
glad you don’t have the other attributes of a saint.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Saints, you know, people that didn’t have
sex because they were so, uh, so, you know, saintly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckled and said, “Actually, the saints
weren’t always so, saintly. Take for instance, Saint…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daniel?” She had that frown that comes
before the storm.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped, “Oh, mansplaining, sorry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, but it’s a topic I think I might like
to explore another time. Back to the important topic for the moment. What,
were, you, thinking, when you left me, and everyone else, behind and went into
that safe room by yourself? Because I really want to know what was so important,
that you felt the need to break a promise you knew was so important to me?
Daniel, I trusted you to keep your promise!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, Debra, and I didn’t do it without
realizing I was breaking that promise. I didn’t want to, but I didn’t see any
other way to keep you and the others safe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stared at me for a few seconds, and then
said, “Explain.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That, tunnel, there was no cover, nowhere
to hide, for a group of people to try and assault down that was, it was…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A fatal funnel,” she said. “I figured that
was what we faced, I told Packer, he told everyone else and asked for
volunteers. Every single person there volunteered.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, they did, and I didn’t want you
and the other people I care about to put yourselves in that situation. I mean,
even the elevator, we could only get, what, five, maybe six fully armed and
geared up people in it, and when the doors opened, if he was there with an
automatic weapon on the other side…it could have been a slaughter.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We had body armor; you didn’t.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So did Mark Wilson, but if I hadn’t been
there to apply the tourniquet to his leg, he would have bled out, right there,
right then.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded in agreement, but then said, “He
could have been there when you opened the elevator doors and shot you then.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What good is a safe room if you don’t know
what’s outside? If you don’t know when it’s okay to come out? I figured,
correctly by-the-way, that the elevator car and the tunnel were monitored and
he would know who was coming.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Exactly, he already tried to kill you once,
you didn’t think he would try and kill you again?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, I did, but I also knew, from
personal experience, that he’s a braggart, a talker, he wants to mentally and
verbally intimidate and beat his victims, that was how he gained satisfaction
from his violent acts. I also realized that he had a major weakness, one I
discovered the first time…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You mean the first time he almost killed
you, and would have killed you, if Dan and Danni hadn’t got there first.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whose telling this, me, or you?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go on, then.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The first time he tried, he became angry
because I wouldn’t beg, I wouldn’t plead for mercy, or my life. He totally lost
it when I told him, when I got out of that chair, I was going to shove his head
up his boney ass.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She chuckled, “Is that what you told him?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, and then when he started really
laying into me, I told him he needed to get a man in there to finish the job
his little bitch ass wasn’t up for. That’s when he completely flipped out.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to laugh, because it sounds like he
had some real manhood issues, but Daniel, why would you even say something like
that to the guy trying to beat you to death?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That interaction was only important to establish
why I said what I did in the tunnel. I attacked his manhood by taking a shot at
the possible relationship he had with his father.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked quizzical and said, “What? His
father? I mean, you don’t even know his father.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t, but I’ve known kids in foster
homes that were the same way as Becker. Their fathers had very little or
nothing to do with them and they would do anything that said, ‘Dad, look at me,
I’m just like you.’ They wanted their father’s approval so bad, and I suspected
Becker might be the same way. Remember what Mary Marlow said in the elevator?
Becker’s father was worse than Becker? He was trying to live up to his father’s
expectations. There’s a good chance his father probably degraded him in an
attempt to toughen him up, but Becker probably figured he could never live up
to what his father wanted, even though he tried. His father had already turned
away from him.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Daniel, that’s an awful lot of
psychological analysis for a short elevator ride.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, it was, but it was also based on
eighteen years of observation in foster homes. Was I wrong? I don’t know, but
he’s dead, and I’m not. I not going to say I’m sorry for what I did. I broke my
promise to you, Debra, but it was for good intentions. It was not because your
desires didn’t mean anything, it wasn’t because you didn’t matter, it was
because you do matter, because I could not, and will not, put you in danger,
not if there’s a chance I can end that danger myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took my hand and pressed the back of it
firmly to her forehead and spoke brokenly as she started to cry, “A lot of
people have shit on me over the years; I’ve come to kind of expect it I guess,
but I truly believed you would never lie to me. And then you did, and I reacted
the way I always have, I got angry, but now, now that I see why you did it, the
lie only means you love me more than I knew. No one has ever loved me the way
you do, and I want you to know, no one will ever love you, the way I do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like the sound of that,” I said. “In
fact, maybe we could work that into our wedding vows, what do you think?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, “It does sound kind of nice
doesn’t it? Maybe we could write all of our vows, that would be fun, and
exciting, and maybe kind of sexy too.” She thought for a moment and said,
“Well, maybe no sex, I wouldn’t want to embarrass Gilly.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and then groaned.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it? Do you need something?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Baby, I think you’re going to be hearing
sounds like that out of me for some time to come.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you still feel like telling me more? I
mean about what happened before the rest of us got there?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think there is much more to tell,
Babe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, Honey, everybody keeps asking me,
what about this, what about that? Come on, give me some juicy stuff to share.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are so, blood thirsty.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Am not. Come on, spill it!”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled, not to her, but inside, “Okay, I
stepped out of the elevator and studied the rock lined hall in front of me. I was
contemplating which of my weapons I would use to end his worthless life, the
knife you gave me?” Debra shook her head. “No, I might need to cover too much
space and it would give him a chance to harm the women before I could reach him
and cut his throat. The pistol? No, I was good with it, but could I trust my
aim if he used one of the women as a shield, especially in my weakened and
injured state? No, the obvious choice was my carbine, I switched on the laser.”
Debra nodded her head in agreement. “Reaching into my pocket, I withdrew a
brown cigarillo, lit it and after a long, satisfying drag and exhalation,” She
frowned at me, “I started down the tunnel whistling the theme song, of ‘The
good, the bad, and the ugly,’…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She slapped the back of my hand, probably
the only place she figured was safe, “You, asshole! You insufferable asshole!”
I started laughing as she gave me, the look, “Dan…?” Oops.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, okay, this is what happened, really,
straight up,” she frowned, but at least some of the fire faded from her eyes.
“I got to where the tunnel doglegged into the room, but I still couldn’t see
inside of it. I figured he was watching me on a security feed, but I was
surprised when I heard his voice coming out of a speaker somewhere. He said he
thought it was me in the elevator, but then he was sure. He wondered if I could
imagine his disappointment to discover I wasn’t dead, I remember that. I said
something like yeah, I did understand the disappointment, but I could imagine
some joy coming when I watched the life fade out of eyes. He started getting
angry and said he was in control and he would kill Nadia and Stacy if he
wanted. Then I heard him hit who I later discovered was Nadia. I told him there
was no way he was walking out of there, and if it required another death to
ensure he never did it again, okay. At that point, I placed the carbine in a
low ready and switched on the laser you gave me. When I was ready, I said
something like, I was going to cut off his head, shit in his mouth and ship it
to his father on Vatertag.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s that, vater, vate, whatever you
said?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Va-ter-tag, it’s German for Father’s Day.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay, and then?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I asked if he thought his dad would be sad,
happy, or indifferent and just continue business as normal. I said joy might be
the result. That was when he started screaming and I could hear the hose
hitting someone, so I ran in with carbine up and ready to fire. Unfortunately,
I misjudged him, he was hitting Nadia with his left hand and pointing a handgun
at me. He fired, and I fired, I thought he hit me, but not bad, my round tore
the shit out of his hand, forearm and elbow. From there, you pretty much know
what happened.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow,” she said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One other thing,” I said. “The guy I
invited to ride with us on the elevator?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed to tense up a bit, but not as
much as I thought she might. “Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He showed up at the end; he said I didn’t
need him anymore, that everything that just happened was me, not him. Debra, I
think he’s gone.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was quiet for a moment and then said,
“Is that good, bad, or a nothing?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To be honest, I’m not sure, he could be
really helpful sometimes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, it doesn’t really matter does it?”
Then she smiled and said, “You said you were hungry, what would like?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
13</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having
a broken leg sucks. Wearing a cast sucks. The smell that wafts up on occasion
sucks, really sucks. And the fricking thing itches constantly! Which fricking
sucks! I guess you could say, the suckage, sucks. The wound in my side is
almost healed. At one point, Horne had to insert drainage tubes, so some
pockets of infection could be drained away. Early on in the healing process, I
tried to get Debra to hold a mirror behind me so I could see what it looked
like, but she said I didn’t need to see it and it was gross, anyway. When Horne
inserted the drainage tubes, Mary Cho did it for me. Debra was right, I didn’t
need to see it and, yeah, it was gross. I’m not going to tell her that though. I
visit a physical therapist three times a week, and Debra helps me with stretching
exercises and massages on my off days. I think that bullet wound is going to be
a problem in the future.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra won’t even discuss what the wound
looked like when it was fresh, but once, while Dan, Danni, Dak and Felicia were
visiting, I got some of the story. Dan and Danni agreed that when they saw the
wound, they were freaked about it and Dan swears two of the ribs were actually
visible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To tell the truth, I’m glad I
didn’t see that. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nadia Tooles did indeed join the Auxiliary
and she has been a major recruiter for it since enlisting. Having enough
weapons for all the recruits was problematic at first, even with the weapons we
captured from Marlow’s entourage, but Eugene Henderson in the Machine Shop came
up with an answer for that. He designed a fairly crude weapon that Major Packer
says looks and operates like the old M3 sub-machine-gun, but it isn’t full auto.
The old M3 was chambered for .45acp caliber, but the ones Henderson makes are
chambered for nine-millimeter and utilize the Glock nine-millimeter magazines.
He has gotten set up and says he’s working on developing knock-offs of the
Glock magazines and a piston driven upper for the ARs we have, he says they
will operate cleaner and more reliably. That’s always good. Unfortunately, he
doesn’t have enough of the proper types of steel and aluminum for the parts
needed. Packer wants to send EXSEC out to locate and gather what the shops
need, but the F.A. keeps stopping things up. Another thing Henderson has done
is ask me to allow him to take measurements off of my bullpup. The original
stock the weapon came with was a polymer and we have no way duplicating it here
at the facility, but he believes he might be able to replace the polymer stock
and the machined aluminum stock with a sheet metal one. It could be an
interesting project.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Major informed the F.A. that they needed
to start developing plans for free elections, so we can return to official
Constitutional government. You can guess how they feel about that. Their
official line is the Constitution is an outdated document and needs to be
replaced to meet the needs we have today. They wrote up some examples of new
constitutions and submitted them for approval by the full Board of Directors,
each one was voted on and accepted, but then Major Packer vetoed the
institution of the programs. He brings their proposals to me and we go over
them. One of them actually looked pretty promising, until we delved into it and
then examined the possibilities for abuse. Believe it or not, what they were
proposing was really nothing more than a form of feudal socialism; they said it
would ensure the ‘workers’ got what they needed and elite leadership got
marginally more. Yeah, their idea of marginally more was a lot more than
marginal. </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the period of time my leg was
healing, there were two separate attempts to remove the military advisor from
the board. One was an attempt to form a constabulary as a law enforcement
entity at the beck and call of the Board, and that essentially meant it was
going to be a militant political group intended to suppress political
opposition. That was a no-go. The second was an armed uprising among the
Board’s supporters who attempted their revolution while a good portion of External
Security was gone on a salvaging run. Packer had sent a squad to Silver City, a
squad to Lordsburg, and a third to Deming. The Board figured it was a good
time for the revolt with 75% of EXSEC gone. They didn’t take into account the
Auxiliary. I truly believe they thought the ‘people’ would rise up and support
them. Unfortunately, there were some members of the Auxiliary that joined
forces with the ‘revolutionary army’ and were problematic at the beginning, I
even made my way to my front door and sat there while I shot at people wearing
those red armbands again.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debra was fit to be tied when she got home
and found out what had happened and she was left out of the action because she
was ‘shopping.’ The best result? Packer disbanded the Board of Directors and
the Final Authority, plus, we thinned the population a little more. Packer said
that was what the people who wanted fewer people around wanted anyway. Somehow,
just like always, they seemed to think they were exempt from culling. It’s
become an accepted fact; the flu viruses were probably purposely released. What
I don’t understand is the willingness of some people to say, “Well, I don’t
like what happened, or how they did it, but maybe it was needed anyway.” Pretty
easy to say when you are one of the survivors.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a great deal of time doing research
in the Library. It appears the internet is finally gone after coming and going
for an extended time. I really miss its convenience. Debra thinks we should
find a way to restart it. No, she’s not stupid, it was a moment of wishful
thinking. Hell, I’ve thought the same thing myself. Then I discovered a little
tidbit by accident, and from an unlikely source, Sara Gupta. Yeah, she’s still
around and causing trouble.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in the cafeteria one morning because
they were having ham, gravy, and fried instant mashed potatoes; we don’t get
fresh potatoes any more. Debra and I both have actually made it ourselves at
our apartment, I really like it for some odd reason. Anyway, Debra was on a
night of extended duty and I drove the cart we have to the cafeteria because
the afternoon before, Doctor Horne removed my cast. I was finally free from it.
I was still using the cane because the leg was so weak and seemed to have a
tendency to give out on occasion. I was walking to a table with my tray
balanced on one hand and the other holding my cane, when a woman stood up and
almost upended the tray. Together, we managed to avoid a catastrophe with my
breakfast tray, but not with the papers she was also juggling. I sat my tray
down and then helped her to gather the sheets from the floor. Something jumped
out from the first sheet I picked up; Sara Gupta’s name.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I handed the paper to the woman, and then
picked up another, there was a notation at the top indicating it was from the
office of Sara Gupta. I handed that one over and picked up the next, there was
a citation at the bottom of the page listing the web site the information was
taken from. I was able to gather a little more information from each page as I passed
them over. I handed over that one and when I looked at the next, it had the day
it was printed out from the website in question, the day before.
Son-of-a-bitch. Someone had internet access and wasn’t sharing.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished my meal, and then headed for the
EXSEC Bunker. When I arrived, Packer seemed genuinely happy to see me, but I
got straight to the point, “Major, are you aware of anyone talking about using
the internet?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’m not, but I thought it finally
shutdown with no one maintaining it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained what happened in the cafeteria.
“How does Gupta download anything from the internet, when the internet is
down?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re asking the wrong guy, but I’ll ask
Gilly and there’s a couple of others I can touch bases with. Now I have a
question for you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now that I’ve disbanded the BOD, I can
finally get moving on some projects they kept nixing. Are you up for doing a
construction survey for me?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, of course, but remember, I’m not
a General contractor, I’m a Sprinklerfitter.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I know, it was Morgan from Facilities
that said he wanted you to take a run through with the intent of changing the
Worker Barracks to Family living space for EXSEC and possibly other new
families, with sprinkler supply in mind.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, okay, I’ll get right on it. I was going
to give the cart back you allowed Debra and I to use while my leg was in the
cast, but can I keep it for a few days while I run back and forth?” I pointed
to the leg and added, “It atrophied significantly and it’s weaker than I like.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is Doc Horne going to get you set up with
physical therapy?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Sir, he already has.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go ahead and keep it for now, but I may
need it on occasion. If so, I’ll try to give you advance warning.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Sir. One other thing, then I’ll
get out from under foot, why is Gupta still running the Genetics Lab?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Board of Directors wanted her there,
but that’s going to change post haste. We have enough circumstantial evidence
to file charges against her and frankly, she deserves some suckage.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Biochemistry Lab? What about them? Are
you going after them also?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we are. They seem too closely
connected to everything that went down.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, let’s spread the suckage, Major.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Packer laughed and asked, “Feeling a little
more retributive now that you can get around?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, yes, Sir, I am, but it’s nothing
new.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good, that means you’re starting to get
back with the program. Now, get out of here, running this place is sucking up
the free time I didn’t have before.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Better you than me, Sir.” I left and
visited Morgan at Facilities, then over to the old worker barracks. Because of
the way the Facility had originally been designed, there were always areas of
unused space. Each level had an elevation of twenty feet and that left a lot of
room above almost all of the offices, work areas, and residential housing. From
about twelve feet up, it was a maze of ducting, piping and electrical conduits.
When I was working on the original Phase Six, I found it perplexing there was
so much wasted space. That wasted space was coming home to roost.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were originally installing the fire
sprinklers in Phase Six, I had the engineers leave supply for future use in
areas I thought might be repurposed at some time in the future. Whoever
installed the sprinklers in the Workers Barracks apparently didn’t have the
same foresight. The purpose, an area is used for, determines how dense the
layout of sprinklers will be, and since the Worker’s Barracks were essentially
residential, the piping schedule was what we call, light hazard. We were
considering changing the large wide-open spaces where the bunks had originally
been into a series of family dwellings, essentially turning the areas into
apartments with the addition of numerous walls and ceilings. Though the fire
rating would still be light hazard, now you had new walls that required the
sprinklers to be within a certain distance in order to provide coverage. New
ceilings that would require additional heads be added below the ceilings while
still having coverage above the ceilings in what now would become essentially
attic space. In a nutshell, there was nowhere near enough supply for all the
new heads needed. That meant we needed more pipe, more hanger material, more
everything, and more everything we didn’t have. The pipe shop had nowhere near
the supplies needed for the project they, and I, wanted when we first considered
it. Could we simply install walls and no ceilings? Of course, but there would
be no privacy. You would be able to hear your neighbor’s arguments, lovemaking,
and on and on; human beings may be social creatures, but there’s a limit to our
sociability. The way things are presently, I couldn’t see the project going
forward without some major acquisitions of material by way of salvage.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned to Facilities and spoke with
Morgan, then paid a visit to the physical therapist to exercise my leg and
stretch it out. She wanted me to bring Debra with me to our next appointment so
she could show her how to help me with some additional exercises she wanted me
to do; I said I would if Debra wasn’t on duty. On the way back to our
apartment, I stopped off at the Exchange with the intent to get something for
our dinner. Unfortunately, the pickings were really getting slim. I ended up
picking up some freeze-dried chicken, potato cubes, frozen broccoli, dried
onion, powdered cheese, powdered eggs, a loaf of bread, and a few bottles of
seasonings. It had been a long time since I made a chicken and broccoli
casserole, but I figured if I screwed it up, there was always the cafeteria.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By then it was getting close to time to pick
up Debra, I had the ingredients prepared and ready for the oven, so I put it in
and then drove to the Bunker. There is a row of benches outside the entrance
and that is where she was when I arrived, she must have finished up early. I
parked and waited a moment, then got out and walked up to her as she gave me a
faint smile.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, you look beat, are you feeling okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I’m just really tired and I can
feel a headache coming on. Luckily, we have tomorrow off.” The only time she
gets headaches is just before her menstrual cycle starts.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bent over and picked up her chest rig from
where it rested next to her feet and said, “I’ve got this, go sit down and I’ll
drive you home.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did and after we arrived, I sent her to
the shower while I checked the casserole. It was starting to bubble a little.
She finally came out and I told her sit in my chair while I showered and then
the last ingredients for the casserole could be added. When I came out from the
shower, she was sitting, leaning forward and massaging her temples, yeah, this
was probably going to be a bad one. I grabbed her a couple of Tylenol and a
bottle of water which I handed her as I knelt beside the chair, “Here, take
these,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After swallowing the tablets, she said,
“You’re the best, Hon.” Then she curled up in the chair and I thought I
detected a slight shiver. I placed my hand on her forehead and yes, she was
running a fever. “Can you get me something to cover up with?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fetched a fresh sheet, shook it out and
then draped it over her as she snuggled deeper into the chair. Within a few
moments she was sound asleep. If this went the way it normally did, she would
sleep for four or five hours and then wake up ready to take on the world and be
totally normal. I pulled the casserole out, liberally coated the top with corn
chips and a handful of jalapenos, then finished it with a thin cheese sauce
poured over the chips. When it was browned, I would remove it from the oven and
let it cool.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat in the kitchen and rolled out some
preliminary drawings the engineering office had prepared for converting the
Barracks to a family residential area and started looking them over, but there
was simply no way it was going to be done with what we had available in-house.
I wondered how Packer was going to react when he was informed he was going to
have to send his people out into a dangerous world for sheet rock. We would
see.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I removed the casserole and set it on the
top of the stove, then I checked Debra’s forehead and it was definitely cooler.
When I touched her, she softly moaned, “No,” so I let her sleep. I spooned some
of the dish into a bowl and started to eat. Damn, this shit was good and Debra
was sleeping through it. When I was done eating, I covered what was left and
put it away in the refrigerator, then studied the sketches a little longer and
finally went to bed.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a near dream state I reached for her
beside me and instantly came fully awake when I realized she wasn’t there.
After a moment of panic, I remembered she was sleeping in the chair outside, so
I slipped out of bed and then froze as I heard her voice. Was someone here? I
pulled on my pants and a tee shirt before picking up my cane and walking out of
the bedroom.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, my god, this tastes so good!” She was
sitting at the small dining table and eating the casserole from the pan I
cooked it in. I laughed as she looked up and smiled at me, “Did I wake you up?
If I did, I’m sorry.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, you didn’t wake me up; but I guess you
woke up hungry?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, the headache and the cramps were
gone. I looked in the fridge and saw this, so I pulled it out and took a taste
with the fork. Wow, Honey, you’re definitely a keeper.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled a plate from the cupboard and
carved a small piece of the casserole from the pan. That was when I realized
she was eating it cold. “Babe, you didn’t even heat it up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just wanted to taste it, to see if I
wanted to take the time to heat it, but it’s so good, I kept eating it! Did you
make this yourself?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, John Cameron and I used to make it
every once in a while.” I smiled at her again and said, “It really is a lot
better if you heat it up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sat her fork down and pushed the pan
away, “Were you going to heat that for me, or yourself?” She asked as she
indicated the portion I had put on the plate.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s for you, I was going to throw it in
the microwave.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She picked up the plate and slid what I had
taken out, back into the pan, “If we save it, there will be enough for dinner
tomorrow.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “You’re sure?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we’ll eat it together.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, are you ready for bed?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’m kind of wound up, if I wasn’t on my
period…” She kind of smiled and then shrugged, “But I know how guys feel about
that, so I guess I’ll see if I can find a recorded movie to watch, or
something.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know how guys feel about, what?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know, sex, with a woman when she’s on
her period. My dad always said even the idea was nasty and…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa!” I said. “Because your sperm donor,
the guy that abused you and insulted you every chance he got, said men think
it’s nasty, you think, I think, it’s nasty?” She stared at me and then I said,
“Babe, the only reason I never brought it up when you were on your period was
because you seemed put off from it.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, it would probably, maybe, get kind of
messy, you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, probably, but we have a shower. You
once told me you would never tell me no, and I told you the same thing. I
didn’t say I would never say no, unless you were on your period.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up from her chair, put the lid
back over the casserole dish, and then put it back in the fridge. When she came
back, she asked, “Can I sit on your lap? I mean how is your leg?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s fine.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She eased down and slowly settled onto my
lap, “Are you okay?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kind of wiggled a little as she settled
and then put her arm around my neck, “When we were separated, after the
picture, the squad and I were at the rifle range one day and you walked by.”</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded, “I remember.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I pretended I didn’t see you, but I did. I
watched you all the way to your truck and then I saw the black smoke from the
exhaust. I wanted to run down there and tell you how much I missed you, that I
wanted us to leave, the two of us, and go somewhere we could start again, but I
didn’t, I was too proud, too stubborn.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it isn’t. That day, at the Child Care
Center, when you and Danni came for me, After I shot those two people, and I
knew I was going out, the last thing I remember thinking was, I should have
told you I still loved you, that now you would never know.” She wiped at her
eyes and then in frustration said, “God, I get so emotional when it’s this time
of the month.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not a weakness, Babe.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it’s not.” She seemed uncomfortable and
finally said, “When that guy was choking you, the one I shot?” I nodded. “I was
scared to death he would kill you and I wouldn’t be able to tell you how I
felt.” I pulled her tight against me. “Then, when we were in the utility
corridor? I wanted to tell you there, but I would see that picture in my mind
and get so angry and lash out at you, but when I did it, I was trying not to,
you know?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re a proud woman, I don’t blame you,
Babe, it’s one of the things I love about you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And then, you got mad and said things to
me, and I knew I had screwed up, that I was losing you, but I couldn’t stop
saying nasty things to you, and then you walked away and left me, you didn’t
look back and I knew it was over and you wouldn’t forgive me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was listening and when I heard you start
to follow, I slowed down so you could keep up.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You did?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Your almost there, keep going.”</i> </span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?” I looked around for whoever had
spoken. “Of course,” I said to Debra. “I might not have been able to keep my
mouth shut, but there was no way I would leave you behind. Just because I was
angry and saying…” I stopped. What was it? It was on the tip of my tongue, but…</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Honey? I’ve seen that look before, what is
it? What are you thinking?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You were saying things you didn’t mean to
say?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, it was like I couldn’t stop myself.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When you were taking birth control pills,
you would get extremely angry all of a sudden and lash out at whoever was close
to you.” I looked at her and asked, “When you were on them before, did you
react so strongly?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would get pissed, but not so bad. I
figured I had changed some and was just reacting different.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After Packer and I were involved in the
firefight, you were really short with me, but Packer had already explained it
wasn’t my fault, right?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he really dressed me down and then told
me to stay close to you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then, you saw the wound I had in the
safe room, you really freaked out. That was totally unlike your normal self. You
lost it and Packer threatened to throw you in the guardhouse.” She nodded again
and turned away as if she was ashamed of the way she had acted. “Then, when I
woke up, here, in our apartment, at first you were your normal self and then you
got really angry with me, remember? It was like you were out of control, you
even started pulling your own hair.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She nodded and glanced at me before turning
away again, “I’m sorry, I was so upset, you were hurt so bad and I felt like, I
don’t know, like you didn’t care that I was hurt, your promise…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, really, I do.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes, I feel really confused and I get
angry so easy, but it goes away before I do anything I might regret.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know. Now, let’s talk about me.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? I mean, it was me, it’s been my fault
all along, everything.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, it hasn’t,” I said.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“You got it, good boy.”</i></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But…”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The other guy, me, I mean the other me, do
you know when he showed up the first time? When he spoke to me, like he used to
when we were kids?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was in Packer’s office, after I broke
down and you came in to comfort me, remember?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” she was no longer looking away, she
was holding my eyes with her own.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“His first words to me were, ‘don’t fuck
this up.’ He was referring to you.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The next time was in the room where we
spent our first night back together, and then off and on from thereafter until
inside the safe room when he told me I didn’t need him anymore.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was still looking at me, but with a
blank expression.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve had episodes of making bad decisions
on the spur of the moment because I was angry, emotional outbursts like in
Packer’s office. The nasty things I said to you in the tunnel when I had
flashes of anger, everything, all the way up to how I baited Becker when he had
me, and finally, the way I killed him in a fit of rage. All the things we did
that hurt each other, everything happened after, that woman hit you in the face
with the lamp, and that guy tried to strangle me. Do you see it?”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept staring at me and I could see the
wheels turning in her head, and then it happened, her eyebrows raised and her
mouth formed an ‘O’.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, we were contaminated with that shit
that caused people to attack others,” I said. “And we are still suffering the after-effects.”</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“About time you figured it out.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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<![endif]--></p>dtyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10648505392170909602noreply@blogger.com0