Jon Smith

by Richard Proctor

  “Yea, that is true. You always seem to know what is best. Hell, we ought to make you our President.” said old man Johnston.

  “I in no way want to be called president. We always come together to decide what to do and maybe I add a bit more voice but in the end we all agree.” said Jon.

  “Yea, Yea that is it. That is what we do.” said Mort.

  “And now my neighbors as the sun sets and my glass is empty, I plan on filling my glass, finding my bride, and carousing a while. We have endless time to discuss our politics.” said Jon.

  “Here here.” the group added

  Jon made his way toward the ladies as they were deep in conversation. Upon his arrival they abruptly stopped which lead to the fact that they were no doubt talking about the men of the valley. Amanda had already departed the ladies club and had moved to find a group of younger guys and gals. Catherine upon seeing Jon turned and looked at her husband.

  “Well here you are. Have you had enough of politics for one evening?”

  “Absolutely, I came to get you so we could move over toward the food. How is your drink holding out?” asked Jon.

  “I could use a refill, how about you?”

  “Well let’s go and then let’s get something to eat. That roast pork smells really good.” said Jon.

  The two made their way to the drink area and re-filled their glasses with wine. Next, they headed toward the food where meat was cooking on the spits and numerous plates of vegetables, rice concoctions, and desserts were there for the taking. John took a few strips of roast pork and some salad as while he was a large strong man, he was not exactly a big eater. This also probably was the reason that he had maintained a top degree of fitness as he aged. Catherine began to eye the food and could not seem to make up her mind.

  “What honey, too many choices?” asked Jon.

  “Well it is not all that, I just don’t know about meat as you know I have never been a big meat eater.” said Catherine.

  “Look over there, that is a fresh turkey that they have roasted, I bet that would do you well.” said Jon.

  “Now, that I think appeals to me, that some salad and some of this rice.”

  Jon helped Catherine with her plate and the two made their way to some chairs and sat to eat. The sun was setting as the two sat and ate. The whole area was now being lit up by fires and of course the cook fires.

  “You know Jon; you all do live a good life here. What is funny as even with the few days of me being here I am beginning to actually feel physically good and strong again.” said Catherine.

  “I think that is what clean air, good food, and being around your family are doing for you. And maybe back being with me?” said Jon.

  Catherine put down her plate and grabbed her husband’s hand.

  “Jon, I have always loved you. It was just that during those years of change and such I guess outside things got in our way. And as I have already told you in many ways you were right. Right about what happened to our country; right about what was becoming of society, and right to bring Chris out of it. Now I just wish Amanda and I had come with you.”

  “Catherine, you know taking Chris with me and away from you was very hard for me but at the time it was best for him. As you remember he already had issues with self-confidence and focus. I feel like if I had left him in that weak society, he would have only gotten worse. No doubt he would have been put through analysis until he didn’t even know who he was. It was funny, only about one year later after we came here, he morphed into a strong and confident young man.” said Jon.

  “I have to say he is very different than when he left. He does have a confidence and an aura about him. I bet he is even good at his school work.”

  “He is one smart guy.” said Jon.

  “Well maybe this change and being here will be good for Amanda and me as well.” said Catherine.

  “Well you are here now and it is not too late for Amanda. And I believe not too late for you. Oh, I know what those doctors said but maybe they are wrong. Fact is in the last few days the color has returned to your cheeks and you look stronger.” said Jon.

  “And as I said, I feel stronger.” said Catherine.

  “Well let’s finish up and head over toward the bon fire and the band. It won’t be much longer till they crank up.” said Jon.

  Across the way Chris and Amanda were enjoying the moments of youth. The revelry was beginning to start and the young folks were ready to get to dancing and partying. Chris was enjoying a beer and Amanda a glass of wine, all the while looking over potential company for the evening.

  “Chris, the girls in this valley sure are different that in the urban world.” said Amanda.

  “Well of course but how would you describe the difference?” asked Chris.

  “They seem taller, and more blondes. They also look thinner. I don’t mean skinny just a bit more in shape.”

  “And that surprises you after what you have seen here of our life.” said Chris.

  “And how about the guys sis?” What is your opinion there?” asked Chris.

  Same thing, taller, lighter hair, and a lot more muscular.” said Amanda.

  “And which do you prefer, the urban boys with their soft look or us valley guys?” asked Chris.

  “Loaded question Chris, of course any girl would prefer a guy that looked like he could actually protect her. Something tells me the valley guys are not nearly as hung up as all the guys back in the urban areas.” said Amanda.

  “No, they are not, and they know how to treat a lady. I hope you are comfortable being held in one of those gentleman’s arms when he dances with you tonight.” said Chris.

  “Really, they do that here?” asked Amanda.

  “Oh yea, they do.” said Chris.

  All at once the festival went into full gear. The bonfire lit up with such a blaze that it illuminated the entire field. The patrons let out woops and alcohol induced cheers. Then the band cranked up. As the guys playing were some mix of old country and southern rock, the first song out was “Sweet Home Alabama.” The yelp out was a mix of rebel yells and cheers. Soon the crowd was out dancing.

  Amanda was eyeing a tall boy with clear blue eyes and dark hair and at once he noticed her. Approaching he turned and asked Chris, “Would it be alright if I danced with your sister?”

  “Man, don’t ask me, ask her.” said Chris.

  “Would you like to dance?”

  “Absolutely, what is your name?” asked Amanda.

  “Nathan and you are Amanda?” said Nathan.

  “And how do you know that?” asked Amanda.

  “We all know about Jon Smith’s family in this valley.”

  The music and spirits got the folks moving and soon the young people were out dancing and enjoying the party. Chris asked an attractive girl that he had crush on to join him and she accepted. Youth is wonderful in that the cares of the world only center around school work, home chores, and the youthful romances. It is what being young should be about, not some indoctrination into a social experiment derived to advance some politicians goals. In the valley the children could be children and the young adults could be young adults.

  After a few fast numbers the band stopped and the lead singer came to the microphone.

  “Alright all you older folks the next one is for you so grab your sweetheart as we are going to take it back in time for you.”

  Then the band began the music and lyrics.

  “Hold me, hold me

  Never let me go until you’ve told me, told me

  What I want to know and then just hold me, hold me

  Make me tell you I’m in love with you”

  The song by Mel Carter

  As the song started Jon took Catherine’s hand and asked her to dance. She readily said yes and the two were dancing holding each other.

 
“You know I miss dancing with you.” said Catherine.

  “And I have missed holding you. I am glad we are together again. We are together again aren’t we?”

  “Yes, Jon I am here with you until the end.”

  “Don’t say that, you are here with me for good.” said Jon.

  Catherine looked up into Jon’s eyes and then pulled face to hers and held him in a kiss.

  “Well, I can’t wait to get home and to the bed.” said Jon.

  “I bet you can’t.” said Catherine.

  The partying, revelry and drinking went on into the night. Both young and old danced and drank their way into a stupor and as the night waned it was soon time for the breakup of the festival. Jon and family made their way to the truck. Both Amanda and Chris gave their evening dates a kiss goodnight and crawled into the truck. Once all was loaded Jon headed back toward the cabin with his tired crew. The four were soon ambling for the door on their way to slumber. It was one of those one o’clock in the morning nights that would no doubt result in sleeping in late in the morning. With the extinguishing of the lights the occupants of the house fell into a deep slumber.

  Chapter 13

  For the few days after the festival the valley rested and recovered. Fun was had by all and the yearly party had been a success. Sunday and Monday had crept by and soon it was Tuesday morning, the first Tuesday in November. Jon was up with Catherine enjoying coffee on the back porch. The sky was overcast and a hint of snow was in the air.

  “I bet the snow is coming down in the high country. You know we leave the day after tomorrow for the Elk hunt.” said Jon.

  “So why is this Elk hunt so important to everyone in the valley? At the festival the women were even talking about It.” said Catherine.

  “The Elk hunt is when we get the most meat for the year and especially the winter. To a man we each try to kill an elk and that makes for about one thousand pounds of meat if Chris and I each take one. We do that in case other folks in the valley are in need.” said Jon.

  “I thought that we had a shortage of Elk and Deer, or so they would tell us that back in the city.” said Catherine.

  Jon could only laugh and shake his head.

  “More propaganda, fact is we are over run with all animals. Since hunting was cut back the Deer, Elk, and other predators have just exploded. And fact that it is not good because too many of the Elk and Deer die in the winter because of lack of food. Our hunting is what keeps the herd in somewhat check but even we hardly make a dent. Yes, even the predator population is higher but they cannot control the Elk and Deer herds’ either.” said Jon.

  “Well I guess when you lay it out like that, I understand the importance of It.” said Catherine.

  “Listen, today Chris and I have to go down to the base of the valley and meet with some folks to talk about supplies and plans. You know we leave on Thursday morning and come back on Monday. Do you think you and Amanda will be Ok? I will show you all the things you need and there will be a rifle here for you just in case.” said Jon.

  “A rifle, what would I need one of those for?” asked Catherine.

  “Well let’s see, bears, coyotes, wolves, anything else?” said Jon.

  “Got it” said Catherine.

  Soon the whole family was up and finishing up breakfast. Jon and Chris headed out toward the truck, each carrying a 30-30 and a box of ammunition. Any trip in the valley required that you carry a rifle, just in case. The two climbed into the truck and headed down toward the mouth of the valley.

  The Johnson’s place was really the first home you would come to when you enter the valley. Old man Johnson was in his late sixties as was his wife, Claire. Age though had not slowed the old man, much. He was feisty and always on guard for anything that would threaten him or his wife.

  Today however would prove a much different task for the old man as while he was out back trying to clear out his well pump, a collection of four silver vehicles pulled into his drive and abruptly stopped. Out of the vehicles stepped twelve men, adorned in silver uniforms with tight caps and stripes on their arms. At their sides were batons that looked to be electronic in nature. As a group they walked to the front door and knocked.

  Claire Johnson came to the door and at once gasped. She knew that the men were not men of the valley and she had no idea their purpose.

  “What can I do for you all?” she asked.

  “You can grab your things and come with me. I am captain Schumacher of the first corps of the urban protection force and you all are coming with us to be assimilated back into the social order by orders of the regional governor.” said Schumacher.

  Claire stepped back and gasped. She then let out a yell to her husband.

  “Royce”

  “Don’t make us get rough ma’am, come out and get into the vehicle.” said the captain.

  “I will not.” said Claire.

  At once the trooper stepped up and opened the door and grabbed the old women. He roughly pushed her along toward the vehicle. Old man Johnson came around the house and saw the ordeal and ran toward his wife.

  “What the hell is going on and let my wife go.” said Royce Johnson.

  The captain turned toward old man Johnson.

  “Just you simmer down; we are here to start taking you outliers back into the city to assimilate you and to start making you contribute to the social order. Don’t you people know that objecting to the government is against the law.” said the Captain.

  “No, I wasn’t aware that standing up for your own rights and liberty was a crime. Then again that is why we left you pukes and your wimpy city.” said Royce.

  “We will show you and your ilk wimpy” said the captain.

  Jon and Chris had picked up Riley and his son and were headed toward the pre-hunt meeting. The four were cruising down the valley looking at the snow covered peaks and thinking about the hunt that was to come. The plan was to meet most of the men however Jon had decided that he would head to old man Johnson’s house first to see how he was and to let him know that they planned to bring him meat this year as old man Johnson was getting to the point of not being able to hunt.

  As Jon pulled the truck up to the Johnson’s he saw the strange vehicles outside and saw the silver clad men dragging Mrs. Johnson toward the vehicles. Stopping the truck out stepped Jon, Chris, Riley and Riley’s son Angus. Each had seen what was going on and grabbed their rifles in an almost reflexive moment. Jon walked up to the captain and spoke first.

  “Let these people go. What are you doing here?”

  “None of your business or rather we will get to you next. We are under orders to take you outliers back to the city for re-assimilation.” said the Captain.

  Jon dropped his head and laughed. He then shook his head side to side.

  “Well it figures, your system is failing and they are probably blaming it on us. You are taking nobody anywhere. You are to get back in your vehicles, put your tails between your legs and go back to your city and leave us alone.” said Jon.

  “I don’t think so.” said the captain.

  Jon reached out his arm and the captain felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and another over his back forcing him back toward the truck. The captain then reached for his stun baton but before he could unsnap it, he heard the cocking of three rifles.

  “You and your men get going before we let loose a few bullets in you. Chris, aim right at this guy and if he moves stick a round in his gut.” said Jon.

  The captain looked at Chris and at the rifle pointed toward him. He understood that more than likely the young man would pull that trigger and as such the captain yielded.

  “Ok men load up and let’s get out of here.” said the Captain.

  The twelve of them loaded into their vehicles and soon they were headed back down the road. Just for emphasis Jon pulled his rifle around and fired a shot into the
back windshield of the last vehicle. That action saw the four vehicles accelerate and leave the valley.

  “Dad, what the heck was all that about?” asked Chris.

  “I am not sure except I think our days of peace here in the valley just might be coming to an end. It would seem that the government has decided that it is time to impose their will on us.” said Jon.

  Old man Johnson came out with his wife and stood with the four men. He looked shaken up and Claire was visibly shaken as well.

  “Jon, Riley, thanks for showing up when you did looks like I needed the help.” said Johnson.

  “Well twelve against one would have been tough for most men.” said Riley.

  “Seems they got the jump on me. You can bet it won’t happen again.” said Johnson.

  “No this will not happen again; however, they will be back and I fear that it will be with a lot more men and weapons.” said John.

  “What do you think we ought to do?” asked Chris.

  “Well this isn’t a good time as the Elk hunt is upon us and we have got to go hunting. I think we ought to get the folks in the valley together and have a plan. They won’t be back for a while but I want us to be prepared.” said Jon.

  “Riley, you and your boy head out and tell people to go to the festival field. Chris and I will do the same. Let’s all meet there in an hour.” said Jon.

  Jon and Chris dropped Riley and Angus off at their cabin and both groups were alerting the valley to come to the festival field as soon as possible. Jon headed toward home and soon he and Chris came through the front door.

  “Catherine, Amanda” called Jon.

  The two came into the main room at once noting the strangeness in Jon’s voice.

  “What is the matter you seem distraught.” said Catherine.

  “I am. It seems your government has decided to quit leaving us alone.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Amanda.

  “Well, they sent a detachment of men into the valley with it seems the job of rounding us all up and taking us back to the city.” said Jon.