The Third Ten

by Jacqueline Druga

  The Society’s stance against Beginnings and vice versa had come to a standstill following the end of the game that entailed chasing Ellen across the country.

  The engagements that were once daily or at the very least weekly, started to subside when the savages emerged, and since have begun an unspoken cease fire between the two powers. There seemed to be a stand still on gaining control on the other’s side of the country.

  The only act of war committed was actually done by Lodi when George’s convey was on its way to monitor the ‘game’. He had actually even forgotten about that until Callahan reminded him.

  But there was something about Robbie Slagel’s pending arrival that made George happy. Admittedly, he enjoyed spending time with Henry when they monitored the game. He enjoyed working with Robbie when they took out savages.

  Callahan was just at a loss.

  Are they the enemy or aren’t they.

  “You of all people should know,” George told her. “You can be at odds with a country yet have a friend inside.”

  Robbie wasn’t his friend, but of all the Slagels, George always liked Robbie.

  Who didn’t?

  The only grudge he had against him was the fact that he was a Slagel. George didn’t know Hal, but was willing to bet he didn’t like him. No one was quite like Robbie.

  The Society. For so long they were the enemy, and in a sense they still were. But the tides were about to change and Robbie could feel that.

  He was on the ‘other side’. The last time was the Savage Wars, and they worked together. This time wouldn’t be the last, and Robbie knew it. The impending Great War would bring them together again, and a part of Robbie felt, the good old days of fighting the Society were going to be a thing of the past.

  Bertha Callahan was not what he expected. He only figured it was Bertha because the Society farmed the women and Bertha, in uniform stood waiting by a jeep.

  Robbie finished securing the plane, and walked to the jeep. She stood about ten feet in front of it, a woman nearly his height and bulk. She extended a hand to him. “Mr. Slagel.”

  “Callahan.”

  “I’d refer to you as respective rank, but to the best of my knowledge the UWA is the only ones in the provinces that use a rank structure.”

  “Call me Robbie. But I was a staff sergeant prior to the plague.

  “Sgt. Slagel, I’ll call you.”

  “Thanks.” He released her huge hand. “I did a …” He paused in speaking when the jeep door opened and, to his surprise, George emerged.

  Robbie didn’t know how to react. George was the last person he expected to see on that runway.

  Did he look pleasant? Robbie wondered. Or was it just his imagination. Actually, to Robbie, George was presenting an air of ‘happy’ in his approach to Robbie, almost as if he was glad to see him.

  Robbie did his typical pucker of his lips, trying to muster up the appropriate look. The shock could have slammed him backwards when George, arm and hand extended, grinned, and spoke upbeat.

  “Robbie, good to see you.”

  He wanted to respond, ‘it is?’, but he didn’t. Cordial, he held out his hand with a simple greeting of, “George”.

  “How was the flight?”

  “Um good. Good.”

  What the fuck? Robbie thought. This was George?

  “Do you need to settle?” George asked. “Because I was thinking, I have a chopper ready if you want to take it up and look.”

  “No, I’m good. I can take the chopper now,” Robbie said. “I didn’t see him, then again. A chopper would be easier.”

  “My thoughts exactly.”

  “Say, uh, George?” Robbie asked. “Not that it’s not a becoming state for you, but why are you being so nice?”

  “I’d like to know that, too.” Callahan added.

  “Don’t know.” George shrugged, “Maybe it’s time.”

  Robbie snickered. “Okay. Do you know something?”

  “To be honest, I’m hoping you can tell me.”

  Robbie shook his head. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “In the middle of a justified attack against Lodi …”

  “Justified attack?”

  “Justified attack,” George repeated. “You gonna tell me if we set up camp in Montana you wouldn’t remove it? You can’t say that, the UWA hit us just the same. In the middle of that hit, Frank calls and asks for a cease fire. Claiming … claiming we don’t need to be divided.”

  Robbie folded his arms. “Okay.”

  “Okay, when does Frank give a shit about whether we are united or not? He mentioned something about ‘if’ we get invaded. I hoping you can tell me if there’s something you know.”

  “Have you asked Frank?”

  “Oh, sure.” George said. “He set up a meeting with me next Thursday.”

  Robbie snickered. “Next Thursday. That’s so Frank.”

  “Actually, it’s not.” George said. “The Frank I knew wouldn’t call me. The Frank I knew wouldn’t set up a meeting.”

  “And this is telling you what?” Robbie asked.

  “A lot. Big, sarcastic, arrogant, dumb ass Frank is in a different mode. He’s acting different because he’s in that mode.”

  “Which mode would that be?”

  “The only one that makes him look smart. His military mode. He gets into that when something is going on. We’re not doing anything. It’s not the savages,” George said. “So who is it?”

  “I don’t have answers for you, George. I really don’t.”

  “Then I’ll get them from Frank. Until then …” George laid his hand on Robbie’s back. “Let’s solve this current problem.”

  Robbie couldn’t help it. He felt weird having George touch him. His eyes kept shifting to the hand on his shoulder. He wanted to pull away, but a part of him thought better. Why fight it. Why not use it to his advantage. Get a good look around Quantico; see what they had, get information from George, and possibly some of those nifty White House hand towels he got the last time he was there.

  ***

  Elliott Ryder admittedly was one of those people who got impressed easily. People generally did that for him. Things they did, acted, so forth. The town of Jordan used to be an exception to his ‘I am impressed’ rule. They really were the hick town of the Beginnings provinces. They didn’t want to attend many meetings. They wanted to sip moonshine with Henry when he came for his liaison trips. They shut down early, didn’t want to partake in Danny Dollars. They had zero technology. Maybe that was the reason when the ‘Texas Town’ craft store opened, Elliott was shocked.

  They were actually going to make money? During his few hours break from the new monitoring system, he stopped in, previewing the store before the official opening, and the store proprietor told him it was only so they could buy things in Bowman.

  They had a meeting, all the craftsman, and decided why not share their talents.

  If the cost for which they set was any indication, they could put Unique Boutique out of business. The craftsmanship alone was amazing. Of course, the items they sold weren’t geared toward the feminine population.

  Elliott wanted to make a purchase, he really did. And even found the perfect item. An incredible recorder/flute. Whittled and smooth, the notes perfect. But Garret, the shop owner wouldn’t let him pay. Telling Elliott, “Anyone who can love an item that much and make it work immediately like you, deserves to have it.”

  Elliott thanked him for the gift and asked what he could do in return.

  “Use it,” Garrett told him.

  “I will. This is beautifully crafted.”

  “Well, I think Bob wanted to do something to overshadow the item he’s got going on sale in the Fancy Boy’s shop.”

  “Unique Boutique.”

  “Yes.”

  “Which item?” Elliott asked.

  “Vibrator.”

  Elliott nearly choked. “The same man who made this recorder remade the vibrator?”

&nb
sp; “Has a thing about phallic shapes.”

  Elliott laughed. “Who is your best talent, I’m curious.

  Garrett rubbed his chin. “Have to say Bryce Simpson.”

  “Any of his work in here?”

  “Nah,” Garret shook his head. “Too big and he takes a while to complete a project. But, holy moly what a talent. You would drop over.”

  “Really.”

  “Really, his current one is a gift to Joe Slagel and the people of Beginnings. He’s almost done. Estimates another month. You should see it.”

  Elliott had to admit his curiosity was piqued. “What is it?”

  “Can’t tell. You have to see it. And, I have to close up. It’s a long walk and I don’t want to walk while it’s dark.”

  “You’re walking?” Elliott asked.

  “My horse wasn’t feeling well.”

  “Then why don’t you let me drive you. It’s the least I can do for this recorder.” He held it up.

  “You know what? I’ll take that. My corns have been bothering me. Maybe we can convince Bryce to show you what he got.”

  “And that will make the trip all the better,” Elliott said.

  When he spoke those words, Elliott didn’t know if he truly believed them, but was head over heels glad that he took Garrett home.

  Bryce unveiled what he had and Elliott nearly passed out.

  It was, without a doubt going to be the best gift Joe and Beginnings ever received. He wanted to brag, tell, shout about it, but instead, he swore it a secret. It was far too good to let the cat out of the bag.

  Something like it could only be appreciated if it were seen. Plus, having that information and knowing something the captain didn’t made it all the more worthwhile.

  Upon returning to Bowman, Elliott had a few moments to spare. He was basking in what he saw and in his thinking of those originals in Beginnings he thought of Ellen.

  He had kept his distance, physically and emotionally from her since she announced her impending marriage to Frank. That wasn’t fair. Not to him or her, considering they had become such good friends.

  So Elliott called her.

  He didn’t know what to expect. Would she be mad? Happy?

  “Oh my God,” Ellen wisped out. “You don’t know how good it is to hear your voice.”

  “And you’re as well,” Elliott sat back in the new monitoring station.

  “What’s the occasion?”

  “I missed talking to you. I’m worried about you.”

  “I’m fine. Tired. Stuck here.”

  “How are the men?”

  “We’ve done all we can do. It’s just a matter of waiting until some are out of the woods.”

  “When do you think you’ll be able to return?” Elliott asked.

  “We’re hoping to head home in two days. Robbie’s at the Society now looking for Mike.”

  “I know. Two days isn’t bad. You’ll be home in time to finish planning your wedding on the 21st.”

  “Yes, any longer and it’ll cut it short. Although I think Frank is handling everything.”

  “And enjoying it,” Elliott said. “How’s Dean.”

  “Dean.”

  “Good thing he is not here,” Elliott said.

  “Why’s that?”

  “He’s made himself quite at home. In fact, the captain is accompanying his brother to a lecture Lars is holding tonight in Beginnings. I believe it’s on viruses and so forth. A medical thing.”

  “Jimmy would get into that.”

  “Jimmy. No. Frank.”

  Ellen chuckled. “Frank? Frank is going to a lecture on viruses.”

  “I’m assuming that’s what it’s about, since it is Lars Rayburn.”

  “I’d assume so too. Wow, Frank is broadening his horizons.”

  “And the captain is thrilled.”

  “So am I.”

  “Really? The news thrills you. Why is that?”

  “Elliot, it’s been pretty bad around here. We’ve been working hard. Dean’s been quiet; I need a pick me up.”

  “And hearing about Frank going to a lecture is that?”

  “Um, no.” Ellen snickered. “Hearing that Lars is giving a lecture on a Dean subject does. Wait until I tell Dean, he’s gonna flip. That … is my pick me up.”

  “Sadistic, but I see where you’re coming from.”

  “Good. So, what are you up to?”

  “Now.”

  “Now, yesterday, whenever.”

  “I’d rather share now with you.” Elliott sat down. “Wait until I tell you what Danny Hoi did for us.”

  ***

  In an unusual occurrence, the light above the library was on. Most of the buildings in Beginnings with the exception of the Social Hall and Containment were dark at night. But the bright light lit the way, for the small, but steady flow of people entering.

  “Do I smell humble bread?” Hal asked as he and Frank stepped in.

  “Andrea was heading this up. Maybe.”

  “Frank, I am so glad you invited me along. This means a lot.”

  “Frank?” Jenny snickered with surprise. “Why are you here?”

  “Um, to get informed.” Frank responded.

  “I can see Hal … but you?” Chuckling, Jenny walked away.

  Hal shook his head. Before he could say anything, Gemma approached.

  “God, you are the last person I expected to see here.” She said to Frank and walked away.

  “Christ almighty,” Josephine sloppily blurted. “If it ain’t the big dumb one trying to learn something.”

  “Frank?” Melissa asked with surprise. “Why would you be here? This is so not you.”

  “I want to learn.”

  Melissa snickered. “This will be good.” And she walked away.

  Perhaps it was brotherly allegiance but Hal was genuinely offended. “Frank, I cannot believe these women have such lack of respect for you. I mean, granted there are times you can be a short bus patron, but Good God, can’t they believe you want to open up your horizons?”

  “This is the shit I deal with Hal. Fuckin’ day in and day out.”

  “Well, it’s unfair and immature. Let’s go take a seat in the back, so we can make fun of them.”

  “Let’s grab some refreshments first.”

  “Sounds good.”

  They grabbed a tiny plate each, placing on some humble bread, and they found two seats in the back of the room.

  They either ate quickly, or the meeting was running late. Just as they set their empty plates to the floor, Andrea stood before the room of all women.

  “I’m not gonna make you wait. Will you give a Beginnings welcome to Dr. Lars Rayburn?”

  The place erupted with cheers and applause, and Lars Rayburn, hand high, walked into the room.

  “Thank you. Thank you.” Lars nodded and stood before the set up podium. “Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the warmth and welcome you here in Beginnings have given to me.”

  Applause rang again.

  “It warms my heart to be brought into your hearts like this. Inviting me to speak … and to have so many of you show up. It also makes me feel good, and that my message is not limited when I look out and see Frank and Hal.” He pointed to them in the back of the room.

  Hal nodded when everyone turned around.

  Andrea stood up. “They’re my sons.”

  Lars smiled. “I believed that with the rough and tough nature of Beginnings’ men, that no man would show up. Hal, you are an example.”

  Hal smiled proudly.

  “Your persona, all that you are, the uniform, exemplifies an educated man.”

  “See I told you,” Frank nudged him.

  Lars continued, “And you prove that you are never above learning anything. Your presence shows me that.”

  “Well,” Putting on the humbled look, Hal did the ‘dust the lint’ from his leg and smiled again. “Thank you.”

  “Now that I’ve praised our males…” Lars winked. “Let’s
get on with the lecture shall we?” He stepped behind the podium. “Applications of Romance into your everyday rituals. When one thinks about romance ….”

  The smile swept from Hal and his face strained.

  Frank leaned into him. “He said he praised the males, He didn’t praise me.”

  Hal shifted his eyes to Frank. “Do you know this lecture was about romance?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You knew?”

  “Yes.”

  “You … knew.” Hal stood up, bringing an immediate silence to the room... “You knew and you didn’t tell me?”

  “What the fuck Hal.” Frank said. “What did you think it was about?”

  “Science.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “I don’t know Frank maybe because ... the man is a scientist?”

  “He’s also a romance writer.” Frank nodded. “You knew that."

  “No I did not.”

  “Oh. Okay.” Frank shrugged. “My fault. It’s about romance, Hal.”

  Hal smacked Frank hard with a notebook. “Why would I want to go to a romance lecture?”

  Lars interjected. “Perhaps to get romance in your life.”

  “Oh, sure.” Hal nodded. “If I had a woman.”

  Lars said, “Maybe if you were more romantic you would get a woman.”

  Jenny stood. “In Hal’s defense, when we were together he was very romantic.”

  “Uh.” Hal shuddered.

  “Men should learn romance,” Lars said.

  Frank finally stood up. “That is what I’m thinking. The men are the ones that should be here, not the women. Unless of course, it’s about using a dildo.”

  The women groaned.

  “Then the men don’t need to be here unless …”

  “Frank.” Hal shouted. “Enough.”

  “What! I’m speaking my mind. I don’t understand why the women need to learn about romance. They hold all the cards.”

  “But,” Jenny interjected. “We need romance.”

  Frank fluttered his lips. “If you guys weren’t so fuckin quick to put out, bet me you’d see some romance around here. Fuckin men would wine and dine you left and fuckin right. Recite poetry. Stop lying on your backs, say enough is enough, they’re shut off, have Lars host a man lecture, then have a fuckin contest, which ever man romances you the best gets laid. You’ll see some fuckin romance.”