Darkness United

by KC Luck

  “I just want to make sure you're all in tiptop shape,” he explained, and Sam thought he sounded less like a

  powerful, high ranking officer in the army, but instead more like a jolly old grandpa. The more Sam got to know him, she realized he was actually both. The colonel was a warm and charismatic man, who just happened to have silver eagles on his shoulders and steel at his core.

  Once the children were out of earshot, they all sat down.

  To drink this fantastic coffee, Sam thought as Colonel Armstrong rubbed his big hands together. “You seem a bit stunned, Sam,” he asked. “Have I overwhelmed you with all this new information?”

  Grinning, Sam nodded. “Well, it has been a little much to take in,” she replied. “I mean we were all hoping the cavalry would come someday,” she said. “But that only seems to happen in books and movies.” She saw Laura nodding beside her.

  “Well, I'm not so sure we're the cavalry exactly,” the man said with a broad smile. “But we are here to help set some stuff straight. It's been a hell of a ride up from Nevada, but when the president called us at Area 51 and gave us our orders, I was happy to oblige.”

  “The president?” Laura asked as she leaned closer to Sam. She sounded surprised but hopeful.

  “Yes, ma'am. The president,” Colonel Armstrong replied.

  “And she's doing a bang-up job.”

  “She?” Sam asked raising her eyebrows.

  “Oh, that's right, you probably wouldn't know there was a bit of a shakeup there at the capital,” he answered. “Some people hightailed it out of town and others stepped into the gap. Which is why I'm sitting here talking to you now.”

  Sam did not know what to say. Just like everything else she heard over the last hour, she was just trying to take it all in. “So, where are you all from?” the colonel continued.

  “You seem like you were just passing through on your horses and all.”

  Sam nodded. “Actually, that is true,” she replied. “Laura and I, with Henry and Shauna, are headed back home to

  Astoria.” She was purposely a bit vague about the children.

  Sam and Laura had a quick private conversation about the children during all the activity of meeting up with the Army convoy. They decided to keep the children's background a secret—at least for the time being. The children seemed to know instinctively to keep things quiet, too. There would be a time when Sam would come forward with the truth and see if the children's parents could be reached, but just then, she wanted to keep them safe, and the four of them together.

  “Astoria, huh?” the colonel said. “I can't say I've been there or frankly even heard of it. What's so special about the place?”

  “It's where we are from,” Laura explained. “We came down here to deliver a letter for a friend and to see what was going on around Portland.”

  “Now, we are headed back,” Sam interjected.

  The colonel nodded, furrowing his brow. “What was your experience with Portland?” he asked. Sam and Laura looked at each other and then Sam shrugged.

  “Not so good,” she said.

  Colonel Armstrong scratched his chin. “That's to be expected, unfortunately,” he said. “We've been through Sacramento and then been wandering our way up the I-5

  interstate to check on towns along the way. It seems the bigger the town, the harder a time people have had.” His frown turned to a smile. “But after we've been there a little while, things get straightened out. It's amazing how people settle down once you can turn on a couple of lights.”

  At his words, Sam almost choked on her coffee. “You're turning on lights?” she asked, and the colonel gave a belly laugh.

  “Don't get too excited,” he replied. “I'm talking just a bulb or two here and there and of course our radios. We have temporary wind turbines we are erecting as we go,

  plus some solar. It's not enough to get much up and running, or at least not yet.

  Still, Sam was amazed. A part of her wondered if they would ever see electricity again. Then, she had an idea.

  “Would you be willing to install one of those turbines in Astoria?” she asked.

  “Oh, yes, please,” Laura added. “It is truly a wonderful town with amazing people. Even a little bit of electricity would mean the world to them.” The colonel looked thoughtful and Sam waited patiently to hear what he would say. Finally, he gave them a broad smile.

  “Okay,” he said. “I want to check your town out. I don't suppose we could find a horse trailer and give you guys a lift?”

  TEARS BURNED GRACE’S eyes as she lay in the bed. She was alone and a mixture of emotions churned inside her as she reflected on everything Dr. Ambrose and Anna said to her. They were both reassuring about her prognosis. Even though they would not promise she would be able to walk unaided again, they did believe she would be able to put weight on her hip at some point. It would be a long rehabilitation, but anything was possible. “But it will come down to you,” Dr. Ambrose had explained. “It depends on how hard you are willing to work.”

  “Oh, I am going to work hard,” Grace assured him. She had every intention of being able to walk again someday, somehow.

  At this, the doctor smiled. “My first impression told me you are exactly the kind of person who can overcome this. It will take time, but with assistance and perseverance, you can live a full and healthy life.” Grace had tried hard to believe him.

  Now, with both the doctor and Anna gone, Grace was left to her thoughts and self-doubt crept back in. A part of her wondered if the doctor was being honest. Maybe she would never walk again. Stop it, she scolded herself, frustrated for being unable to shake that thinking. I cannot give in and give up. Especially when she saw fellow soldiers wounded in battle and went to visit them in the hospital where she told them not to give up hope. She never appreciated what it would feel like to contemplate your life being so radically changed. She understood. Maybe someday there will be a way I can assist fellow soldiers who come back from combat changed.

  There were other regrets tugging at her, too, and they centered around Meg. Grace knew she hurt the woman deeply with her lies about the blood transfusion. Remorse filled her, and even though it seemed the best answer at the time, she knew the decision was the wrong one. Grace would do anything to help Meg. And I told her the complete opposite, she thought wishing so much she could take back her words. Because I miss her.

  Grace thought of Meg’s smile and her adventurous spirit.

  She knew the woman was arrogant as all hell and yet Grace had seen glimpses that she also had the kindest of hearts.

  Has she sailed away? Grace wondered. Or she still somewhere at the hospital? She would never blame Meg if she had gone, but just thinking it made Grace's heart ache.

  Alone and staring at the ceiling, she admitted to herself the two of them had a special connection. And I wasted my chance. She would never know where the relationship might have led if she had not been so horrible to Meg. So mean.

  And what if Meg was the one? A part of her was sure she would never know and Grace raised her hands to cover her face and cried.

  CHAPTER 36

  or the first time in days, Lexi's stomach grumbled with Fhunger. It was loud enough to wake her up, and she blinked her eyes open. Bright morning sunlight slowly filled the room. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day, she thought. That’s unusual for this time of year. Unless ... how long have I been asleep? Alarmed, she looked around only to notice Anna slept on the bed beside her. She was sprawled on top of the covers, and watching her sleep, Lexi took in her wife’s beauty. Anna was everything to her, and Lexi knew her illness had frightened Anna. But now I'm actually feeling better. A smile lit Lexi's face. Except I have to pee and I'm starving.

  Not wanting to wake Anna, Lexi started to slip quietly from the bed, but when her feet hit the floor, she found she was a lot weaker than she realized. Stumbling back against the bed, Anna was instantly awake and sat up. “Lexi, what are you doing?” she asked with
concern in her voice. “You shouldn't be up.”

  Lexi groaned as she slumped back on the bed. “I have to use the bathroom,” Lexi answered. “And believe it or not, I'm actually hungry. Do you think Alice has any soup ready this morning?”

  “You're hungry?” Anna asked with a tremble in her voice.

  Lexi looked at her and smiled. “I am,” she replied. “And it feels wonderful.”

  Anna came around the side of the bed and threw her arms around Lexi to pull her in tight. “I never thought I'd be so happy to hear you say something so simple,” she whispered into Lexi's neck. Lexi wrapped her arms around

  the woman and held her. They sat that way for a few minutes until Lexi's stomach growled loudly. Anna pulled back and laughed. “You really are hungry,” she said with a smile. “Let me go get you something.”

  “Okay,” Lexi said. “And I don't suppose you can ask Alice to put on some water to boil?”

  Anna tilted her head, looking at her with a hint of surprise.

  “Why hot water?” she asked.

  “Because I can tell I smell horrible,” Lexi replied with a grin. “Lying here sweating in this bed for God knows how many days ... well ... I don’t feel especially fresh or clean.

  “Well,” Anna said leaning closer to Lexi. “I suppose you are due for a sponge bath a little later.”

  A tingle ran through Lexi at the idea and she gave a little nod. “I suppose I am,” she replied, looking forward to it already.

  LAURA RODE IN THE BACKSEAT of the Humvee with Shauna on her lap while Sam rode in the seat beside her holding Henry. Both children were curious as they looked out the windows. It warmed Laura's heart to see some excitement on their faces as they seemed so somber yesterday when they learned Billy deserted them. It is amazing how resilient children are even when faced with the direst of circumstances, Laura thought. To be honest, Laura was elated as well. It felt so good to be arriving home to Astoria, the town she grew up in, and where she met Sam.

  Even though it was still early, Laura was amazed by the number of people who came out of their homes when they heard the convoy. It's been so long since vehicles drove up and down the streets of Astoria people are amazed or curious, she thought. What Laura loved seeing the most

  though, was when the onlookers noticed the United States flag flapping over the military vehicles. People clapped and cheered. Laura could see tears in the eyes of some women and even a few men. This is something people have been waiting for from the beginning. For the American military to rally and come to their aid in this time of darkness. She had no doubt many of them were like herself and expected it would never happen. She was never happier to be wrong.

  Colonel Armstrong turned from the front passenger seat and looked at Laura and Sam. “Well, I must say I am damn impressed,” the man said with the enthusiasm Laura had come to recognize was a key part of his personality. “I led my convoy through a lot of cities over the last month, but none were cleaner or more organized looking than this one.”

  Laura felt great pride at the compliment and Sam took her hand, giving it a squeeze, no doubt feeling proud too.

  “Thank you, sir,” Sam said. “But we owe a lot of it to Taylor Barnes and Jackie Scott. They were truly the ones who rallied us.”

  The colonel nodded. “I can't wait to meet them,” he said with a broad smile. “You say that this Barnes woman is ex-military?”

  Laura smiled. “Yes, a retired US Army MP. And I assure you, you have never met anyone quite like her.” Laura could not wait to see Taylor not to mention everyone else. Lexi, Anna, Alice and all the rest had become family to her. She looked forward to sitting down and hearing all about everything she missed as well as telling them about her and Sam's journey.

  AS TAYLOR STOOD AT the sink in the kitchen of the little house she shared with Jackie, she held a mug of hot tea in her hand and wished for the hundredth time it was a cup of

  real coffee. But what I would give for just one more cup of that hot black goodness, Taylor thought. How is it that of all things, this might be what I miss the most? With a sigh, she sipped and grimaced as she swallowed. There was just no comparison. Frustrated, she set the mug on the counter and started to make her way back toward the bedroom to get her jacket before heading out to the police station. Jackie was just rolling out of bed and Taylor stopped to appreciate how beautiful the woman was as she stretched before getting ready to go get dressed.

  “Are you staring at me, Chief Barnes?” Jackie asked with a slight smile.

  Taylor shrugged. “Would you expect any less?” she asked. Jackie laughed, but before Taylor could engage in more banter, she heard a strange sound coming from outside. It sounds like people cheering, Taylor thought. But for what? Jackie gave her a puzzled look as well.

  “What is that?” Jackie asked as she stood and reached for her robe on the hook beside the bathroom door. Taylor had no idea, but she was about to find out. Turning on her heel, she left the bedroom and walked to the front door pulling it open just in time to see a sight she had only imagined in her dreams. It was an army Humvee with a red, white, and blue American flag on a pole sticking out the top.

  Taylor actually felt tears come to her eyes at the vision, and she suddenly understood the cheering.

  Stepping out onto the porch, Taylor looked down the street and saw a large gathering of Astoria’s residents followed behind the convoy. The cavalry has arrived, Taylor thought with a grin. And dammit if that Greg Orion wasn't right. The military did finally send troops. As a Humvee stopped in front of their house, Taylor was even more surprised when the back door opened and Laura stepped out with a child in her arms. The little girl could not have been more than five or six and Taylor had no idea where she came from. In fact, the whole scene continued to be more

  surreal as Sam came around the back of the vehicle holding the hand of a little boy who was only a few years older.

  “Taylor! Jackie!” Laura shouted with excitement as she hurried over. Even though she was still in her robe, Jackie was right behind Taylor. Taylor watched the two women hug while trying not to smash the little girl. As Sam approached, everyone laughed.

  “I don't understand what is happening,” Jackie said, but there was happy excitement in her voice. “It is so good to see you.”

  Taylor felt the same and patted Sam on the shoulder when she suddenly heard the booming voice of a man coming from the Humvee.

  “And which of you is Taylor Barnes?” the man asked.

  Taylor looked to see the twinkling blue eyes of a gray-haired man dressed in battle fatigues. Silver eagles were on his shoulders. A full-bird colonel, Taylor thought. In Astoria. It was all she could do not to shake her head with disbelief.

  CHAPTER 37

  eg sat in the galley of the Wind Dancer and wondered Mif it was too early to have a drink from the ever-dwindling store of watered-down rum. A glance at her watch showed it was still well before noon. Not even five o'clock somewhere, she thought with a sigh. Still, the idea of getting drunk seemed like a good one under the circumstances. No matter how she tried, Meg could not get Grace out of her head. The hurt from the woman's words cut through her. She knew Grace was lying. She was sure of it.

  But I can't force her to admit she feels something for me.

  Maybe with time ... Rubbing her hands over her face, she decided the best thing for her to do was get busy on some task. Sitting around thinking did her no good.

  Standing, she wandered to the deck only to see Jimmy hurrying towards her.

  “Captain,” he said with a look of concern on his face.

  “There's something I think you should see.” Alarmed by his tone and posture, Meg hurried after him to the rail of the ship. Taking a pair of binoculars from where they hung around his neck, Jimmy handed them to Meg without a word. Puzzled, she lifted them to her eyes and scanned Astoria’s shoreline. What she saw made her catch her breath. There were over a dozen vehicles stopped not far up Main Street. An American flag flew over them a
nd, although she was not sure, she guessed they were army vehicles.

  Questions swirled through Meg’s brain. Why are they here exactly? Are they friendly? Or has Astoria just been occupied? she wondered.

  “What do you think?” Meg asked Jimmy as she lowered the binoculars.

  “I think it's time to get the hell out of here,” the man replied. “We may have overstayed our welcome.”

  Meg nodded. The man was right and she hated knowing it. Even if this group of soldiers was from somewhere other than Camp Aberdeen, they could still spell real trouble for her. Having the Wind Dancer commandeered—she would never allow it. It was not fair to her or her crew. There was one problem though. Setting sail would mean leaving Grace and any opportunity they had of finding their way to each other. But she sent me away, Meg reminded herself. She doesn't want anything to do with me, so why would I risk it?

  Although her head told her one thing, her heart told her another, and the last thing she wanted to do was leave without Grace on board.

  Even though Meg guessed she would be in a wheelchair, there was no reason they could not have a life together.

  Meg would show her all the many beautiful things that the sea had to offer. “Should I tell the crew to pull anchors and run up the sails?” Jimmy asked, his anxiousness evident in his voice. Again, Meg paused as her stomach turned with the anxiety of having to make a choice right then. Gritting her teeth, she made a decision. Right or wrong, she would have to live with it forever. Turning to Jimmy, she told him what she wanted him to do.