by Dave Hazel
“It’s all yours, boss man.” Larry’s Boston accent rang with humor. “As far as anyone is concerned, I’m just a side kick.”
“I’ll get everyone’s attention,” Kurt offered. At Doc’s vehicle he honked the horn several times until everyone rushed to the noise. After Kurt had all the attention on him he jumped up on the hood of Doc’s Suburban, and waved everyone closer.
“You’re in trouble now you goof,” Larry laughed when the metal hood buckled under Kurt’s size 14 boots.
“Good, make me a cop and send me to Minot,” Kurt laughed then yelled. “If you want the straight scoop, c’mon over here.”
Mykal joined Kurt on the vehicle used as a stage. Suddenly Mykal’s breathing and heart rate increased. He now understood why public speaking is the number one fear most people have. ‘How did I get myself into this?’ he wondered and wished he had been better prepared. He thought he had everything worked out in his head, but now that all eyes were on him, he froze.
Though everyone waited anxiously to hear good news, they couldn’t keep their eyes from the giant who stood at Mykal’s side. Some gawked and pointed and whispered in disbelief.
Lt Light and Jake joined them. Light touched his eyelid and pointed to Mykal making clear he would be watching and listening to audit his speech and to parse Mykal’s words.
“Come on Myk. What’s really going on?” SSgt James Clark yelled out. He rubbed his hand over his moist bald head. James Clark’s hair fell out at the age of nineteen and never grew back. “I’m tired of keeping my people in the dark,” he said in reference to his six man squad. Clark’s main frustration stemmed from being known as the Crew Information Center or ‘Gossip Girl’ behind his back. All information pertaining to Crew personnel, activities, upcoming training, orders, etc. seemed to go through James before anyone else. “Not knowing anything is killing me,” he said. Several people laughed because of his penchant to gossip.
“Yeah, what’s the poop on the scoop?” Someone shouted.
“Alright, alright,” Mykal replied. With a wave of his hand he silenced his audience. “What I’m about to tell you may sound crazy, but it’s true. Pay attention, this is important. The bottom line is, if you haven’t figured it out already, we’re lost. We’re not on planet Earth anymore type of lost. Don’t ask me how or why,” he quickly squashed the muttering. “We don’t know the how or why as of yet, but we’re hoping to get answers later. Apparently the green fog had something to do with it. That’s the one common denominator we share. What’s important to know right now, is that we are all in great danger,” he stopped when the crowd muttered again.
“But where are we?” Mrs. Holen, the mother of two small children called out. Both children clung tightly to her thighs.
“Ma’am, I’m really sorry to say, I don’t know. We’re in Towbar’s land. For those who haven’t met him yet, he’s a native of this land. He’s told us a lot about this land and the people in it. Some of us spent the past few days with him.
“He’s also the one you can thank for the food and water,” Mykal added. “It’s possible that he may know someone who will be able to help us. But, what you need to understand first, we are caught in the middle of a war. His people are at war with a people called Sosos. That’s why I say we’re in danger.”
“Can’t we just explain to these, Sosos, that we’re not from around here and we‘re no threat to them?” James Clark asked.
“We tried. Lt Edwards had Finn and Miller try to negotiate with them last night and now they’re both dead,” he said flatly and waited to allow the shocked gasps to finish. “The Sosos also killed Nelson and one of the civilians who were traveling with us. Those of you from the convoy, they killed the Marshal and the two airmen who left with him, Coon and Taylor.”
“But why? We haven’t done anything to them,” Mrs. Holen cried out. “We need to explain to their leaders our situation.”
“Ma’am, they don’t care about our situation,” he spoke over the vocal disturbance. “They don’t care about life at all. Their goal is to kill anything they come across. I’ll explain the Sosos in greater detail later, I promise. TSgt Irwin can verify what I’m saying. To keep this brief, negotiations are out of the question. Running away is out of the question. We’re gonna have to fight for our lives.” He ceased when the noise grew.
“What am I going to do then?” One of the civilians spoke out. “My name is William Kraft. I have my wife and four kids here and I don’t have any way to defend us,” he added and put his arm around his wife’s shoulder and looked at his children who appeared to be teenagers.
“Listen up,” Mykal called when the crowd noise didn’t stop. “First thing. We need to stay together. There is safety in numbers and we have a great advantage with our weapons and vehicles. The Soso weapons are primitive. They use swords, bow and arrows, spears, clubs and axes, and they’re on foot. They have the advantage in numbers. There are thousands of them. Like I said, we are caught in the middle of a war, but if we stay with Towbar we’ll be supplied with plenty of food and water. If we leave, we will run into Sosos where ever we go.”
“What’s the cost for Mr. Towbar’s help?” Mrs. Holen asked.
“Ma’am, it won’t cost anything,” Mykal replied. “In return for his help, I told him we’d help him until his army arrives.”
“Are you saying that we have to go to war with him to get his help in return?” Sgt Clemon, one of Light’s men asked.
“No, I didn’t say we’d go to war, I said we would help when the Sosos attack,” he explained and the murmur grew.
Lt Edwards spoke up from behind which caught Mykal off guard. “Who delegated the authority to make such an important decision? This suggestion didn’t come up the chain of command.”
“Sir, I never said we were gonna go to war for him,” Mykal back peddled. “I said we would go to the Pass and if the Sosos attacked we would defend ourselves. Once his soldiers arrive, then he’ll take us to meet someone who will help us get home. I’ll explain what the Pass is after this briefing.” He wished he would have been better prepared. He knew he told half-truths because there was no guarantee Towbar’s friend could help them get home. Fear pushed him to react by being less than honest.
Larry cut in, coming to Mykal’s rescue. “Hold on. Whether we’re at the Pass, or out here, if we’re attacked, who’s gonna just stand there with their thumbs up their tails and do nothing? No one! Everyone will defend themselves.”
Edwards looked angry. “My query refers to where this decision making authority originated. I,” he paused for effect and jammed his thumb into his own chest, “was not consulted.” He used his tongue to pat the broken flesh of his lip. “I am the senior officer here.”
The sudden pressure caused Mykal to perspire. “Sir, I never said we would all help him. I told him that myself, and those with me, would help him. I’m bringing this up as an option, cuz there are no other options. In return we’ll have all the food and water we need. Like I said, once his soldiers arrive he’ll take us to the one person who will help us get home.”
Edwards stared hard. “We haven’t explored our options yet.”
“Sir, there are no other options. If you go north you’ll run into the Soso armies that are coming this way as we speak. If you go east, where you came from, you’ll end up in the ocean with nothing in between. Go west, you’ll end up in the desert with nothing between here and there.” He glanced to Towbar for confirmation. “The mountains stretch all across the land except for one place called the Pass. Out here you won’t find food for all these people. Towbar brought his food and water with him.”
“Sir, I must say something,” Kurt said. “The most important thing we will not find out here,” he paused to draw everyone in, “is a gas station. When our gas is gone we’ll be on foot. We won’t survive on foot! Towbar will give us more than enough necessities for our temporary help. It’s the only plan that has any hope attached to it. Sure, there’s the possibility of conflict wi
th the Sosos, but that’s gonna happen if we’re out wandering around lost waiting to starve to death or not. I’ve seen what Sosos do to women and children.” Kurt choked on his words and fought back tears. His voice cracked, “They’re, they’re cruel!”
Mykal couldn’t tell if Kurt put on an act or sincerely neared tears, but he appreciated his heartfelt input. “All I’m suggesting, Sir,” Mykal continued and saw the anger reddening Edwards’s face while he and Mansfield spoke to each other. “If you wanna go home, and if you wanna be fed, come with us. Today is Monday and we’ve all been lost since Thursday morning. How much food and water have you found out here?” No one spoke. “That’s right. There’s nothing out here.”
“Junior NCO Graves, I’m the senior officer here,” Edwards declared, with a demeaning tone reminiscent of a high school bully. He thumped his chest with his thumb. “I, will make the decisions for everyone in uniform, concerning where we travel.”
“I understand completely, Sir,” Mykal politely dipped his head, though he wanted to yell obscenities in opposition. “I’ve heard everyone complaining they feel left in the dark. I just shared all the facts about this area, so let’s get this outta the way right now, in front of everyone,” he suggested. “What is your plan Sir? What are you going to decide for everyone? Are you gonna side with Towbar or wing it on your own?” He cast all attention back to Edwards like a well-placed tennis serve.
Edwards’s face tightened and his eyes widened. He froze.
“Sir, I’m not trying to be a negative Nancy, but trying to wing it out here, will only bring starvation or brutality at the hands of Sosos. Last night, you, witnessed firsthand what the Sosos do to people.” He sensed burning daggers from Edwards’s expression.
“What’s the plan?” Someone shouted from the rear.
“Uh, um, uh, we haven’t had the opportunity to discuss this as of yet,” he replied and turned to Lt Light.
“Sir, we gotta move now!” Kurt said. “Sosos are all around us. And a Soso army is coming down from the north as we speak.”
Larry chortled. “Yeah, cuz I don’t plan on waiting for the Sosos to come and chop my head off.”
“What do you mean by that Sgt Weston?” Mansfield asked.
“I mean, we got our plan figured out,” Larry answered. “We’re not gonna allow ourselves to sit around and be killed.”
“What are you implying?” Mansfield pried. Mansfield looked like he had been handed the keys to a locked dessert case.
“I’m not implying anything. I’m stating a fact. We’re not--”
“Stop!” Mykal interrupted, and wished Larry had kept quiet. He sensed Mansfield coaxing an admission of wrong doing. “We’re waiting to hear from the LT and we’ll take it from there.”
“Are you men planning on deserting if we decide not to join up with Towbar?” Mansfield asked and looked giddy. His smile showed his longing for them to publicly incriminate themselves.
“No! No one said that,” Mykal lied. “We’re just anxious to hear what LT’s plan is, because we’re running out of time.” He watched Edwards and Light quietly discuss options.
Mansfield glowed. “I think you men are planning to--”
“Rob! Drop it,” Jake interjected. He sighed and rolled his eyes at Larry who almost gave them a public admission.
“Focus on me people. I am speaking.” Edwards’ condescension flowed naturally. “I have made a decision to follow Towbar. We’ll set up a defensive position until his relief arrives. Get your gear squared away in preparation to evacuate. I can’t order you civilians what to do, but I would suggest you come with us. That is all for now. I will disperse more instructions as needed.” He turned away. His disdain directed at Mykal missed and struck the civilians.
“Jake, Mykal and Towbar, if you would, please, walk with us,” Lt Light requested. “Flemour and Mansfield come along as well.”
“Make sure everyone gets ready,” Mykal said to his friends and then followed the senior personnel.
“The first item of business,” Edwards said and bore in on Mykal. “I will not tolerate another attempt at a power grab.”
“Sir, a power grab?” Mykal looked shocked.
“And don’t you ever try to embarrass me in front of my men again. The incident from earlier today will be dealt with at the proper time,” he said to show Mykal’s assault on him would not be forgotten.
“Yes Sir, but I don’t know what you mean that I tried to embarrass you,” he lied, and mentally did a happy dance.
“You challenged me in front of the men about my plans. You know we haven’t had the time to formulate a cohesive strategy.”
Mykal wanted to argue all they’ve had was time. He knew it wouldn’t help to be divisive. “Sir, I apologize if I came off wrong. My only concern is making sure we all make it back home.”
“Apology accepted,” Edwards said and waved it off. “We must work as a single unit and not be fractured.”
“We have a bigger situation at hand,” Lt Light said. “Towbar, I must ask you about the Sosos. When we depart, we will be leaving that truck here,” he pointed to the tractor trailer on its side. “If the Sosos come across it, what do you think they will do? Will they try to gain access to the interior?”
Towbar looked puzzled. “It is not a living creature. They have no reason to attack it. I think no harm should come to it. However I can not predict how Sosos will respond to the object.”
“What are you thinking, Sir?” Jake asked.
“I’m terrified of the prospect of leaving a live warhead attached to an actual missile out in a field in the middle of nowhere,” Light scoffed. “Our mission is to never, ever, ever allow our Resource out of our control, let alone out of sight. This is the first time the Air Force has ever allowed both warhead and missile to travel as one. And I’m the one to abandon the precious Resource. I’m literally getting sick over this decision. But I know if I don’t abandon it all my people will die. I’m devastated over the deaths suffered so far. No matter how this turns out, my career is over,” Light moaned.
Edwards spoke up as if he didn’t hear or care about Light’s concern. His fingertips pressed together to form a temple. “Now that we have wrapped our heads around the idea that we have been transposed from our world, we’ve postulated several theories. I find it odd, the first time in world history, a group of people are abducted in such a manner, and it just happens at the same time that a Minuteman III missile and warhead are transported together for the very first time in American history as well. Two firsts in history, and they collide together,” Edwards said and lightly knocked his two fists together.
“We fear forces are at work to confiscate the Resource. The nuke,” Light said. “That’s why I’m hesitant to leave here.”
“But Sir, the Sosos are primitive people,” Jake said.
Light scoffed. “Maybe someone is behind the Sosos.”
“Zizmon-Tarl!” Towbar replied. “He is the one behind the Soso aggression. Their goal is to take my country. I can not fathom how Sosos or Zizmon-Tarl would have any knowledge of your weapon or the ability to make use of your weapon. I do not know how they would be able to bring you here to my land to do this.”
“Towbar, please explain this Zizmon-Tarl,” Light requested.
Towbar tried to be brief but thorough. He shared the same information he gave to Mykal. Towbar also gave his personal belief that the gods brought all of them here to help him with the war he is facing.
“Zizmon-Tarl sounds more like a mythical character than anything else.” Mansfield gave a belly bouncing laugh.
“I will not take offense at your laughter. I, too, have never laid eyes on Zizmon-Tarl,” Towbar said and looked firmly at Mansfield. “If I explained you to my people they would think you are the mythical characters. I suggest you keep an opened mind rather than mock the things you have no knowledge of.”
“I-I didn’t m-mean anything by it.” Mansfield pouted and backed away from the giant.
; “If my opinion means anything,” Mykal said after Mansfield vacated the conversation. “However this happened, with the green fog and being sent here, I think it is just by chance that a nuke is involved. I don’t think this had anything to do with the nuke at all. If there is a certain ‘someone’ doing this to get their hands on a nuke, why didn’t they get a fully loaded B-52 with many nukes? Why would they do this when there was heavier security involved? Meaning your convoy and our Crew was close enough to help.”
“After all I’ve seen, I agree with Myk,” Jake said.
“Would Sosos be able to make use of your weapon?”
“No, there is no way possible, Towbar,” Light said and smiled with pride. “This weapon has numerous fail safes. Even if they were to attack it to destroy it, it couldn’t be detonated. My fear is leaving it unattended. I don’t want anyone to walk off with it.”
“Sir, I wouldn’t worry about it,” Mykal said. “They get freaked out over our vehicles. It’s like our vehicles are some kind of monster to them. They either attack or run from them.”
“Sgt Graves, give us some time,” Edwards said. He refused to make eye contact with Mykal.
3.
Jake joined Mykal and his team. He looked to ensure no one stood close enough to hear his warning. “I want you guys to listen up. I know you guys already know this, but I’m telling you, watch your back. They’re looking for anything to nail you guys with. This goes for your whole team.”
“Screw them,” Mykal retorted.
“I mean it Myk. I just came from them and they’re out to get you! They have stuff written down, the biggest being that you assaulted Edwards. I have to be careful too. I’ve been warned. They pretty much said that anyone who sides with you is finished. Light tried to argue but he was put in his place. Light’s not siding with them, but he’s gonna go by the book.”
“I appreciate the heads up, Jake, but I don’t care about those idiots. I only care about getting home.” Mykal said.