Ringship Discretion

by Sean League

  The captain nodded, and he handed his line to Ben, who had already attached his own and AJ's.

  AJ was the first over and he jumped down the side of the tree yelling in excitement. From the ground below, the three girls yelled up. Amelia yelled. "It's beautiful! What's it like from up there!?"

  Attie yelled back "It's wonderful! Just magnificent. I see a river and a sea."

  Ben was the next down and then it was finally Atticus's turn. He leaned over the edge of the branch and walked over to the trunk. He then pushed off, dropped a few meters and met the trunk again. He jumped and almost slipped when he saw something scurry away. "Hey! There are animals here!" He paused for a minute to see if he could see it again.

  Amelia yelled from below. "Come on Attie!"

  The captain looked down to see everyone waiting for him. He took one last look around and rappelled down the rest of the trunk. As he touched down, Amelia ran to him and hugged him. The whole crew joined her and they all began hugging each other and excitedly yelling. Amelia said. "Attie! We made it!" She then kissed him so hard he almost fell over.

  After a few moments of adulation, Atticus put his hands up. Everyone quieted down and he spoke. "We made it. It has been one hell of a journey with all of you and I wouldn't trade the time I have spent with you for anything. I am looking forward to sharing this next great adventure with you....my family. He waved his hands at the surroundings. "My friends, my family...We are free. Truly free."

  They had this whole new world to themselves...........for now.

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