FINAL DAY ON TOCABAGA
APRIL 22, 2025
I had wanted to leave on April 21st but there was still a lot of prepping to do. Mainly we had to load up the trucks and double check all our gear and supplies.
Days before, we had all of the trucks inspected and fixed by our mechanics. They provided extra parts for anything that might break from wear and tear, including extra tires.
We painted all the vehicles Army brown with black camo stripes, placed randomly, to break up the silhouette. We were taking four diesel Humvees. Each had a fifty caliber machine gun. We also had five pickup trucks; four of them were F-250’s and one big F-350 diesel powered truck which would be used to pull a trailer.
Going on this adventure were the 24 Templar Warriors, which included Captain George Baldwin. Of course, Adam and I were going along with Maggie, who volunteered. We would bring our two best guard dogs, Adolf and Freda, making a total of 28 living beings.
This trip might possibly take as long as three months. We could carry enough food and equipment, but the major problem was fuel to run the trucks. We could never carry enough fuel.
This was a 3,000 mile journey and we would need at least 1,800 gallons of fuel. To complicate the matter, five trucks had diesel motors and the four F-250’s were gas operated.
To help solve this problem, we out fitted the five pickups with an extra 100 gallon tank in the bed. We also rigged a 200 gallon tank in the trailer for diesel fuel. We were far short of what was needed, but I figured somehow we’d find the necessary fuel along the way.
It was easy to figure out how much food and water was required. Food was two MRE’s per day, per man, and dog. That’s 56 meals per day times 90 days, or 5,040 bags. We didn’t worry about water because we could filter if necessary. However, we would carry 100 gallons of fresh water just in case we might need it when we get to the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona.
Each man would take care of their own equipment such as: Clothing, rifles, handguns, and ammunition. Everyone would bring 3,000 rounds for their M4’s and M249’s, along with 500 rounds for pistols. The M2 machine guns were also pegged to have 3,000 rounds each. Everyone packed rain gear and cold weather clothes.
We divided up all the gear evenly between each vehicle and loaded up. I didn’t want all the food, water, or ammo in one truck in case it was destroyed for some reason. Stranger things have happened.
Captain Baldwin and I had a meeting to discuss the route we would take. We sat down to review the map and Baldwin asked, “What’s the plan?”
Pointing at the map I said, “Well, our first stop is gonna be the Comanche Nation, near Lawton, Oklahoma.”
“I was wondering if you figured out where the treasure actually is.”
“So far, not exactly, but we have determined that one of the clues is the Petrified Forest in Arizona. We’re heading there after we visit the Comanches.”
“Why are we stopping to see the Indians?”
“They might know something about the treasure, because the Templars had to pass through Comanche territory to reach the Petrified Forest. The Indians were the only ones living there in those days. They didn’t have a written language, but maybe some type of verbal history was passed down.”
Baldwin shrugged his shoulders. “Ok, if you say so. That was a long time ago.”
“Yeah, it was a long time ago, but I think it’s worth checking out. Once we reach the stone trees, hopefully it will lead us to the next location.”
“After all this time, you still don’t know the location of the treasure. I hope we aren’t wasting our time going on this trip.”
Peering into Baldwin’s eyes I said, “George, if I thought that, I wouldn’t be going on this quest. Do you think I wanna put all our lives in danger for nothing?”
“Ok, I believe you. I wanna find the treasure as much as you do. So what route will we take?”
“I think we need to stay away from the big cities, which usually spell trouble. For the most part we’ll stay on the Interstate Routes, but when we come to a big city we’ll bypass it and take another route.”
“Yeah, I agree with that.”
“Here, I’ve marked it out on this map. We take I-75 to I-10. This part should be clear sailing. Once we pass Mobile Alabama, we pick up Route 49 and take it Route 82. Route 82 keeps us away from most of the big cities. Then we pick up Route 281. That leads us right into Lawton and the Comanche Nation.”
“Yeah, I’m with you so far,” Baldwin commented.
“Leaving the Nation we take I-40 all the way to the stone trees. There’s only one large city we have to go through and that’s Amarillo.”
“Give me your best guess where the treasure is hidden.”
“To tell you the truth, I’m not a hundred percent sure. But if we find the Rock Castle, then I’ll know for sure.”
“Alright, I believe you.” Baldwin said.
“Do you have any suggestions for the convoy formation?” I asked.
“That’s easy. Two Humvees will lead the convoy and two in the rear. Trucks will be spaced a hundred feet apart. The first Hummer will be a scout vehicle and stay ahead of the group by at least a mile.”
“Yeah, that sounds good. Anything else?”
“We’ll stop for the night, while it’s still daylight, and make a secure camp. That way we’ll know what’s around us.”
“Ok, then you select the time and locations when we stop each day,” I advised.
“Ok good, because it’s not that easy. We’ll need to pick a spot that we can defend and one that allows us an escape route. I’ll ride in the scout truck because I have a good nose for detecting an ambush. We’ll scout the camp locations ahead of time to make sure they’re safe.”
“How many miles a day can we make?”
“If we keep our max speed to 45 mph then the Humvees have a 300 mile range. We’ll refuel the trucks when we make camp. That means we’ll be on the road for 7 to 8 hours a day.”
“Anything else?” I asked.
“No, not right now. Give me a copy of the map to show my men.”
“Take this one.”
“If we’re leaving tomorrow, what time you wanna roll out?”
“How about 9 am.”
George stood up and shook my hand. “See you then, Jack.”
I went home to have dinner with my family. As we sat down to my last supper on Tocabaga, everyone was quite. I looked around the tables at each person. “Let’s pray,” I said. Everyone bowed their heads. “Dear God, tomorrow we go in search of your treasure. Please watch over my family and protect them from evil. Amen.” That was it, short and simple.
After dinner, Tommy gave me his Cobb 50 sniper rifle. “Here, take this you may need.”
I replied, “Thanks a lot. It might come in handy.”
A Cobb 50 caliber rifle fires a big BMG round and can reach out and kill someone a mile away. I call it the superman bullet because it can destroy an engine block. If one of these rounds hits a person it just blows them apart, into big chunks of meat. You’re as good as dead.
My wife and I have two children, Tommy and Amy, who are both in their late thirties. Tommy was a Marine Scout Sniper during the Second Korean War in 2018. He’ll be in charge of the family while I am gone.
Amy is a RN and takes care of medical needs for anyone on Tocabaga along with Doc. Scott, our only Doctor. Jim Bo, my son-in-law, and Ron, my brother, would also look after the family. They would be well protected.
As I promised, I wouldn’t go on this quest if the Army Rangers hadn’t returned to Fort Desoto. Last November they returned in full force, so Tocabaga is well protected with 500 Rangers based at Fort Desoto. The Fort is located on the only island which is connected to ours, by a bridge.
My good friend, Captain Sessions, is the commander of the Ranger base and I was sure he would defend Tocabaga to the death with his men. I was ready to depart on this trip with very little concern for the safety of my family and friends on Tocabaga.
My wife fell asleep wrapped in my arms. I couldn’t sleep thinking about leaving her behind. Finally, after laying there for a few hours, I drifted off into dream land.
THE QUEST DEPARTURE DAY
APRIL 23, 2026
Hemmi made me breakfast and when I was finished eating she said, “Once you walk out that door, I’m afraid you won’t come back. So … don’t say good-bye. Just say, I’ll see you soon.”
Becoming a little teary-eyed, I could only manage to say, “Ok Honey, I’ll see you soon.” We held each other for a few minutes in a tight squeeze. I kissed her forehead and walked out the door. There were no good-byes. I would try to phone Hemmi using my Army Satellite phone, given to me by Captain Sessions. This was our only way to stay in touch.
Picking up my gear, I walked outside and found Adam waiting next to the truck with Adolf by his side. It was departure time.
Everyone on this adventure would need to be able to defend themselves. Over the last six months I spent a lot of time training Adam in the use of firearms. He has a good eye and is a dead shot. He knows how to clean and use every weapon except for the M2 machine guns.
Adam was bursting with joy. He was anxious to get going. “Come on Grandpa, hurry up!”
If it wasn’t for him and the sword we wouldn’t be going anywhere. I suddenly wished I had never seen the sword. It was drawing me away from my family. I had never been away from my wife for more than a few weeks. I had a sick feeling running through my gut.
The convoy was lined up in front of my house. I said, “Adam, ride in the last Humvee.” I figured that was the safest vehicle for him to be in if we were attacked.
“But, I wanna ride with you, Grandpa.”
“Ok fine, then jump in the back.” Adam and Adolf jumped in and he carefully placed the box which contained the Sword of Jerusalem under the back seat, next to my Cobb 50 caliber sniper rifle.
Maggie walked up with her dog Freda. “Can I ride with you, Jack?”
“I thought you’d be riding with Captain Baldwin.”
Maggie looked at me and shook her head. “No, we don’t have too much in common.”
I glanced at her with an inquisitive look. “Oh, I didn’t know that. Jump in, you’re driving.”
We would be driving an F-250 four door. I’d rather ride in this than a bumpy Hummer. Our truck was the third truck in line, behind the first two Hummers. Long ago, the air conditioning had stopped working on all the trucks. It was going to be a hot windy ride with the windows rolled down. Daytime temperatures were running in the mid-eighties, but it was going to become a lot hotter by June. In Arizona June temperatures commonly reach over a hundred. I had been there years ago, when it was one hundred-fifteen degrees.
While standing at the side of my truck, Captain Sessions pulled up next to me. I stepped over his vehicle. He said, “You got everything?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Well, I think you’re in good hands with Captain Baldwin.” He stuck his hand out the window for me to shake. “Jack, here’s a letter signed by me. If you get stopped at any Military checkpoints, show them this letter. It advises that you’re on official Army Ranger business and to let you pass without interference.”
We shook hands. “Thanks Captain. It may come in handy.”
“I wish I was going with you. Good luck and God’s speed. Oh, and don’t worry about Tocabaga while you’re gone.”
“With the Rangers here, I never worry.” Sessions drove away just as Baldwin was approaching.
Over the last six months Sessions and Baldwin had become good friends. Baldwin and I had informed Captain Sessions of our quest to find the lost Templar’s Treasure. He was in full agreement with the mission.
Baldwin came down the line of trucks making sure everyone was set to leave. A crowd of people had gathered to see us off. My whole family was outside saying good-bye except for my wife. I understood her feelings, so it didn’t bother me that she didn’t come outside to send me off.
As I climbed in the truck, Baldwin yelled, “Move out!”
The convoy started to roll. We rumbled over the Tocabaga Bridge as people waved and shouted good luck. I glanced back, over my shoulder, and spotted my wife standing next to my son. He had his arm around her. I saw her wave good-bye.
Adam shouted, “Here we go!”
Maggie and I didn’t say a word. We had been off of Tocabaga many times. We knew how dangerous the outside world was. I was happy to have Maggie riding with me. I knew if we got in a bind, she would watch my back. Maggie is not afraid to kill dirt bags, and believe me she has killed a few.
We passed through St. Petersburg and Tampa with no major problems. We were about an hour and a half out, approaching the Bushnell exit on I-75. I clicked my radio and told everyone we’re stopping here for a break to visit the grave of Jack de Molay.”
Baldwin replied, “I’m gonna scout up ahead, for a few miles.”
Adam’s real Grandfather was buried here on the side of the highway. The convoy pulled over and slowly rolled to a stop. There were a few cars and trucks running north and south bound. Most of them went speeding by without stopping or slowing down. A few did slow down to see what the Army convoy was doing. Some of them even waved to us.
Adam, Maggie, and I dismounted with the dogs and crossed the highway to view the grave. The weeds had already grown so high and thick that we could just barely make out the top of the white cross.
It was a bright sunny day with a slight breeze blowing. Adam spoke as he looked at the grave. “Grandpa, we’re on the way to find the treasure. If we find it, I’ll let you know. Rest in peace.” That was all he said.
As we were returning to the truck, I looked down the highway behind us. I could make out a line of cars about half a mile away. Grabbing my binoculars, I zoomed in on them. There were ten vehicles stopped on the roadside. I wondered if they were following us.
Maggie asked, “You see something, Jack?”
Handing her the spy glasses I said, “Here take a look. There’s ten cars stopped down the road.”
She took a look-see. “It’s probably nothing to worry about. They’d be nuts to attack us.”
Taking back the binoculars, I took one more glance at the cars. “Yeah, your right, I worry too much.” I made a mental note that the first one was a black pickup truck and the next two trucks in line were white. I thought, I‘ll keep an eye on them just in case.
Our convoy continued on with no problems until we reached the intersection of I-10. At this junction we would head west on I-10. Interstate I-10 runs all the way from Jacksonville to Los Angeles. This is the most southern route across the United States. It’s the route that illegals take coming from Mexico. Drug gangs, terrorists, and all kinds of dirt bags use this highway.
Baldwin radioed, “Jack, we got an Army checkpoint up ahead. Everyone be alert and tighten up the formation.”
I responded, “Are you sure they‘re really the Army?”
“Yeah, I just pulled up to them. Looks like they’re 82nd Air Borne.”
At the Interstate junction, Army security was blocking the road. They had a check point set up to help control who was moving around on the Interstate highways. This would probably be the first of many that we might run into.
There were, by my estimate, 30 troopers who were stopping all vehicles heading north, south, east, and west. We slowly came to a stop, behind Baldwin at the checkpoint, following a guard’s order.
Glancing around I noted at least twenty cars were being searched or waiting to be searched. There was a small fenced-in area under the bridge, which contained some men apparently being held by the Army.
I watched Baldwin get out of his Hummer so I dismounted, leaving my M4 in the truck, and went to show the guard my letter from Captain Sessions.
The soldiers had shoulder sleeve insignias, indicating they were from the 82nd Air Borne Division, which is based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A Sergeant asked Baldwin where we were going. He also wanted to know what we doing with Military Humvees.
The U.S. Special Forces are trying to clean up the crime and terrorist activities. One way to do that is to make it difficult to travel around the country freely. To stop the flow of dirt bags, gangs, and guns one needs to slowly close in on their strong-holds and then eliminate them.
I interceded in the conversation. “Sergeant, my name is Jack Gunn. Please read this letter from Captain Sessions, who is the Army Ranger Commanding Officer at Fort Desoto.”
The Sergeant nodded his head and opened the letter. After a few minutes he said, “The letter doesn’t state what your mission is or why you have Military equipment.”
While we were talking, a few of his guards were walking up and down the road next to our vehicles. I noticed some of our people were taking to the troopers, but I couldn’t hear what they were talking about. Most likely they were pumping my men for information.
I advised the Sergeant. “Our mission is classified. As for our equipment, it was provided by the Rangers at Fort Desoto.”
“I can’t let you pass until I know where you’re going and what the hell you’re doing.”
“Sergeant, please ask your Commanding Officer to come here so we can clear this up. I can get Captain Sessions on the horn, and they can discuss it.”
The Sergeant sent one of his men to bring their Commanding Officer over. While waiting, the Sergeant said, “Man, you guys are loaded for bear. It looks like you’re going on a long trip.”
I pulled out a smoke, a Winston light, and offered him one. He gladly accepted it and I lit us up. After taking a drag, I replied, “Yeah, we’re going to Arizona. That’s all I can tell you.”
TEMPLARS QUEST: GHOST KILLER (TEMPLARS QUEST CHRONICLES Book 1) Page 3