The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20

by Jacqueline Druga

Hal gasped loudly. “I’m appalled. I gave you hours off. No more favoritism. We have you well. Now all we need is to have Frank well. We just need even more motivation to get him up and about.” Across the empty bar, the sound of boots caught Hal’s attention. He turned and then stood with surprise. “Carlson?”

  “Captain.” Corporal Carlson snapped at attention and gave a salute.

  “At ease,” Hal still spoke in shock. “I wasn’t expecting you back until next week. Unless . . . Sgt. Ryder, am I mistaken?”

  “No, sir.” Elliott shook his head. “Carlson and the other scouts that went southwest were not due back yet.”

  Hal hurried and turned back to Carlson. “Was there a problem?”

  “Yes.” Carlson nodded. “We lost two of our men.”

  “My God.” Hal stumbled back. “It was a scouting exhibition.”

  Sadly, Carlson agreed. “We did our best, but I’m afraid we may have erred. We hurried back when the trouble began There was many of them. They followed us a good bit.”

  “They?” Hal asked.

  “Yes, sir, they,” Carlson answered. “No matter how cunning we tried to be, we believe they . . . followed our scent.”

  “They. Carlson, who are ‘they?” Hal’s eyes widened when the answer was dropped before him on the table in the form of a bloody spear.

  The reaction on Hal’s face was not one Elliott expected.

  “Captain?” Elliott questioned.

  Almost brightly and with a twinge of a smile, Hal peered up. “Motivation.”

  ^^^^

  “And then . . .” Joe exhaled in his story telling. “My junior year in high school arrived.” He whistled. “What a year.”

  Frank grumbled unheard. “Robbie, I can’t believe you’re sitting here listening to this. Make him stop. This is sick.” Then Frank heard it, he couldn’t turn his head, but he knew by the tapping of fashion boots that Hal had arrived. Hal may have been on Frank’s people to kill list, but at least Hal would stop their father and his childhood sexual experience stories.

  “Frank.” Hal emerged in quickly with Elliott at his side. “Oh, Dad. Robbie. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “That’s only because you haven’t been hearing his stories. Tell him, Robbie. Oh, swell, look. Fuckin Ryder is here as well.”

  “Hey, Hal. Elliott.” Robbie grinned. “Just in time. Dad’s been telling us stories of his sex life, the early years. Did you know he had sex for the first time when he was twelve? Cool huh?”

  Hal’s eyes widened and he gasped. “Good God, Father, and you brag of this?”

  “Christ, Hal.” Joe gave a fling of his hand. “We all can’t be thirty-five year old virgins.”

  Elliott’s laugh was silenced quickly when Hal snarled a look his way.

  Hal was perturbed, but he stayed calm. “I never claimed virginity. I just never boosted promiscuity. None of us boys were promiscuous.”

  Robbie lifted his hand. “I was.”

  “No, you weren’t,” Hal growled.

  “Ok. I wasn’t.” Robbie shrugged. “But Dad was and he’s about to tell us more. Go on, Dad.”

  “No,” Hal stopped him. “Spare us.”

  “Yes!” Frank said in relief. “Thank you!”

  “Hal!” Joe barked. “Don’t you have a home like in New Bowman or something?”

  “Yes.”

  “Go there, will ya. Christ. I’m bonding with my son who finally can’t talk back to me,” Joe said crassly. “So unless you have something important to say, I . . .”

  “I do.” Hals stepped forward with a smile. “There is a reason I’m here for this late night visit. Frank, you are gonna love the reason I’m here.”

  “I doubt that.”

  “Get well, big brother, and get well fast. I have incentive for you.” With a wide grin, Hal lifted the spear to Frank’s view. “The Savages are back.”

  AWAKENING AND AWARENESS

  CHAPTER NINE

  December 16th

  The helicopter tilted drastically in its turn and Elliott Ryder lost hold of his pencil. He caught it before it hit the floor and rolled totally out of his reach.

  “This is just the way I fly.” Robbie grinned from the pilot’s seat. “It wasn’t the lack of an arm thing.”

  Elliott smiled. “I didn’t think it was.”

  “Do you have it now?” Robbie questioned.

  “Unfortunately,” Elliott replied. “How often now will we check on them?”

  “They’re Savages. I’d say every day. We need to check to see if they moved any.”

  “The camp looked pretty permanent,” Elliott commented. “Do you think they’re like the others?”

  “I think they were a branch we missed in the wipe out. Oh, wait until Frank finds out.” Robbie shook his head. “He’ll want to come out just to get attacked.”

  Elliott looked quickly. “He likes them that much?”

  “Killing them yeah. You have to admit, they are a challenge and it isn’t dull. No . . .” Robbie made machine gun mouth noises. “He uses an M-16.”

  “You have a point. I like being able to use my sword.” Elliott spoke near daze as he peered out of the windshield. “There is something about the power of it, the motion of the swing, the knowledge that you are in control, and the ejection of . . .” He stopped.

  “Body parts?” Robbie asked.

  “Well, perhaps.” Elliott smiled slightly. “Three-sixty.”

  “What? A turn?”

  “No. Miles. That is how many miles away from Beginnings the camp is.”

  “No shit?” Robbie questioned with enthusiasm. “Whoa, that may qualify for the jet. I have to . . .” Suddenly Robbie stopped speaking.

  “What?” Elliott asked. “You’ll have to what?”

  “Never mind.” Robbie shook his head. “I was gonna just say I’ll ask my father, But . . . I can’t fly the jet with one arm. I could try, but an accidental landing may not be real easy.”

  “Is there anyone else aside from yourself who can fly a jet?”

  “Why? Do you wanna get them to fly the reconnaissance?”

  “No,” Elliott answered. “I thought perhaps they could go up with you while you fly and get the hang of it with one arm. Then you’ll feel secure enough to do it on your own because that’s what you need. It isn’t your inability to fly with one arm, it’s your apprehension.”

  “You think?” Robbie asked.

  “Let me ask you this. Can you fly it with one arm? Really, can you? Can it mechanically be done?”

  “I guess.” Robbie shrugged. “With practice.”

  “Then practice. You have the skill.”

  “I don’t want to do it alone,” Robbie said, “and who in their right mind would go up in a jet with me. I mean, you flew this with me because I needed you to chart things. But the truth is, everyone else had an excuse. No one wanted to come. I don’t blame them. I appreciate you not being afraid.”

  “Afraid?” Elliott asked. “You’re a pilot, a good one. Why would I be fearful? No, Robbie, I trust you and if you want someone to fly with you in that jet, I’ll go.”

  A bright smile it Robbie’s face. “Really? Elliott that’s great. We’ll do it. Are you sure? You do know how fast a jet goes.”

  The corner of Elliott’s mouth raised. “I think I want to do it.”

  “Cool. Hey, look below.” Robbie pointed with his head. “My Dad and Hal.”

  Elliott checked out the Jeep pulling up near a farm house embedded with trees. “Now we know we’re close to home.”

  “I’ll swing around so they see us, not like they won’t know it’s us. Who else would be in a chopper?” Robbie controlled the stick. “So tomorrow you wanna try the jet.”

  “I think that’ll be great.”

  “Excellent and I promise not to crash.”

  “I’d appreciate that,” Elliott spoke quietly.

  “Let me just turn . . . oh, shit I lost control.” The helicopter dropped suddenly.

  Elliott hurrie
dly turned and looked to Robbie.

  Robbie laughed. “Kidding.” The chopper lifted back up.

  ^^^^

  “Asshole.” Joe shook his head as he looked up to the sky. “As if I’m not nervous enough.”

  “You don’t doubt my brother’s flying ability, do you?” Hal asked.

  “Um, yeah, Hal, I do right now.”

  “There’s no need. Elliott is with him.”

  “That’s good. “Joe walked toward the farmhouse. “Elliott’s flies?”

  “No.” Hal shook his head. “But he’s lucky, so we’ll leave it at that. So . . .” He stood on the porch with Joe. “This is what Elliott and I found.”

  “It’s not too far, but not too close that we will hear backlash.” Before entering, Joe looked around. The huge, recently cleared out front yard was lightly covered by a dusting of snow. The circumference of the home was surrounded by an overgrowth of trees so thick that the Jeep had a hard time getting through. “Is there water?” Joe asked.

  “Seeing how it’s midway between Bowman and Jordan, it gets its supply from the Bowman reservoir and power from what Danny installed in Jordan. It won’t be a powerful signal so there will have to be conservation.”

  “I see.” Joe stepped inside. “It’s kind of dusty.” Joe coughed the tickle in his throat.

  “I have men getting it ready. Aside from bringing food, there should be one hell of an armory when Ellen arrives here.” Hal walked in behind Joe. “It’s big. Fireplaces in all of the rooms will be good for warmth because that is where the problem lies.”

  “I see and that brings another problem, the burning fireplaces.”

  “There’s plenty of wood,” Hal answered.

  “No, Hal. It’s the smoke signals. Those Savages are not that far away. They’re back and smoke signals will send up a sign of life.”

  “True, but we’ve got that covered. Danny will be placing beams around. They will suck up a lot of energy, so they will be tuned on only when needed.”

  “And how will it be known if their needed?” Joe asked.

  “If we see more than a few coming. A few can be handled.”

  With a ‘a-huh’, Joe walked around the house, from the living room, to the dining room, to the kitchen. “And how will that be determined?”

  “Tracking.”

  Joe stopped in the kitchen. “Tracking?”

  “Danny will be placing a small version of the tracking system in a half mile circumference around the house. It will be similar, only scale to what is being placed in Jordan, and what we have in Beginnings and Bowman.”

  “All right, but Jordan will be responsible for their own tracking. We can’t link to them like we do to you. This house might be too far and we aren’t allowed to aid anyhow. No radio allowed.”

  “True,” Hal replied, “but it’s covered. The house will have its own tracking inside. The signal will be loud. When it goes off, I’ll check for intruder. If it’s a big movement, I’ll put on the beams. If small . . .” Hal shrugged. “I’m certain I can handle it.”

  “You.”

  “Yes,” Hal replied. “Me. I plan on being the one to escort Ellen out here.”

  “I’m gonna let you in on a secret, Hal. I was gonna suggest to Ellen that I escort her out.”

  “Good lord, Father, she’ll drive you insane out here for a month.” Hal walked from the kitchen into the hall where the stairs were located. “It’s a good suggestion, but you’re needed in Beginnings, especially with the Texas town coming. Frank will not be well enough.”

  “You don’t think?”

  “He’s needed with the Savage situation. I’m going with her,” Hal spoke seriously. “I’m the best choice.”

  “There are those who will argue with you.” Joe told him.

  “Are you one of them?” Hal questioned as he was ready to ascend the stairs.

  “Nah, not me, Hal. I can honestly say you are a good choice, but I’d give that same faith to any of you boys. I believe in all of your abilities. I just wished, ” Joe hesitated, “this wouldn’t even be a subject for discussion.”

  “Maybe since Jason is officially Judge now, he can . . .”

  “No.” Joe shook his head. “Ellen is going. The only decision now is a matter of how long and . . . when.”

  ^^^^

  “One more day.” Dean set down a small tray of supplies next to Frank’s bedside. “You hear me? One more day and this Salicain will be worn off. No more torture. I tried to stop it, you know.” He shrugged. “But I’m way too outnumbered. Now . . .” Dean exhaled and sat on the bed. “Let’s take a look.” Reaching slowly, he pulled down the front of Frank’s hospital gown to expose the bandaged chest area.

  The tape was loose and Dean removed it. “This can stay . . . whoa.” His eyes focused. “Did my creation work or what? Oh my God, Frank.” Dean’s fingers moved about the surgical site. “I swear this looks as if it was done three or four weeks ago. When I took out the stitches, I was amazed. This is . . . this is awesome.”

  “It is,” Frank spoke as he opened his eyes.

  Dean screamed and jumped up.

  “Dean.”

  “No, you should not be out of the Salicain.”

  “I fuckin had to get out of that Salicain. I started coming to last night.”

  Smiling, Dean moved to the bed. “This is great. Can you feel now? Lift your arm.”

  “Is this on the lines of blinking for yes or no, because I can speak.”

  “No.” Dean laughed and then flung back his head with an excited exclamation. “Just . . . move.”

  “You want me out of the bed.”

  “No, don’t get . . .” Dean held out his hand when Frank started to sit up. He waited for the cringe of pain.

  Frank didn’t. “How’s this?” He sat up.

  “How do you feel?”

  Closing one eye, Frank nodded. “A little dizzy right now.” Frank nodded again. “I understand.”

  “Understand what? I didn’t say anything.”

  “Yeah you did. Something about the lack of circulation and blood flow.”

  “I did?” Dean scratched his head. “I guess I did. Other than . . .”

  “No pain, none at all. I feel strong.”

  “You are.”

  “I am.” Frank laughed. “I’m thirsty though. Thanks, I’d appreciate that.”

  Dean paused in his getting up from the bed. After a second’s hesitation, he walked to the sink.

  “Dean, please. Of course I do.”

  “Do what?” Dean asked as he turned around with a glass of water in his hand.

  “I want to get out of this bed right away.”

  Dean gave a twitch of his head in a shudder and brought the glass to Frank. “I must be thinking too hard and not realizing that I’m rambling.”

  “Thanks.” Frank took the water. “Oh, hey, Dean. I need some help. You have to help me.”

  “Sure, but can I tell everyone you’re out of this first?”

  “No.” Frank held up his hand. “You can’t. That’s part of my plan. Dean, I have been laying in this bed, staring at Olivia fuckin Newton John, listening to her stupid songs, watching Josephine masturbate in front of me every day, and watching Elliott fuckin Ryder and Ellen make out.”

  “What!”

  “Oh, yeah. You didn’t know about that one, did you?’

  “No,” Dean whispered out. “I’ll kill him.”

  “Quite a little thing they had going. He’s me, she’s her, they’re us.” Frank shrugged and downed his water. “They were trying to inspire me to get out of this bed. I’m inspired all right and I want to get them all back.”

  “You have a plan?” Dean asked with an upward motion of his head.

  “Oh, yeah.” Frank smiled. “I have a plan.”

  A smile that matched Frank’s swept across Dean’s face. “Well, there’s some things, as a doctor, I have to do first.” He got up and moved to the door and closed it. “Privacy.”

  “This
isn’t on the lines of a prostate exam . . .”

  “Frank . . .”

  “Because I know you have this thing about my butt.”

  Dean chuckled with a shake of his head. “It’s good to have you back, Frank.”

  “Yeah. I am . . . aren’t I?” Frank grinned.

  ^^^^

  Robbie should have been in a hurry. After all he was already an hour late for Containment, but he didn’t feel the need to rush. After all, Richie was in there and Richie was capable. If not, he’d learn fast. Never easily distracted unless he was doing something he didn’t want to do, Robbie caught glimpse through the corner of his eye of the odd vision in the street. And even though Containment work was important, Robbie had to at least investigate the scene that amused him.

  Sgt. Tim Doyle led four men, one young and three older. Tim was walking in circles and seemed to be confused, which was understandable since Tim had only entered the gates of Beginnings the day before.

  “Doyle!” Robbie called out and trotted their way. “Hey.”

  “Major Slagel,” Tim spoke in relief. “I am so glad to see you.” Tim held out his hand. “Gentlemen, this is Major Robert Slagel, son of the Commander in Chief, and brother of Captain Slagel and General Slagel who is ill today.”

  “Robbie.” With a smiling introduction, Robbie winked. “Call me Robbie. Who are you guys? I know Warren Baydee.”

  Tim answered, “This is the Texas Town Council.”

  Robbie, greeted the men with a hand shake and took in their names. “So you guys are just wandering around?”

  Dale, the youngest of the four, responded. He was older than he looked. His darker blonde hair was cropped yet perfect. He was shorter with a bright smile that lit up an almost too perfect face. “We were getting the grand tour, but I think . . .” He laughed a little. “I think we might be lost?”

  “Lost?” Robbie looked to Tim. “How come you’re doing the tour? You don’t know Beginnings that well.”

  “I told these gentlemen that,” Tim responded. “But, unfortunately, they are stuck with me showing them important places. Which . . .”