3012: The Artifact

by John M Grier

  ~***~

  In the morning, when they determined there was no one around for miles, Jack took the opportunity to teach Paul how to shoot. A few days ago, Paul would have protested and refused to learn, but after these past few days, his outlook had changed.

  Paul said “I’ve seen a few guns in a museum, but have never seen one in working condition. In fact, I don’t even know of anyone who has ever seen one work. They’ve been illegal for a few hundred years, you know.”

  “I know, and it is one of many foolish laws you have now. The founding fathers of the United States laid down a list of rules to live by. They called it the Bill of Rights. One of them, the second, said the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. They knew that if you took away the guns, you also took away the freedom. You people in this time have so many laws that the government literally controls every aspect of your lives, and you are not even aware of it. If you ever decided that you didn't like the way things were, without any weapons you would have no chance of changing anything.”

  Paul said “Wow! That's intense! And it certainly gives me something to think about.”

  “It most certainly is, Paul” said Jack. “Now, let’s do a bit of target practice.”

  Jack went over the basics of how the weapon worked, how to disassemble it and put it back together, how to clean it and why and how the ammunition worked before letting Paul take his first shot.

  Jack fired a few rounds to show Paul what to expect and then handed the gun to him.

  Paul took aim and fired, and was nearly knocked down by the kick. More ready for it the next time, he took aim again and this time did well. Jack had set up some cans he found on a board and Paul managed to knock one down on his second try. Not too bad.

  After only a few shots, Paul was hitting the can every time. Jack was truly impressed. “Paul, you could’ve been a sharpshooter in my day” Jack said with pride.

  Suzie walked over and said “If you two mighty hunters are finished here, we should get going.”

  “She’s right” said Jack. “Let’s pack up and hit the road.”