Invitations were sent to General Veracruz, his father Max, Mateo, and their spouses, Marco and Allison, Professor Schneider and Stephen. Mac, Brogan, Emily, Papa Marco, Maria and Brogan completed the party of sixteen. Brogan wasn’t sure if Stephen would come, considering how upset he was at her speech at the rebel council meeting. She tried several times to reach out to him after the earthquake, but he refused to respond.
She was delighted when he said he would attend and asked if he could bring a date, increasing the party to seventeen people, all very important individuals to her and to the rebel movement. She suspected Stephen’s date might be the lovely woman at the welcome ceremony, Sally Holbrook. She nervously considered what she wanted to say to everyone after the dinner, knowing it could have life-changing impact on everyone attending.
Because of Maria’s incredible hostess skills, the dinner of native foods was perfect. A light breeze floated up from the river below, making the heat and humidity more tolerable. Although Stephen was a bit distant, he seemed happy; maybe Sally had something to do with it. They were obviously in love. At the end of the dinner, just before dessert, Stephen tapped on his wine glass to get everyone’s attention.
“First, let me say, ‘thank-you’ to Marco Sr. and Maria for a delightful dinner.”
Everyone echoed the sentiments with applause and thank-you. When the jubilation calmed, Stephen continued.
“Secondly, I have an announcement to make. Sally and I are getting married.”
The announcement was greeted with cheers. Sally stood beside Stephen and beamed. Marriage was outlawed under Prime Minister Altero, with bonding ceremonies taking their place. But, in remote areas of the Texas Province, like Tegucigalpa, many couples were now returning to the ancient marriage ceremony to declare their vows and love.
Members of the family crowded around the couple, wishing them well. Conversation revolved around their upcoming nuptials: when they would be and where.
As the congratulations concluded, Maria tapped on her wine glass to get everyone’s attention. “I am so pleased you chose our home to make the announcement. Now, is everyone ready for some churros and flan?”
Later, as everyone sat contentedly stuffed with great food and enjoying the conversation, it was Brogan’s turn to tap a wine glass for attention.
“I hate to break up the delightful conversation, especially with such fantastic news from Stephen and Sally, but one of the reasons why Papa Marco and Maria agreed to host this dinner, was to provide me with an opportunity to expand a bit more on what I said in the rebel auditorium in Mexico City.
“I know not everyone agreed with what I said.” Brogan looked at Stephen with a gentle smile as she spoke. “I hope you will forgive me, Stephen, for not talking to you before I spoke to the group.”
Stephen nodded.
She took a deep breath and continued. “Now you have had time to think more about it, I want to tell you what I have decided to do.
“I have decided, with input from some of you, to move to the Pacific Northwest, the north side of the California Province. There are some great potential spots in Oregon, which I’m considering, some contain warrens of underground rooms ideal for living.
“It will be a rugged lifestyle, but there is plenty of wild game in the forest, and fish in the river to support any size group. As far as I know, there are none of the empire’s troops in the Portland City area, so we will be able to safely trade for staples and other items as we need to.
“The journey there will be a long one. It is just over 3,800 miles, or 30 hours travel, non-stop, by train. But, as you know, train tracks are not always in great repair. My calculations indicate if we walk 20 miles a day, it would take us six months to get there. And that doesn’t consider the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains we need to cross to get there. We will use a combination of walking and trains, when we can. Obviously, I haven’t finalized the route.
“I’m telling you this because there is a lot of planning to be done. Anyone who chooses to go with me must be prepared for an arduous journey, with no idea what we will find once we get there.” She held up her hand for silence when people began to murmur.
“I also want to tell you again why I’m doing this and what I hope to achieve when we get there. First, let me assure you, I do not have all the answers and expect anyone who chooses to go with me to be actively involved in building this non-violent community, a community I hope will become a real thorn in the emperor’s flesh.”
There was laughter and cheers from everyone, include Stephen.
“Secondly, I know this will be an arduous, uncertain journey. We must be prepared to defend ourselves, but also to survive on our own without help for years to come. That said, it is essential we develop ways to make sure only the most committed and able-bodied make this trek.
“Finally, it is now November. According to everything I read about the Pacific Northwest climate, it will be cold several months of the year, with the mountains impassable between now and probably March. The rest of the year the climate in the area I am considering is mild and often rainy. I would like to begin signing up people now and putting together resources for the trip, with the goal of leaving here the end of March next year. Any questions?”
Brogan saw several hands go up, but out of deference, she called on Stephen first. “Stephen, what are your questions?”
“How will you decide who you will accept for this adventure and how will you finance the expedition?”
“Great questions, Stephen. And, so glad you are willing to make the first donation,” Brogan said facetiously.
Everyone chuckled, including Stephen. He stood.
“But before you answer, Brogan. I have something else I need to say.” He turned and looked at Sally, who nodded for him to continue. “I apologize for what I said to you at the rebel meeting. I won’t make excuses for myself, but simply say, my sweet Sally has helped me to see the truth in what you said. I know Bryan would approve of what you are doing.” He sat and looked down.
Brogan quickly walked over to him, leaned down and gave him a hug. “Thank you, Stephen. It means so much to me to hear you say it.”
Stephen hugged her back, his eyes glittering with tears. Brogan stood up, cleared her throat and continued.
“Now, to answer Stephen’s excellent questions. I would like to form a council, just like we did for the Book Liberators, so it is not one person making decisions, but the group. It is the council who will decide how we will develop the ways to finance our adventure and how we will accept members for the clan, for lack of a better term for members. Are there any other questions?”
When there were none, Brogan asked those interested in joining the expedition to tell her in the next few weeks. They would schedule their first council meeting within a month.
The party began to break up for the evening, everyone sated from the great food, enlightening conversation and sense of comradery. As people began to depart for homes and hotels, Brogan’s heart felt ready to burst from joy and relief at the feelings of fulfilment and peace. She knew she was doing the right thing. She could feel the unseen presence of her parents, Frank and Emily, and her beloved Bryan, as she stood on the wide verandah of the hacienda, watching as the sun sank low in the western sky, painting the sky an artist’s pallet of vivid color. A new life, with all its challenges, was ahead of her.
In the middle of her thoughts, Big Mac joined her on the verandah. She was grateful when he did not say a word but simply stood there, supporting and encouraging her with his presence.
Chapter Twenty-four
An Obscure Hero
General Veracruz was working on a rebel troops defense strategy when his aide announced Esther Longstreet’s arrival. He had never met the spy, who had been implanted in Emperor Priest’s lair for fifteen years. He was looking forward to their conversation.
He stood up as a tiny, bent, old woman entered the room. He was shocked. He had no idea Mrs. Longstreet was so elderly. She was t
rembling and looked like she was about to collapse. He quickly rushed over and helped her to a comfortable chair.
He knelt in front of her, his eyes glistening from unshed tears. He was a tough soldier but with a soft heart. And this elderly woman had obviously been through a lot.
“Can I get you something, Mrs. Longstreet? How about some tea or coffee?”
“A cup of tea would be wonderful, sir,” Piercing and intelligent blue eyes looked down at him. “And why don’t you get up off your knees. I’m sure you are not very comfortable. Please, call me Esther.”
His knees creaking, he stood up and pulled a chair over to sit next to her. He guessed she had quite a story to tell but would tell it in her own time. He was right. After she sipped her tea, she calmly and matter-a-factly told him about the death of the emperor, her role in it, and the perilous journey from Boston to Mexico City.
By the time she finished her story, he was in awe of this elderly woman’s commitment to the cause. He asked her if she would mind telling her story to the rebel council. She agreed but asked if he would mind if it could wait a day or two until she got “a bit of a rest.”
“Absolutely,” he replied. “Take as much time as you need. Just let me know when you are ready, and I’ll set it up. By the way, do you think you need to see one of our base doctors, just to make sure you are okay?”
“Oh, no, general, sir,” she replied with a dismissive wave. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired, is all. I’m old, and as far as I know they haven’t yet figured out a cure for that. I know they have those age-defying drugs or implants, but I don’t believe in such things. I will take whatever years the good Lord gives me.”
The lieutenant arranged for Esther to stay in the base quarters reserved for visiting dignitaries. Although the general knew they weren’t much, they were clean and private.
After a couple of days, Esther sent word to the lieutenant she felt well enough to tell her story to the council. He let Brogan know about Esther, hoping she would be able to attend the council meeting. He called an emergency meeting of the rebel council and informed them of Esther’s arrival, saying she would be talking to them about the emperor’s death and what she knew about the sarin gas bombs.
When Esther was presented to the Council, with Brogan present, everyone was shocked someone so elderly and unimposing had been a part of such momentous events. After she quietly told her story, the group spontaneously stood and applauded her courage. Esther blushed at the praise.
General Veracruz gave the council several minutes to discuss Esther’s story among themselves before calling the meeting back together and asking for input on how they should proceed.
After more than an hour of discussion, the general concluded the discussion by telling the group to keep working on their defensive strategies, at least until they had more definitive word on the regent’s work on sarin gas development
The council agreed, and the members disbursed to their assigned tasks. Brogan pulled Esther aside and thanked her for all she had done. When Esther told her about the deaths of her husband and son at the hands of the emperor, Brogan better understood what motivated the tiny, elderly woman to support the rebel cause.
When Brogan told her what she intended to do in the Pacific Northwest, Esther smiled gently and said, “If I were a few years younger, I would join you. But I think my time as a rebel spy has ended.”
She turned and slowly walked away. It was the last time Brogan saw her. A few months later she received a call from an elder hostel, asking her to come and pick up the few personal effects of an elderly woman who died and left her name as an emergency contact. She left her small retirement benefits to Brogan to use for the peace clan. It was their first donation. Brogan made sure Esther was buried with honors in the rebel cemetery.
Chapter Twenty-five
Agony Outside the Lab
Dr. Delis was a reluctant chemist working on the sarin gas project for the king and queen. A graduate of UT-Dallas, Delis was the proud father of a son, Andrew, who served in the marines. A closet pacifist, he constantly struggled with his conscience as he worked on the sarin gas project. His wife of 29 years, Rachel, and his son, age 24, were the only ones who knew of his emotional turmoil.
Andrew was conscripted into the marines, as were all young men his age for a four-year period of service. He was stationed in Boston City as a security guard for the king and queen, so his parents were able to see him periodically.
Over a sparse dinner last night, while recorded music played loudly, Argus whispered his agony to his wife and son, not sure if the queen’s spies had planted listening devices in their tiny apartment. “What am I going to do? If I complete the project, millions of people will die. If I don’t complete it, the king as made it very clear what could happen to you and Andrew.”
Rachel, with her brown skin, black hair and slim figure was the love of his life. He never understood how or why she had fallen in love with him. She was so beautiful. He fit every stereotype of a university professor: rather homely, with a horse face, thinning hair and old-fashioned glasses perched on a nose too big for his gaunt face. He was very tall and very thin; almost like a scarecrow in his appearance.
When he finally got up enough courage to tell her he loved her, when they were both seniors at the university - he studying chemistry and her literature – she gently touched his face and told him, “Dear, sweet Argus, how could a woman not love you? You are kind, loving and attentive. You are everything I ever dreamed of in a man, and more.”
Every day, when he awoke to find her next to him in their bed, he thanked the gods above for the blessing of knowing her. He would do anything to protect her. Did that include killing millions of people?
Andrew, fortunately, had inherited his mother’s beauty. Although he had his father’s height, he was classically handsome and athletic, everything his Dad was not. He had a gentle heart and was a musician. He could not wait to complete his time in the military, so he could return to studying music.
During the whispered conversation after dinner, Andrew knew he had to find a way to protect his parents. He returned to the barracks that evening, determined to find a way to help. He did not tell them about the conversation he overheard between the queen and king.
A tear coursed down Argus’ cheek as he watched Rachel the morning after their conversation after dinner. What was he going to do?
He did not realize Rachel was awake as he turned away and started to get up to get ready for work. She had seen the single tear and knew the agony her beloved Argus was wrestling with. If it weren’t for her and Andrew, it would be a no-brainer for him. He would refuse to do what the king and queen wanted.
She feigned sleep until her husband left for work. After she was dressed, she called Andrew, who was on duty at the barracks outside the pyramid. When she saw her handsome son on her vid-phone, she struggled to keep the tears out of her voice, but he immediately knew something was wrong.
“What is it, Mother? What’s wrong?”
“I need to see you, son. It’s about your father.”
“Is Dad okay?”
“He’s fine, but I desperately need to talk to you. Do you think you can get a few hours leave to meet me somewhere?”
“Sure. Let me talk to my commander. Where do you want to meet and when?”
“Can you meet me at the old Daniel Webster Oyster Bar for lunch, say 12:30 pm?”
“I’ll do my best. Watch your vid-phone for a message, okay?”
It was about an hour’s transporter tube ride to downtown Boston to the restaurant, so Rachel had a couple of hours to try to figure out a plan before meeting with her son. She made a trip to the local apothecary, picked up some supplies, and then packed a small suitcase with the bare minimum of clothes for her and Andrew.
The hardest thing she did was to write a coded message for Argus. They had developed their own silly code when at University and often used it to send love notes to each other. When it was done, she had to re
do her make-up, since it had run badly from the copious tears she shed as she wrote.
On the way to the restaurant, she stopped by the bank. Using her T-chip she withdrew half of the balance in their savings account and stuffed it into a small bag she programmed to follow her.
She was on her way to the restaurant when she caught a glimpse of someone she thought she had already seen outside the bank. Was she being followed? Not a good sign. She paused to look in a shop window. In the reflection, she saw a nondescript woman pull a vid-phone from her pocket and seem to be talking on it.
It was the same person. She recognized the coat she was wearing. Now what was she going to do? As her heart started to race, she tried frantically to think about her next steps. She had about decided to forget the whole thing, when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
It was the same woman. As Rachel looked at her, she felt her fear begin to diminish. The woman did not seem threatening. She was ordinary looking, a bit poorly dressed; clean and neat but she spoke with a self-assuredness Rachel certainly did not feel.
“What do you want?” she asked tremulously.
“Don’t be frightened, Mrs. Delis. I’m here to help you.”
“How do you know my name? And why do you think I need help?”
The woman gently guided her to a nearby bench. “We have been watching you and your family for quite some time. We know your husband is a reluctant participant in the king and queen’s sarin gas project. When we saw you had withdrawn a significant amount of money from the bank, we guessed you might be getting ready to run. Am I correct?”
“Oh, God. If you know, the queen’s spies probably do, too.” Rachel looked around in a panic.
“Calm down, Rachel. We have an insider at the bank who will keep your transaction quiet for several days to protect you.”
The Mother Warrior Page 12
