by Mark Church
Cole pauses to contemplate that likely reality. A dejected look forms on his face.
“Look, son,” Jake feels sorry for Cole and tries to placate him. “We need you here. It’s going to get pretty hairy and we’ll need every able-bodied person we can get.”
A few awkward moments pass before a disappointed Cole nods his head. He knows that his father is right; he’ll never be able to find the mobile unit.
“After you see Kayla, meet me on the front line, we are finalizing our defenses there.”
Cole nods again and follows with, “Sorry, Pop.”
“For what?” Jake can’t help but be pleased to hear Cole use the endearment, ‘Pop’.
“For not telling you.”
“Your intentions were good, so I’m cutting you some slack. But don’t do it again. If you want to help, you have to follow orders. Are we clear?”
“Clear.”
“Good, now go see your girl.”
Jake watches Cole walk away. He’s relieved that his son is still in one piece. George, the pilot, reported earlier that Cole’s unit sustained numerous casualties as a result of the encounter with the helicopter. Thank God the squad leader tasked Cole with delivering the vehicle or he could have been one of those injured – or worse.
“Hey, Jake,” John strolls up. Jake wakes from his daydream before it has the chance to turn too dark.
“Yeah, what did you find?”
“We found maps that prove they plan on passing through here, and the radio in the vehicle is tuned to their frequency. I’m hoping we’ll be able monitor their movements.” John has the smug look of a successful leader.
“What a stroke of luck.” Jake is amazed at how many breaks they have caught, “Thank God Mason had the forethought to send Cole back here with it.”
“You owe Mason one,” John agrees. “He could have sent anyone.”
Jake nods his head in agreement, “I owe him big time.”
29 calm before the storm
The encroaching army’s advance rolls to a stop near a deserted town called Caledonia. The sun has nearly set so leadership decides to make camp for the night.
Their progress has been slow. Sporadic encounters with small rebel groups have delayed them repeatedly. While these skirmishes are irritating, they continue to be regarded as nothing more than chance encounters with unorganized rebel factions.
The loss of their helicopter was confirmed earlier this morning, but it did little to alter their strategy. They are confident that their superior numbers and firepower will easily overcome anything the rebels can throw at them.
The limited resistance encountered thus far has only served to enforce this notion within the army’s leadership. Within striking distance of Arcadia, they plan a blitzkrieg-type slash and burn strategy for the next day.
Lieutenant Watson is nearly giddy. He and his platoon have been looking forward to returning to Arcadia ever since Private Neumann was killed there. For weeks he has promised his men they’ll get their revenge. Tomorrow he expects to deliver on that promise.
✽✽✽
John finds Jake staring out into the fading twilight. He walks up beside him. They stand shoulder-to-shoulder looking out over the tranquil setting. They have received word that the government’s army is within striking distance and likely to mount an attack as early as tomorrow.
The night is so peaceful, it’s hard to believe the hell that will be unleashed tomorrow.
John finally comments, “Amy go to bed?”
Without looking over, Jake nods, “Yeah – long day.”
“Long day for you too.”
Jake doesn’t respond at first but after a few moments breaks the silence. “You know – my wife Kay and I used to sit on our front porch and watch the sun set every evening.”
“You’ve never told me much about her.”
“She was a beautiful woman – inside and out,” Jake reminisces. “She was a great mother, too.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” John probes gently, “How did you lose her?”
“She got sick about the time Mike and Gena arrived at our farm. The soldiers were getting close so we had to leave. Kay wasn’t well enough to travel so I sent Cole ahead with Mike and Gena with the idea that we would meet up with them as soon as Kay was well enough to travel.”
“I was wondering how you and Cole were separated.”
“It was a tough decision but one that I had to make, and that’s where things went from bad to worse.”
Jake takes a long pause. John doesn’t say anything. He figures if Jake wants to reveal any more he won’t need prompting.
Jake finally breaks the silence, “The illness took Kay a day or so later. A few antibiotics could have saved her but, of course, we didn’t have any. I was numb. I managed to bury her but not much else. I sought refuge in a bottle of booze I had stored away. I’m not much of a drinker so I got blackout drunk and was found by some soldiers moving through the area. I left myself vulnerable, which was stupid on my part. Surprisingly, instead of killing me on the spot, they sent me to the RZs where, as you know, I met Amy and Kayla.”
“We all have regrets.” John speaks softly as he continues to look forward, “But look at it this way, had you not been found by the soldiers you never would have met Amy.”
“True. Amy and Kayla, and reuniting with Cole, has made life livable again. When I was in the RZ I never thought I’d be happy again, and now the damn government is trying to take it all away from me.”
“We’re not going to let that happen. We’re going to win tomorrow.”
“Do you really believe that?” Jake’s doubts continue to claw at him.
“I have to. Otherwise, why are we here? Why did we choose to stand and fight?”
“Because we had no other choice.”
“We always have choices. Maybe not good choices, but choices, nevertheless. We could have run. We could have engaged the government in a cat and mouse game for years. But what kind of life is that?” John is almost talking to himself now.
“Not the kind of life that I want to live, and evidently not the kind of life that these folks around you want to live either.” Jake turns from thoughts of the past to thoughts of the future.
“So do you think we can win?” John, his confidence slipping a bit, hopes for the right answer.
“Yeah…but I’ve been trying to figure out how to encourage the militia tomorrow. I need them to believe it, too.” Jake has been trying to string together the words that will make a difference.
“That you do. If they’re mentally defeated before the battle is waged, we’ve already lost.” Over the years a few good commanders have inspired John and he trusts in Jake to find a way.
Jake silently contemplates the message he’ll need to deliver tomorrow. It’s the most important message of his life, and he’ll need to deliver it in a way that helps to instill unyielding confidence in his troops.
“I’m off to get some shut eye. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow. I suggest that you do the same.” John sees no point in beating a dead horse.
“Are the sentries in place?”
“Everywhere between here and Caledonia.”
Jake nods, “I’m going to hang out here for a bit longer and then I’ll turn in.”
“Okay,” John claps Jake on the back, “but just remember, morning will come around quick.”
As John turns to leave, Jake stops him, “John?”
John turns back, “Yeah?”
“I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Yeah, you could have.” John replies with a smile. “You just don’t know it yet.”
Jake’s tone turns serious, “No really, thanks for everything.”
“You bet. I want you to know something too. I’ve never wavered in my belief in you, I know a natural born leader when I see one.”
The two men’s eyes lock. A silent moment of respect is shared between them before John turns and walks off into the darkness.
Jake returns his gaze to the horizon. The moon has begun to illuminate the fields and tree lines.
He begins to pray.
‘Lord, I know that I have asked you for a lot lately, but I pray that your grace is with us tomorrow as we face down our enemies. I ask that you give us the strength and courage to overcome the evil that is determined to destroy us. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Jake retires to his quarters and lies on his cot. He switches off his lantern and stares into the darkness. Breathing in deeply, he has come to associate rest with the scent of mildewed canvas. He tunes into the serenade of nearby hoot owls. Their frequent ‘hoot, hoot’ calls help him to relax further. Next on this evening’s program, coyotes ratchet up their howling.
In spite of tomorrow’s enormous pressures, the night sounds help him to drift off rather quickly. Dreams come and go throughout the night. His parents, Kay, and even a few old classmates make an appearance. Is it possible that God is at play here, filling Jake’s mind and spirit with positive memories, helping him remember what life was like and what it could be again if they can repel the government’s army?
The stage has been set. The curtain will rise tomorrow, and the final act will play out in real-time – it’s ending, ugly and brutal.
The struggle between good and evil will decide humanities course for generations. If there’s was ever a time for divine intervention that time is now.
30 they’re coming
Jake wakes an hour before daybreak. He reaches for Amy but she’s not there. He scrambles out of bed and dresses quickly before exiting his quarters. He can see a light glowing through the canvas of the nearby command tent. He heads towards it.
Jake enters the tent to find John, Cole, Eli, Kate, and some of his senior leaders already sipping coffee.
Somewhat surprised, Jake demands, “Why didn’t someone wake me?”
“There was no point.” John replies calmly. “The enemy is just beginning to stir; it’ll be midday before they get here.”
Jake relaxes a bit.
“Here you go, Pop.” Cole hands his father a steaming cup of fresh brew.
After a long sip of the warm, bitter liquid, Jake looks at his watch, “It’s 6:00 am.” Looking around he wonders aloud, “Where’s Amy and Kayla?”
“They are preparing a hot breakfast for the garrison. Remember, soldiers fight better on full stomachs.” Kate answers nonchalantly.
“What about the sentries and lookouts?” Jake feels the weight of command and wants to make sure everything has been thought of and addressed.
“Cole, Eli, and I will personally make sure that the food reaches all but the most forward operating units.” Kate, well pleased with their distribution plans, assures him.
Jake relaxes a little more as he realizes things are well in hand. His leadership team has more than met his expectations and hopes. He sips his coffee before saying, “Nice work, folks.”
The smiles and nods are followed by casual conversation regarding strategy and last-minute considerations.
“Has New Town been evacuated?” Jake’s mind continues to run through a never-ending to-do list.
“Yes.” John adds additional information for good measure. “Other than a few lookouts, everyone has been relocated to the top of Taum Sauk.”
“Good. And all the arms and ammunition have been distributed?”
“Affirmative.” John again offers reassurance.
“And where’s George?” Jake has just noticed the absence of their pilot.
“Still trying to repair his airplane,” Cole injects.
“It sure would be nice to have him up in the air once we are fully engaged. There’s nothing like a bird’s eye view of the battlefield.” John fully appreciates not only the tactical advantage the aerial view gives the field commanders, but the resourcefulness of the pilot in tipping the balance in battle.
“We have to operate as if he won’t be available. The plane was pretty badly damaged.” Kate isn’t optimistic about the status of the aircraft.
Looking meaningfully at John, Jake continues, “Which is why it’s important for you to direct the battle from the top of Pilot Knob.”
This takes John by surprise. He had planned on Jake manning that post. “I really need to be on the ground – with the troops.”
This is one of the few times that Jake asserts his authority with John. “I know that’s where you want to be, but we need you directing the action and you can’t do that very well without seeing how the battle unfolds.”
John starts to argue but almost immediately realizes that Jake is right. He holds his tongue and grimaces a bit as the sound logic overrides his emotional response. This capitulation saves Jake from having to issue a direct command.
✽✽✽
It’s nearly 7:00 am. The interior of the tent begins to brighten as daybreak penetrates the heavy canvas sides.
“It’s time to distribute those meals.” Kate heads off to assist with that task.
On cue, Cole and Eli stand and prepare to leave.
“Before we all go,” Jake delays them briefly, “I’d like you to spread the word. All available personnel should assemble by the old fort at 9:00 o’clock. I think they need to hear from me, I owe them that much. I wish I could give them more than words but that’s all I have left to give. I just hope they’re enough.”
“The right words are all that are needed,” John points out.
A long pause is followed by nods before the tent’s occupants begin filing out leaving Jake and John alone.
Sensing Jake’s nervousness, John extends his arm towards Jake. The two men clasp hands.
“You will inspire them. You’re a natural leader. You’ve made them believe in you, now all you have to do is make them believe in themselves.” John shares this bit of wisdom with Jake who is not only his commander but his friend.
Jake squeezes John’s hand and nods, “I think I’ve got this.”
John smiles. “I know you do.”
✽✽✽
A young major approaches the commander of the government army, salutes and announces, “We’re ready to pull out, sir.”
“Excellent. Keep our formation tight and our scouts close. We’re are going to destroy any opposition we encounter with overwhelming force.”
“With all due respect, sir,” questions the major, “shouldn’t we continue to send the scouts out in advance of the army?”
“Why? So they can be picked off a few at a time? We’ve encountered nothing but small pockets of resistance ever since we started this operation, and I expect more of the same today.”
“But…”
“Enough!” The general cuts off the major. “We’ll go in force and we’ll pound them into submission.”
The major considers trying again but decides against it. Snapping to attention, he salutes smartly and barks out, “Yes, sir.”
The general has been lulled into over-confidence by the light resistance his army has encountered thus far. This has turned out to be less of a mop up operation and more of a training exercise. He fantasizes about the accolades he’ll receive when he returns to Washington. He envisions a statue, built in his likeness, and placed in the center of the city. Maybe even a parade in his honor. It is going to be a fantastic homecoming, indeed!
✽✽✽
The volunteers have assembled near the old fort. They watch as Jake makes his way towards its well-worn ramparts. Amy and John follow close behind.
Jake climbs one side of the nearest ten-foot high earthen mound and turns to face the free people’s militia.
A hush falls over the crowd.
Jake looks solemnly across the gathering and begins, “This day will decide our fate, and the fate of our children. Will we live and fight as free people, or do we succumb to the tyranny of the government?”
Someone yells out, “We fight!”
Cheering rises from the crowd.
When the noise lowers, Jake nods and continues,
“Yes, we’ll fight –and some of us may die, but we’ll die as free men and women. Isn’t that preferable to dying as servants at the hands of government masters?”
Defiant yells once again erupt from the crowd.
“But I come here today, not to die,” Jake pauses for dramatic effect, “but to fight – and to live!”
The crowd goes wild, cheering and whistling their endorsement.
“On this day, we will face our enemies, and, by the grace of God, we will defeat them!” This last phrase rings out defiantly, then Jake stands silently surveying the crowd.
A wave of optimism rolls through his eager volunteers. They begin to chant repeatedly, “We fight, we live!”
Jake allows time for their display of collective confidence to push out any lingering doubts.
John steps forward as the crowd finally begins to settle. He shouts, “I’m proud to undertake this noble cause with all of you. This is our land, our lives, and our future. When I see you at the end of this day, we will meet as victors, and as liberators of freedom loving people everywhere. May God be with each and every one of you!”
The crowd whoops it up yet again as they begin dispersing and heading to their designated positions.
Jake turns slightly to John and asks, “Do you think they’re ready?”
“If they can withstand the first thirty minutes of battle, we’ll win the day.”
Jake intuitively knows what John is alluding too. He surmises that the perception of battle and the reality of battle are two very different things. They are going up against seasoned soldiers who won’t be fazed by the cries of the dying, by the blood and body parts. They won’t flinch. He hopes his volunteers won’t either.
✽✽✽
Hannah continues to broadcast to free folks worldwide. Her message is simple, “They’re coming!”
Free people from South America, to Asia, to Europe and beyond are receiving her messages. Like the Ozark militia, they have been preparing for months. In some cases, battles have already been joined, as freedom fighters around the world fight for their very right to exist.
