"Before I go, I would like to stress the urgency of this matter, we need to resolve it before the Chancellor's visit in October."
This was the first time any of them had heard of the official visit; no doubt it could not happen while an uprising was in full swing.
"I need not remind you that the Chancellor's visit is still Top Secret, so please keep it to yourselves."
Steenkamp admired the man intensely and wondered if this would be his opportunity to meet him. It would be an honor to shake his hand, probably it would be the highlight of his life. That was if he played his cards right and squashed the rebellion.
The meeting went on for another half an hour before Philippe du Toit finally brought it to an end.
"Please feel free to contact my office if you require any assistance at all, and I need daily reports from all the Zone Commanders so we can assess the correct response to the media."
With that Philippe du Toit and the Minister of Internal Security, Jonathan Radebe, left the room. Everyone stood.
Officers stood chatting to each other, drinking their coffee and eating freshly baked cake. They all lived a privileged life and would continue to do so as long as they managed the chaos on the streets. They were, after all, the true Praetorians of the modern world.
"So, I believe he was a commander with the Givati Brigade, this Nathan Cohen," the Zone Commander from District 1 asked Steenkamp.
"I believe so; a tough soldier I was told," Steenkamp replied, not knowing anything at all about this brigade.
However, he was sure that by the end of the evening, and with the help of his staff, he would know everything he needed to know about this American Jew.
"I also have a friend in the Israeli Military, and believe me, we have problems," the Zone Commander said as the General overheard the conversation.
"I disagree, gentlemen, he's only one man. It's not the Jew I think we should worry about, but the girl, the British one."
"Kathryn Baxter?" Steenkamp replied.
"Yes, that's the one - she's the wild-card in this equation and far more dangerous," General Steinhauser said.
Steenkamp knew the General was right. What bothered him even more was that he knew absolutely nothing about Kathryn Baxter. But that would change.
Chapter 34
"I think I will only be happy when the only true King returns to rule for a thousand years.
Until Yahushua walks this earth again, we will always be subjected to powers greater than democracy." Nathan Cohen – The Yeshua Tribe
It had been raining on and off for two days and the camp site was drenched. The mood of the tribe had descended to an all-time low, except for Nathan and Nicole. They had chosen to seclude themselves in their little tent where they could enjoy the pleasures of warmth and each other’s affections. No matter how much it rained or how cold it got, they had each other. Both had forgotten about the outside world for a moment as they focused on each other. It had been ages since either of them had felt any intimacy or affection, and they soon discovered their desires and passions could no longer contain themselves.
Nicole had fantasized many times of what he would be like, how he would take her, and if his touch would be sincere. At first it seemed a dream and then the reality frightened her. She had never been with a man of such intensity before, as he did not merely touch her, but he entered her on a level that amplified all her senses into overload. Spiritually she felt enlightened and physically she felt liberated. But emotionally she felt weak and strong at the same time. Nicole felt herself responding to him in ways she couldn't explain.
Their bodies had united many times over the last few days, and with each encounter the physical bond between them grew stronger and stronger. She felt it deep inside her bosom; it was beyond anything she had experienced before, it was pure in essence and from the look in his eyes Nathan felt it too. Their relationship had been elevated to an intimacy level neither had experienced before and from that moment on they could never be apart.
Weather patterns had become more severe of late and unpredictable. The wind was a constant curse, whirling and gusting and howling, yet Nicole and Nathan were never happier. They had been inseparable for days now, only coming out to eat or to take walks between the periods of rain.
It was only a week ago that a heat wave had drawn everyone to the beach for a swim to escape the sizzling temperature. Those on patrol duty cursed when they had to brave the cold and venture outside, knowing full well there were no intruders in this vast landscape of bush and sand.
Nathan and Nicole had already done three patrols, but they didn’t complain, even when they returned drenched.
The only subject of interest was the latest news feed coming out of Cape Town, and what the underground networks had begun reporting in comparison to the mainstream news channels.
Kate correlated the latest Intel from the networks and fed it out to the massive database of members she had accumulated since she started her campaign. The response was instant, people began to openly vent their anger against the authorities and became unified in their distrust of the UWN. It spread like a tsunami; her plan to start the Peoples Resistance Movement had succeeded, creating a wildfire-effect, inflaming other groups and bringing them into its fold.
People had already begun a graffiti-campaign across the city that had drawn much attention from the local authorities in Cape Town. The Zone Police had arrested many protesters and graffiti artists who were spraying red stars everywhere with PRM slogans; many of which Kate had come up with herself.
A massive search was underway for the ringleaders.
When the footage of Staaldraad prison complex broke across the underground social media sites, it went viral. It was first denied by the authorities, but when other researchers had also penetrated the area to get their own footage, the story was changed and it became a high-tech prison facility for housing international terrorists. The Government had also released their own story and profiled some of their prized celebrity prisoners at the complex. A media war was now at full tilt.
With concerns now running high, Nathan asked Kate to consider Neliswe, who was in the middle of all the unrest. He wanted her to cool off a little in her campaign as many people where extremely fearful.
"Yes, and they should be. By the way, I need not remind you of the grim situation we are in Nathan," she replied in that tone of voice.
Her tent was right in the middle of the camp and everyone heard their argument, but luckily not the nature of it. Nathan had not expected her to cause a media wildfire and to ignite a response of such magnitude.
"In case you haven't noticed, we have just started a social revolution against the fucking UWN," she replied.
"While you and Nicole had been all lovey-dovey in your tent, I've been networking with Neliswe and fighting for the truth."
Perhaps they had started something together but at this rate they would soon be tearing each other apart. Nathan had more wisdom so everyone looked to him to make the rational decisions. After all, he had made sure they had survived so far.
"What exactly did you think you'll achieve by this, Kate? You're causing fear to spread; it’s reached a point where we can’t control what we’ve started. This isn’t going to end well for us," he said sitting down beside her.
It struck Kate hard as she thought about it, even though she kept on saying it wasn’t a game, she believed in her heart they would win and get out of this situation unscathed.
"Come on Kate, take a break," Nathan said as he stood up again.
The rain had stopped altogether now and the wind had ceased its relentless blowing.
"I feel like going for a walk. I think we should do it now before it rains again," he said as he left the tent.
Others had already gathered around outside and began stretching out limbs that ached from being cramped up inside their tents for days. When Kate finally got herself ready and joined those around the campfire, Nathan and Nicole were already waiting for her.
"Come, let's get going," Nathan said.
"Hannes, are you coming?" Nicole asked as they set off to complete the three kilometer patrol.
Nicole would always reach for Nathan's hand, but this time he took hers first as they descended a dune face and out of sight. They had walked this route many times over the last few days. Kate and Hannes followed in silence; it was time for reflection. It was not long before Nathan stopped to wait for Kate and Hannes to catch up.
"We need to talk," he said to Kate as she came within earshot.
"Yes, we must," she said. "There are things I've been thinking about and I need to tell you."
Kate looked around, making sure no one had followed them. Hannes had gained Nathan's trust and confidence since they took care of Dmitri and the Policeman.
"What do you mean, exactly?" Nathan asked.
Looking at Nicole, knowing once again that she had placed the Kruger family in danger, Kate looked away.
"I found out, well Neliswe found out from her contacts, that a massive reward has been placed on our heads," she said.
Nathan had not expected this and from the look on his face he could not believe it.
"Since you started that cyber-campaign, things have escalated out of control. Why can't you let things be? Ever since they destroyed your life you have lost control, and through your obsession put us all at risk. Nathan, say something," Nicole said, stepping away.
"Where did you find out about the reward?" he asked with a frown on his face.
"This isn’t funny, Nathan," Kate replied as she turned her back on them.
Nathan put his hand on Kate's shoulder.
"I'm listening," he said.
"On the public awareness sites; but it's out there, on the official West Coast Community Watch, the Police Forum and even the local newspapers like the Cape Times, the Argus and the Sunday Express. Anyway, the reward is real, they’ve personally named us as the ring leaders," she said.
They walked in silence, still milling through what Kate had said. Reaching the edge of the dunes Nathan stopped again, waiting for Kate and Hannes to catch up.
"What about me and my family?" Nicole asked Kate who had more Intel than Nathan.
"Nothing at all, but they’ve announced that we are on the run and probably traveling along the West Coast somewhere. They’ve even deployed special agents to track us down," Kate said, knowing full well she lied.
The Police had probably questioned Nicole's family again; she had wanted to send Warren a message but realized they would be waiting for the communication. Best they lost all contact with the people they loved for their own safety.
"Look, it's only a matter of time until they track us down. We'll need to make a plan and move to a location they will never think of looking," Nathan said.
"Yes, I agree," Hannes said.
"We've been here for over two weeks now and I’m starting to think we've been here too long already. I mean, we're only 65 kilometers away from Lamberts Bay."
The gentle giant had a point.
Nicole looked stressed; her thoughts of her brother and father had plagued her, and she knew that by returning now she would put her family at risk. It was best she remained with the group until this all blew over.
"I need to let my family know that I'm ok, and...," Nicole started to speak but was stopped by Nathan.
"No, that’s too risky. If they're onto us then they are monitoring everyone already," he said, now holding Nicole in his arms. "No my baby, the best thing you can do now is to disappear completely until we find a way to let them know you're ok."
Nicole let go of Nathan and looked out over the dunes with her arms crossed.
"I'm scared, Nathan. This should never have happened."
Nicole followed Nathan along the ridge while holding his hand, thoughts racing through her mind of her family and of what to do. She felt trapped in a world out of control. Kate though had kept her cool and was confident they would find a way out of this madness.
Kate noticed something she had not before, that she was the only one who was un armed. Another sign that highlighted the fact, that she was very different from the others. Their little guns would make no difference anyway against the full might of the authorities, but strangely enough, she wanted one.
As they reached the beach they looked around to see if the coast was clear. There were no signs of any intruders. Taking a rest they sat down and gazed out across the waves to the horizon in the distance. It was an angry sea, perhaps a sign of things to come. Everything had suddenly become so serious in this new society, so much had changed over the years that it seemed a life time ago. Everyone agreed that there was just too much security infrastructure with far too many rules and regulations. CCTV cameras were forever watching and Zone check points always scanning and scrutinizing.
"When I'm out here, this is when I feel closest to God, this is still His world and no matter what, He's still in charge," Nathan said.
His words did bring a little calm as they sat huddled together on the deserted beach.
"I had a strange dream last night," Kate said.
"I think we're all stuck in a strange nightmare," Nicole answered.
They watched the wave’s crash and thunder towards the beach.
"Tell me about your dream," Nathan asked.
Kate thought about it for a while before she answered.
"Well, I dreamed of wild horses running across a desert, then it changed and I was a horse, and I followed them into a massive canyon with walls of rocks on either side. They went up very high, almost to the sky. Then I was alone on a dried up river bed," she said.
"Interesting," Nathan replied.
"I don't know what it means, but I wasn't scared," Kate said.
They sat there, all trying to interpret it the best they could. But nothing emerged.
"Well, we'd better get a move on, it's getting late," Hannes said.
"What about our plan? We need to discuss it a little more you know, without the others," Kate said.
She was right and they all knew it.
Nathan looked up at the sky, as if a thought had just entered his soul.
"I have a plan; been thinking about it for a while now, but I'm sure it'll work."
"What plan?" Nicole asked.
Kate had noticed how Nicole always held onto Nathan, he was her anchor. A clear sign to her and the other girls in the tribe, that he was hers alone.
If Kate ever stood a chance, it had now passed and she had to suppress her feelings for him, as greater things than a silly romance were now at stake. Yet, Kate still felt that Nathan and her were a far better match.
"You have a plan! I hope it's a good one, Nathan, because if not, then we're all fucked," Kate replied.
"Our best chance of survival is to cross over into Namibia or Botswana, and lay low for a while."
They all knew what that meant and it would be no simple task. Nathan explained briefly what he had in mind, yet he knew it would take much planning and the timing had to be perfect.
"We need to get everyone prepared and ready, because trust me when I say this: our time is running out." The sad truth was that no one disagreed with his statement.
"Just one little thing; how are we getting there and when exactly will we be going?" Kate asked.
"We have transport," Nathan replied. "All we need is fuel and supplies to make the journey and a window of opportunity to slip past the road blocks and make our way to freedom."
They remained silent, mulling it over in their minds.
"I was thinking; we can go up the coast all the way until we reach the Orange River and then trek inland a bit and swim over into Namibia."
Nicole interrupted him for a second.
"My uncle lives in Namibia. He helps to manage a resort called Canyon Lodge, I think, I know he'll help us."
"You're kidding, why you didn't say so earlier?"
"Well, Nathan, I never thought this would ever happen, you know."
"That could work, but it's almost four hundred kilometers to the border," Hannes added.
They watched a set of wave’s crash towards the beach and spill out only a few feet in front of them.
"Anyway, this is the part you won’t like, but it's vital if we are to stand any chance at all."
They looked at him, it didn’t sound very positive.
"As you know, they have check-points all over the place, so we will have to take the back roads again. But I think a diversion is what's needed this time around."
"This sounds too risky," Nicole answered.
"We need to split into two groups; I will take Hannes and perhaps Zane to cause a diversion, draw as much attention to us as possible forcing Steenkamp and his men to focus on our location, while everyone else slips by."
They listened to Nathan. Even though they did not like the plan, it had some merit.
"If we stay together, we're a bigger target and easier to catch. So the plan is to cause as much mayhem as possible in some little town along the way and hopefully draw them in. By that time you've all reached Namibia safely," Nathan said as he stood up, stretching his legs.
Nicole looked at him for a moment.
"No ways; you're not leaving me again. If you go, so do I."
"No, my angel, you need to get everyone over safely to your uncle. You’re the key to it all."
And that was the end of that debate. Nicole knew the part she would have to play…… so much depended on her.
"When do we go?" Kate asked.
"As soon as possible, but we have much planning to do so we better get moving."
"Nathan, it’s best if you tell the others our plan as soon as we get back," Nicole said.
"No, not yet, let's think about it a little more before we reveal it to everyone," Kate replied.
"I agree," Hannes remarked.
Memories of Chantel still left a bitter taste in his mouth. Kate wanted to say something but she chose not to.
"We tell them only that we're moving on. If they ask where, then we can lie just this once," Kate said.
"Let's keep this to ourselves for now. Kate, you’ll have to feed your contact in Cape Town false information about our plans. If we just drop off the map the authorities should eventually ease off in their search for us."
Dawn of Defiance Page 28
