Dawn of Defiance

by Dempsey, Albert

  Neither Hannes nor Zane had any military training and were both on edge. Carrying weapons out of necessity was something they were not used to.

  "Let's do a weapons check again," Nathan said as he took the 9mm Nicole gave him and went through the motions. Hannes and Zane copied him with their stolen weapons, complements from Kazak and the South African Police Force.

  "It will be ok, just listen to me and follow my lead," Nathan said, trying to reassure them.

  "What happens if we get caught?" Hannes replied with true concern in his voice.

  That thought had not even entered Nathan's mind; deep inside he knew that God would protect them.

  "I will not let that happen!" he replied.

  Nathan knew what that meant and prayed it would never happen.

  It was almost 8:30 am and the morning traffic in and out of the fuel service station was too busy for comfort. The three of them watched and waited patiently from behind a bush, yet none of them were at ease. They needed a getaway vehicle for the robbery, and the red pick up being refueled was perfect except for one thing; it had a load box canopy and that posed a problem.

  "Not that one," Nathan said.

  At a distance they saw a white double-cab Toyota turn into Main Street and drive slowly towards the service station.

  "I'm not sure I can do it," Hannes said.

  Nathan didn’t reply; he just watched the vehicle as it got closer and turned into the service station forecourt, coming to a stop next to a diesel pump.

  "This one," Nathan said, looking straight at Hannes.

  He turned a lighter shade of pale, realizing the moment had now come. To lighten their load, they hid their backpacks in some bushes three kilometers from town as this was going to be a quick in and out operation.

  "Wait here," Nathan said as he casually strolled out from behind the bush towards the vehicle, taking his time.

  Both Hannes and Zane watched fearfully from a safe distance, their hearts beating in their chests, about to explode.

  "I can’t believe we're doing this," Hannes said.

  From their vantage point it seemed to take forever, but the moment finally came when the fuel attendant returned to the vehicle with the hand held ISIS scanner. After the electronic transaction had been processed he lazily made his way back to the shade of his little kiosk.

  This was the moment they had all dreaded and Nathan had to act now and act fast. Opening the passenger door Nathan got in and pointed the 9mm at him.

  “Don’t try anything stupid, just drive towards that row of trees over there, Nathan pointed”. The vehicle started and drove off slowly all the way to where Hannes and Zane were hiding. It stopped and within seconds both Hannes and Zane had climbed on the back.

  "Now just keep on driving until you get to the T-junction, and then go left!" Nathan said to the driver who was an old white man.

  They drove for about ten minutes until Nathan indicated to him to stop next to a roadside picnic spot. Hannes and Zane jumped off, not sure what they should do.

  "Okay, Mister, you can get out now."

  The old man moved slowly. He still had a little fight in him but when he saw the size of Hannes he gave up any foolish ideas.

  "We're going to use your vehicle to transport supplies. When we're finished we’ll park it somewhere along this road, ok," Nathan said.

  "Who are you? You're not South African," the man asked.

  "That's right. My name is Nathan and we are members of the PRM. You can tell the Police that when you get back to town."

  With Hannes and Zane now inside the vehicle, they made a U-turn and sped off, back towards town. Their next robbery would undoubtedly grab Steenkamp's attention.

  By the time they arrived at the store, it was already 9:25 am. A few locals hung around, eyeing each other out and catching up on the latest gossip. Nathan casually walked into the store with Hannes and Zane in tow. He selected a large shopping trolley and began loading up a few essential supplies. A twenty five kilogram bag of maize, a dozen cans of assorted food, a bag of potatoes, a first-aid kit, tampons, deodorant and two cans of red and blue spray paint. They had already been noticed by the store manager, who was by now watching them carefully on the CCTV monitor from his office. Outsiders for sure, they always behaved completely out of place.

  The three of them wandered from isle to isle, placing things in the trolley. Hannes however had begun to sweat and being as nervous as he was, decided to wait outside to keep watch. Nathan agreed and gave him the keys.

  “Start her up and keep her running” he said.

  Finally, when the trolley was full, Nathan pushed it towards the checkout counter with Zane keeping watch. The cashier looked at them hesitantly, and began scanning each and every item and placed it on the counter behind her. A grocery packer came forward and then placed the scanned goods in another trolley. When the last item was scanned she smiled at him and indicated he should raise his sleeve so she could scan his iBand for payment.

  Zane sensed the moment had come and moved to the exit; one hand in the pocket that concealed the 9mm.

  "Yes, you guessed it, this is a robbery," Nathan said as he took out his 9mm and pointed it at the cashier's head.

  She froze, not sure what to do. All the CCTV cameras had recorded the robbery in the clearest detail. The manager froze, being in two minds whether to storm out with his own pistol. He decided to rather push the silent alarm and wait for the Police.

  Two shoppers at the back of the store became hysterical and started to scream. Nathan kicked a sweet stand over, sending its items sprawling across the floor.

  "You two, shut the fuck up and get on the floor!" he shouted.

  They followed his orders without hesitation.

  "You can tell the Police that the Peoples Resistance Movement was here," he said before they dashed out of the shop, pushing the trolley towards the waiting pickup.

  Within seconds they had loaded the items on the back of the truck, but Nathan hesitated and grabbed the red spray can.

  "What the fuck are you doing, we don’t have time for that?" Zane said.

  Nathan did not answer but ran over quickly to the white wall that ran next to the shop and sprayed a big red star with the letters PRM underneath. It took less than ten seconds to complete.

  With that Hannes honked the horn and Nathan ran back quickly, once inside they sped off down the road. Hannes was driving a little too fast; when they reached the T-junction he slammed on brakes, not realizing his speed. The pickup almost skidded off the road but stopped just in time.

  "Take it easy boy, just keep your fucking head together, ok? Now, go left."

  After a few kilometers Nathan ordered him to stop.

  He got out and went to the back of the vehicle where the supplies had now been flung all over the back of the load box. Nathan selected a few things they needed but left the rest of the items for the police to find. It would be a few hours until the Police found the vehicle; ample time for them to make their escape.

  It was just after 12:35 am when the local radio station broke the news about the robbery.

  Town gossip spread like wildfire, as this was the most exciting thing to happen in Lutzville since the annual Farmers-festival was relocated to Clanwillam.

  After retrieving their backpacks, they made their way along the Olifants River for a few kilometers, then moving through the fynbos they began creeping closer to the town once again. They would wait until nightfall before implementing the next phase of Nathans plan.

  The town would still be ablaze with stories about the robbery and the strange graffiti that would no doubt have a special article in the local news paper. Police experts would be brought in for the investigation. However it did not matter as Nathan had other plans.

  From the fynbos Nathan had a clear view of the crime scene where he watched the police as they went about their investigation. More than seven vehicles had gathering, some with their blue lights still flashing.

  "Here," Natha
n said as he gave the binoculars to Hannes who wanted to see the action for himself.

  "Keep a watch and let me know what's happening."

  Taking his time Hannes adjusted the binoculars until the scene came into focus.

  Police officers had gathered around the store and were now being briefed by their Commander; the man was obviously upset and sent them off in different directions.

  From what Hannes could tell at least one Police vehicle was headed in the right direction and would, in time, find the abandoned pickup they had stolen earlier that day. With a few hours to lie low before nightfall, they decided to remain under cover in the fynbos, each taking turns to keep watch.

  Nathan took the time to check his 9mm again. The gift that Nicole had given him before they took to the road, had yet to be fired but he went through the motions anyway. Opening his backpack, he carefully took the disassembled hunting rifle out and began to put it together piece by piece. Zane caught a glimpse of it and watched his every move.

  "What's that for?" he asked.

  "It's for Justin," Nathan replied.

  “Justin, who’s Justin?” Zane asked.

  It’s for ‘Just in case’ Nathan replied as he lifted his eyebrows. Finally Zane clicked and laughed.

  Yet something felt out of place, he couldn’t put his finger on it, but something was wrong. For that exact reason he decided to assemble the rifle in preparation of what might happen. Nathan decided not to voice his concerns with the others who now both looked on with new interest. When he finished mounting the telescopic sights, he trained the rifle towards the town and focused on the store. He then loaded a round in the chamber and kept it there. It was almost two kilometers away but he could see much more detail than Hannes could through the binoculars.

  "Have any of you ever killed anything before?" he asked.

  They didn’t answer. Memories of his time in the IDF come flooding back, yet they held no meaning to him anymore.

  Nicole had restored him in one way, and in another, weakened him. His desire to settle down had never been stronger since he’d met her. She had voiced her desires during their moments of lovemaking; images that gave him strength and the will to survive.

  After assessing the town through the telescope he lay back with the warm rays of sunlight shining on his face. Clutching the rifle firmly in his hands, he pulled it to his chest and closed his eyes and began to pray in silence.

  Please Lord, keep them safe and protect them all, especially Nicole.

  He prayed for his family in the USA and his friend in Israel. But his only true concern was the safety of Nicole and those in her care.

  Hopefully, within the next week this would all be behind them and part of a distant memory. That was another thing, he had too many memories, and some of them he wished to forget. A new life and a new start was all they needed.

  Nathan had never been to Namibia, but something inside stirred his troubled soul.

  His only mission was to keep them alive, all of them.

  Chapter 44

  "The constitution is just a goddamn piece of paper"

  George W. Bush 2005

  "You need some water," Kate told Nicole, who had been driving for three hours straight.

  "No, it’s ok, else I'll have to pee again."

  The pickup was a cocoon; warm and snug, while outside the temperature plummeted to three degrees Celsius. The five of them who sat up front in the double cab had it far better than Taryn and Emma, who had to wrap themselves up in their sleeping bags to stay warm and to keep out the cold breeze that somehow still found its way under the rear canopy.

  With Nathan and the boys in Lutzville, the group had been reduced by three.

  Riaan however enjoyed the attention and the fact that he had been selected by Nathan to personally look after the ladies. Kate however sensed his newly found confidence, and was certain he would try to impress her again.

  Nicole kept on glancing at the time on the dashboard and the fuel gauge which seemed to dip rapidly. They had been apart for just on three hours and thirty minutes and would need to fill up at Steinkopf before taking the R382 Motorway to Port Nolloth and then finally to Alexander Bay.

  "Please, check up on the weather for us?" Nicole asked Kate, who had taken over Nathan’s hacked iPad. It took mere seconds to call up the weather report which predicted fine, warm weather once again.

  The N7 Motorway was undergoing road maintenance which soon became more than just an irritation, especially the 'stop and go' sections, which had every one on edge. But they soon relaxed, as it became evident that in the deep country very few Police were visible.

  In the distance was a weathered road sign. Springbok, thirty five kilometers.

  Another sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere.

  They finally arrived at a 24hr Fuel Stop which was a welcome sight for those who needed to use the bathroom. Nicole pulled in next to the fuel pump and told the attendant to fill up. Everyone bailed out and made their way to the restroom while Kate and Nicole waited in the car. The moment had finally arrived as the petrol attendant came forward with the ISIS iBand scanner.

  However after a quick scan a green light indicated that the transaction was a success.

  Nicole breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Kate who smiled back.

  Once they had all used the restroom and Nicole had made a few purchases at the convenience store they were on their way.

  With everyone now refreshed and relieved, they continued their journey along the N7 for another four kilometers when, all of a sudden, a jet of steam erupted from of the radiator.

  "Oh, fuck….." Kate said; she saw Nicole's look of panic as she looked down at the temperature gauge. It had climbed steadily and was now almost into the red. Ahead was a turnoff to Pienaar and Roussow Stud Farm.

  Taking the turnoff they drove away from the main road for another three hundred meters and stopped under some trees. Everyone in the pickup was now on edge and jumped out.

  Nicole switched the engine off and popped open the hood. Steam was escaping from one of the ribs on the radiator grill. A rupture tore open a small slit, but without the right tools to repair it, the engine would overheat in no time. Riaan took a closer look and shook his head from side to side.

  "We'll need to have it fixed by a mechanic, there’s no way we can drive like this."

  This news did not go down well.

  "Can't we fix it ourselves?" asked Taryn as she climbed onto the bull-bar to have a closer look.

  "Yes, sure we can…… you don't have an acetylene torch in the back there, do you?"

  She was the shortest of the group so she struggled to see the engine properly. However, after taking a closer look, proclaimed that she could fix it - no problem. This got everyone's attention, especially Riaan who, being the only man, had no idea how to fix a radiator on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere.

  "Us Colored girls know a few things about cars," she said proudly as she went to have a look under the engine.

  Kate went back to sit in the cab where it was warmer. Others decided to get a clearer view of the scenery and began climbing to the top of the small koppie. Nicole joined Kate in the pickup.

  "I don't like to ask this but how much money do you have in your account?" Kate asked.

  Nicole looked at her iBand, activated the touch screen, and called up the account.

  "I have enough, why?"

  "Because you've been paying for everything so far, I just hate not contributing."

  It was not commonly known but Nicole still had a considerable amount left over from her mother's inheritance. The Kruger farm generated wealth but her mother had other investments given her by her own parents, which she passed over to her children upon her death.

  "It's ok Kate, I know how difficult it must be for you, but I'm sure when this is all over, you’ll be able to get back on your feet again in no time."

  In comparison, Kate was the poorest of them all; she didn’t even own the clothe
s on her back.

  They watched at how Riaan stood back in amazement as Taryn began working on the repairs. It was clear that she was in charge, telling him what to do.

  "So, what's the plan exactly once we reach Alexander Bay as we cannot just cross the border, especially not with the pickup?"

  Kate was concerned about getting the vehicle over, and decided it was too dangerous.

  "Yes, you're right - we cannot take the pickup with us, as soon as that happens the Zone Police will be notified. We need to get rid of it.’ Kate said.

  “So, I’ll put it into storage and we can all cross illegally on foot."Nicole said?

  Both women knew it was the best choice, yet it would be a tough hike through some of the most hostile territory.

  "What about your uncle? Will he fetch us if we ask him?" Kate inquired.

  She liked to know as much detail as possible to ease her mind. Others in the group were not so concerned.

  "I'm a little nervous about contacting him; if what Nathan said is true, they’ll be tracking all communications."

  "Well, I’d like to point out that if they are tracking us, then they already know where we are, you just paid for fuel remember.

  Nicole went white, and felt sick to her stomach.

  "Do you really think they’re tracking us?" she asked Kate, who just stared at her.

  "If we can think of it, you can be sure they can as well."

  Both girls sat in silence, watching the group outside, who were oblivious to their blunder.

  Kate turned around in her seat, now a little angry at Nicole.

  "Take it off now, and deactivate it," she said, pointing to the iBand.

  Nicole hesitated, it was her only link to Nathan, and she needed to know he was ok.

  "His device may be untraceable, but not yours."

  Slowly she unclipped the device and switched it off.

  "Good, now give it to me," Kate demanded.