When Totems Fall
Page 30
"There's talk of war crimes," she continued. "Who knows if the UN will do anything. One thing's for sure, U.S.-Chinese relations are screwed, totally. It will take decades for this to fade, if ever."
The look on his face; she saw it again as Zeb tried to calculate the data, to make sense of the timeline.
"Zeb, you had such a massive infection. It went septic. Not many people thought you'd make it. You've been basically unconscious for the last ten days."
Sanchez filled in a few more details about the aftermath of the invasion, punctuating the moment with a joke about how at the end of the day the residents of Western Washington had at least been given an opportunity to learn a foreign language. Zeb's body arched as he laughed, clearly uncomfortable but with a slight smile painting his weary, worn face.
"Dalton. That question: Do you fear God...
... you answered yes, right?"
He nodded and then spoke quietly.
"Yeah, apparently I did."
"So," she probed gently. "What does it mean?"
"Honestly, Sanchez, I don't know, at least not yet. But given all that's happened, it makes sense I should spend some time trying to figure it out."
After a few minutes more of small talk Sanchez rose, leaving him to recuperate. Remembering something, she paused where she stood.
"Hey, one last thing Dalton."
Finding his voice, he answered with more strength, more attitude this time.
"Yeah, what would that be? You need me to help you save the world again?"
He coughed. She laughed.
"Nah. I found this on the floor of the comm room after they medevac'd your sorry butt out of the place. Thought you might want it."
Sanchez pulled the general's totem out of her pocket and placed it upright, setting the wooden piece onto the side table next to the bed. Then she simply left, silently—as was her specialty.
Zeb looked the figurine over, comforted that his body was healing yet realizing that his mind and soul needed repair as well. For the first time in a long time, he held a glimmer of hope that just might be possible.
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So, now you now what happens "When Totems Fall."
What's next for Zeb and Sanchez? You can have some input by joining the conversation at:
https://whentotemsfall.wordpress.com/2016/06/10/whats-next-for-zeb
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From the Author—Wayne C. Stewart
I write stories because I think stories matter. While Totems began as half personal dare and half rainy day downtime activity, I quickly began to realize that the characters and scenes coming together on the page meant something to me. And I hope they will to you, as well.
On the educational background side of things, I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Social Psychology and a Masters in Christian Worship Studies. I have long been fascinated by the complex worlds and characters of geopolitical thrillers and find that questions and conversations raised in both the arenas of psychology and theology have much to contribute to the human condition and the world we live in.
As a displaced Seattle native I am still a rabid Seahawks fan and lover of good coffee. My wife, Breta, and I have three amazing children, all off making the world a better place with the investments of their hearts, minds, and creativity.
You can contact me directly at whentotemsfall@gmail.com
Visit the website at: whentotemsfall.wordpress.com
Acknowledgments
So many people were critical to the process of this book coming about. I am indebted for the gifts of time and attention that helped at every step along the way. Thanks firstly to my family for letting me spend so much time in getting the manuscript completed and out there for people to read. Breta, my wife for your patience and wonderful proofing eye. The beta reading group: Allison Greenwald, Leif Wanager, Geri Shelton, and Kristin Uhrig for giving me enough direction and encouragement to keep going on to better versions. To E and J for your insight regarding Chinese culture that helped shape the characters more reasonably. And to Andrew Bradley, GySgt USMC, retired. Without you telling me it was obvious I had never served, the book would have been a much poorer reflection of those like you who have so faithfully given of yourselves with a protector's heart and skill.