by Robert Boren
“Stay sharp,” Richardson shouted. “See the enemy, on Flores Street to the right?”
“Yeah, I’ll get you closer,” Juan Carlos shouted.
Brendan and Richardson both fired grenades, sending vans in the line flying into the air as the Islamists ran for their lives.
“Nail those assholes,” Juan Carlos said.
“Get that big gun working,” Richardson said.
“On it,” Juan Carlos said. “I want to clear that building to the right.”
He made a sweeping right turn onto Flores Street as Brendan opened up with the port gun, Islamists and militia men diving for cover. There was a large semi-trailer sitting along the side of the street, just feet above the lapping water.
“Perfect,” Juan Carlos shouted, firing his big gun several times, all the grenades hitting, lifting the heavy trailer several feet into the air. It came down and rolled into a large group of fleeing Islamists, both Brendan and Richardson peppering the scene with lead and more grenades. Something big blew, turning the area into a sea of fire. People on the rooftops cheered as they fired their rifles into the breaking enemy lines.
“Damn, man,” Brendan said. “What a mess. Who’s gonna clean that up?”
Richardson shook his head. “Go down Flores Street further, but remember the engines are exposed.”
“I’ll give anybody who tries to fire on us a nice haircut,” Brendan said, watching the area as the boat roared down the street.
“There’s another clump of enemy fighters, see?” Juan Carlos said. “Down by Houston street.”
“Let’s go get ‘em,” Brendan said, firing several grenades into the crowd of Islamists as Juan Carlos turned towards them. He fired the big gun at another semi-truck, blowing it up, enemy fighters screaming as they ran for cover.
“Whoa, dude,” Juan Carlos said. “Where to now?”
“Looks like we got deep enough water all the way down to Pecan Street, and there’s enemy fighters down there. Let’s go get them, and then turn around and go back past Commerce to clean that up.”
“Got it, dude,” Juan Carlos shouted, big grin on his face as he fired his big gun again, hitting another semi-trailer. There were secondary explosions and a bright flash.
“Damn,” Brendan said. “I think we just hit some of their willie pete rounds.”
“Looks that way,” Richardson said. “Let’s light that whole area up. We don’t want them firing that crap at the rooftops.”
“Roger that,” Juan Carlos said, firing several more rounds from his gun as the others joined in. The whole area became a sea of fire, burning Islamists diving into the water, only to be cut up by .50 cal rounds from Brendan’s gun.
“I think we’ve taken care of this area,” Richardson shouted. “Let’s go to the other side of Commerce and remove these creeps from City Hall.”
“On it, dude,” Juan Carlos shouted, turning the boat around in the intersection and pouring on the speed. “Keep your eyes open for enemy fighters on the side.”
“Roger that,” Richardson said, at the ready on his gun.
“Wonder how it’s going on the other side?” Brendan asked.
“We’ll go join them after we finish here, if it’s still going.”
“There’s two boats over there,” Juan Carlos shouted over the engine noise. “Maybe they ought to be helping us.”
“Yeah, there’s two boats, but neither of them are us,” Brendan said.
Richardson chuckled. “Oh, crap, look over there. See it? GAZ Tigr with a pretty big weapon.”
Juan Carlos fired several times at the vehicle before Richardson had finished speaking, all of them hitting. Richardson joined in, the armored vehicle blowing up as nearby Islamists ran up to fire on their boat. Brendan and Richardson flung lead at them as Juan Carlos sped up, getting past them and turning left on Commerce.
“Hey, we running away?” Brendan asked.
“No, dude, but they’re gonna hit the engines from that angle,” Juan Carlos said. “I’ll move back up with our bow facing them and we’ll let them have it.”
Suddenly a lot more rifle fire started up, from the rooftop across the street from the group of Islamists, causing them to flee.
“Texas citizens ROCK!” Juan Carlos shouted, turning the boat around, hitting the area with his big gun, blowing their cover up. Brendan and Richardson both joined in.
“That got them,” Richardson said. “Let’s get to City Hall. I see another one of those semi-truck trailers sitting there.”
“I can hit it from here,” Juan Carlos said, firing several grenades, all but one striking the trailer broadside. Men scurried out, trying to carry boxes of ammo. Richardson saw them first and opened up with the machine gun. The others joined him, Juan Carlos sending several more grenades into the middle of them.
“We’re gonna have to reload pretty soon,” Brendan said.
“Yeah,” Richardson said. “Think it’s deep enough for us at Dolorosa Street?”
“I think so, boss,” Juan Carlos said, turning left onto that street and going slowly down. “Shit, it’s a lot more shallow here. I’m gonna turn left after those buildings and get back on Commerce. We can reload there.”
“Got it,” Richardson said. “Sounds like it might be over anyway.”
“I still want to reload,” Brendan said.
“Yeah, me too,” Richardson said. Juan Carlos slowed the boat down, turning right on Soledad.
“This okay?” Juan Carlos asked.
“Yeah,” Richardson said, looking around the area. “I think our side is controlling the rooftops around here.”
“How the hell did all those citizens sneak in?” Brendan asked.
Juan Carlos laughed as he reloaded the big gun. “Hey, dude, I’ll bet they swam in. Held their breath and went under water when they were close to the enemy.”
Richardson laughed. “Shit, you’re probably right. Somebody on the enemy side is gonna get their ass handed to them for this one.”
“Should we go back there, or go check on the other side?” Juan Carlos asked.
“Let’s go check on the other side,” Richardson said. “All those snipers on the roofs along Flores and Main Street will start up again if the enemy regroups.”
“We need ground forces to finish this,” Brendan said. “We have a limited reach.”
“True, but we probably turned the tide on them,” Richardson said. “I know we blew up a lot of their ammo and mortar rounds.”
“That’s for sure,” Brendan said. “I’m reloaded. They put a lot of ammo in the boat.”
“Yeah, I’m done too,” Richardson said. “Let’s go, but keep your eyes open. There might still be enemy snipers here and there.”
“Roger that,” Juan Carlos said. He pushed the throttle lever forward and they cruised down Soledad street.
Chapter 18 – Cleared for the Journey
Moe and Clancy watched as people slowly converged on the clubhouse in the dusk. It was almost time for the meeting. The video and audio was already set up.
“Gonna be okay leaving here for a while?” Clancy asked.
“Yeah,” Moe said. “We’ll be back, if we don’t get killed.”
Clancy chuckled. “Wow, that’s a comforting statement.”
“Sorry,” Moe said. “I calls ‘em as I sees ‘em.”
“Get a line on a place in Amarillo?”
“Yep,” Moe said. “It’s a long-ass drive. At least five hours.”
“Yeah, I know,” Clancy said. “Had a friend who lived there. Visited her a lot.”
“I remember,” Moe said. “What ever happened to that lassie, anyway?”
“She got tired of having a long-distance relationship,” Clancy said. “I kinda did too, but it had some advantages.”
Moe laughed. “Yeah, to the commitment phobic like you, I could see that.”
“Shut up,” Clancy said, looking at him with a twinkle in his eyes.
“What are you two jaw-boning about?” Junior
asked, walking up hand in hand with Rachel.
“Oh, nothing,” Clancy said. “Ancient history. Old girlfriend in Amarillo.”
Kelly and Brenda walked up with Cindy and a couple other bikers.
“This gonna be a long meeting?” Kelly asked.
“I have no idea,” Moe said. “That’ll probably be up to us, although Nelson and the others will be on.”
“They might be busy because of the San Antonio business,” Brenda said.
“True,” Junior said, “I’ve been trying to get news on that. Nada. I hope that isn’t a bad sign.”
“You and me both,” Kelly said.
Eric and Kim walked up, nodding to Kelly and the others. “Any coffee in there?” Kim asked.
“Sure is, help yourself,” Moe said.
“Little late for coffee, isn’t it?” Eric asked.
“I’m sleepy,” she said. “This is gonna be important, I think.”
The room filled up quickly. Moe got up on stage to start the video and audio feeds as people found seats. The screen came on, showing Brian sitting at a conference table, eyes glued to his computer. The door opened and Governor Nelson walked in, with Gallagher and Ramsey by his side, all of them smiling.
“We’re on,” Moe said.
Brian looked up and nodded. Then a second window opened up, showing Director Wallis, also smiling.
“Something good must have happened,” Junior said.
Brian gave a thumbs up to Nelson, and the camera focused on him, Ramsey, and Gallagher.
“Greetings,” Nelson said. “Thanks for coming.”
“Welcome,” Junior said.
“We’ve got great news,” Nelson said. “The enemy just lost in San Antonio. Big time.”
There was applause in the room.
“How?” Junior asked.
Gallagher chuckled. “In the city center, DPS Patrol Boats and citizens made the difference.”
“Yeah, I’m proud of our boat crews, that’s for sure,” Wallis said.
“How the hell did boats make any difference?” Jason asked.
“The Islamists blocked up the river and broke the channel,” Ramsey said. “It flooded the entire city center. We dropped three patrol boats into it with choppers. They made a real mess of the enemy positions.”
“Yeah, and by the time the boats got started, the Army National Guard showed up,” Gallagher said. “They were aided by thousands of armed citizens all over town. It was a rout – even bigger than what you guys did the other night.”
“Wow,” Kyle said. Kate hugged him, smiling.
“Those patrol boats knocked out mortar positions that the enemy was going to use against the troops coming in from outside San Antonio,” Gallagher said. “We probably would’ve won anyway, but it kept a whole lot of people from getting killed.”
“Glad the Army National Guard got into it this time,” Curt said. “You must have learned how to weed out the bad guys.”
“We did,” Nelson said. “This doesn’t leave the room. Everybody understand?”
The people in the clubhouse murmured agreement, many saying yes or nodding.
“What is it?” Junior asked.
“All enemy personnel have those RFID chips in their triceps,” Gallagher said. “We used x-rays to find them. On some you can still see the damn scars. Keep that in mind with anybody new you meet.”
“How many bad guys did you find?” Cindy asked.
“About a third of the force,” Gallagher said. “Similar numbers in the Air National Guard, too.”
“Holy shit,” Curt said. Amanda looked up at him, shaking her head.
“This was planned out for a long time, wasn’t it?” she asked.
“We think at least two years,” Ramsey said.
Nelson stood up to get everybody’s attention. “One thing to keep in mind, folks. Don’t get over-confident. There are at least a hundred thousand enemy fighters spread all over Texas, and a lot more in other parts of the Southwest. This isn’t even close to over.”
“He’s right,” Wallis said. “We could still lose this.”
“Yeah, I agree,” Dirk said, glancing at Chance and Francis. Sherry was next to Francis, looking terrified by the whole thing.
“So what now?” Sydney asked.
“We’d like to get you into position for the attack on the Santa Fe depot,” Gallagher said. “Before the enemy decides they need to pick up and move again.”
“So we’ll be leaving soon, then?” Brenda asked.
“Yeah, we suggest you get on the road tomorrow,” Gallagher said. “We’re sending three fuel trucks your way for the tanks and the flatbed trucks. Should be there about noon tomorrow. We suggest you be ready to go shortly thereafter.”
The room exploded in murmurs.
“I think that’s doable,” Junior said. “Most of us have been getting ready. We need a few things, though.”
“Yeah,” Jason said. “Tow vehicles are the most important thing now.”
“Got your text,” Ramsey said. “The assets you requested will be at the big dealership in Fort Stockton tomorrow by 10:00 AM. Just sign for them. We’ve got the fifth-wheel and tow bar setups being installed right now.”
“Excellent!” Curt said. “We’ll be ready.”
“You guys find a place to stay?” Nelson asked.
“We’ve already got that set up,” Moe said. “Used my connections with the RV Park Owner’s Association. I know the owner. She’s trustworthy.”
“Perfect,” Nelson said. “I’d suggest that everybody gets a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
“We’ve been working the social media side of this already,” Don said. “We’re getting great response from Amarillo and Lubbock.”
“Good,” Gallagher said. “We’ll need all the help we can get when we move into New Mexico.”
“Okay, everybody know what to do?” Nelson asked.
“I think so,” Moe said, looking out over the crowd.
“Yeah,” Junior said.
“We’ll end this now, then,” Nelson said. “Good bye and good luck.”
Brian nodded and closed the meeting, the screens in the clubhouse returning to the sign-in page.
“Well, there we go,” Moe said. “Clancy and I will be up early to help with loading the tanks onto the flatbed trucks. Any who can help will be appreciated.”
“What time?” Dirk asked.
“Six,” Moe said.
“Amanda, you got room in that bobtail for some supplies?” Clancy asked.
“Sure, now that we’ve put the still into the third toy-hauler,” she said. “We’re gonna run short on drivers, though.”
“We’ll have enough, but we’ll have to divide it up,” Moe said. “More of you will be driving alone this time.”
“Yeah,” Jason said. “We have enough drivers, but with only five people to spare, based on my calculations a little while ago.”
“Good, then let’s end this and get some shut-eye,” Moe said. He switched off the equipment. “I’m gonna unhook this stuff. Maybe it’ll fit in that bobtail too.”
“Sure,” Amanda said.
“Let me know if I can help with the loading,” Sydney said.
“You’ll be busy with your love-nest, won’t you?” Amanda asked.
Sydney smirked. “We’ve already got that covered, and remember I’m not the only one with a love nest.”
Amanda giggled. “Fair enough. Maybe you’d better go break yours in.”
Sydney shot an embarrassed glance at Don and walked to the front table to grab her laptop.
“I think you embarrassed her,” Curt said.
“I know, I’m bad,” Amanda said. “C’mon. We have things to do before we go to sleep.”
“Coming dear,” Curt said, drawing a chuckle from Don.
The room was nearly empty now, Moe and Clancy up on stage undoing their audio-video setup.
“Got anybody to watch this place for you while you’re gone?” Don as
ked.
“No, not really,” Moe said. “We’ll just lock her up and hope for the best.”
“That’s what I did with my house back in Deadwood,” he said. “I have no idea if it’s still standing or not.”
“You ready to go, Don?” Sydney asked.
“Any time you are,” he said.
“Good,” Sydney said.
Don picked up his laptop and they walked out the door, making their way to the trailer in the darkness.
“You think the trailer will tow okay?” Sydney asked.
“Sure. Glad I got the trailer hitch put on the SUV.”
“Me too,” she said. “One less thing tomorrow. Amanda is probably gonna need some help. How are Chloe and Alyssa taking this?”
“Talked to them a couple hours ago,” Don said. “They’re fine with it. Probably be worse if everybody wasn’t going.”
“Alyssa’s sweet on one of the guys,” Sydney said, watching Don unlock the trailer door.
“Really?” Don asked. “I hadn’t noticed.”
“I don’t think she wanted me to notice,” Sydney said. Don held the door open as she walked in, then followed her. They set their laptops on the table. Don pulled the door closed and hit the light switch over the counter.
“Want to fire up the laptops?” Don asked.
“No, I’ve got something else in mind,” Sydney said, a twinkle in her eye.
“Oh, really?” Don asked, heartrate quickening.
“Why don’t you stow the stuff we’ve got laying around in the salon while I go take care of some stuff in the bedroom?”
“Okay, honey,” Don said. She went through the bedroom door and pulled it shut. Don looked at it for a long moment, then picked up items and put them into cupboards and drawers. He had a warm feeling as he looked around their little home. Pride and comfort. Would it last? Would they be dead before the week was out? His anticipation of Sydney’s love pushed the worry into the background.
“You about done?” Sydney called from the bedroom.
“Couple more minutes,” Don said.
“Make it quick,” she said. “We need our sleep.”
Don stuffed the remaining loose stuff away and then went to the bedroom door, breath coming faster.
