Nick and I sneaked into the kitchen to see what Jim was fixing.

Jim says, "Good to see you guys, your hamburgers and fries are almost ready, just like Anna made, now get the hell out of my kitchen before I throw them at you.  Can't you see I'm busy, I have other guests that don't want just hamburgers?"

It seemed a good idea to leave, unless we wanted to wear our lunch instead of eat it.  Jim is almost 70 and has been here since we were in college; he still treats us as if we were kids. 

We quickly retired to the dining room where Forrest and Rich were already seated.  We sat with them.

I ask Rich, "Don't you have a jacket with you?"

"No I left the bloody thing at the cleaners and forgot all about it.  Forrest said you or Nick could fix me up, it is a bit cold here compared to California."

"Yes, we’ll take care of that."

About that time Jack came in and sat down and said, "Nick don't forget to stop in Houston again on the way home because you don't have enough fuel to get back to California."

"Yes I know, thanks for taking care of the plane for me."

"Anytime Nick." 

Sheila brought our lunch, we had a good time getting to know Rich, and it was fun to listen to his English brogue.  I really liked him after getting to know him, he has been an American citizen for twenty years now but he talks like he just got off the plane from England.  He says it's because he goes back to England often.

I asked, "Where did you ever get the idea for this new toy?"

"The idea came from the Cruise Missile.  When you see it you'll see what I mean."

Nick had wolfed down both his burgers and all his fries; I had one burger and fries.  I don't know why Nick doesn't get fat the way he eats but he does have a lot of nervous energy.  Lunch was over and Forrest and Rich went upstairs somewhere and Nick said, "Come-on brother you've got to see this."

Nick was as exuberant as I had seen him since we were kids.

"You are about to see a demonstration of the most advanced small arms toy ever developed, it is so neat that it seems like Science Fiction but it’s real, and it’s ours."

"Where did Rich go?  I thought he was the expert on this new toy."

"He is and you'll see shortly.  First you must cross your heart and swear to die that you won't reveal this to anyone without getting agreement from all four partners."

That was a swear we used when we were kids and neither of us has broken it in over 40 years.

"Do I get to know who all the partners are first?"

"What?  You mean Dad didn't tell you?  Damn it Sam, it's you, Rich, Dad, and I.  Who else?  Actually Dad and I bought it from an old friend of Dad's."

"How much did you Guys pay for this Toy Company?"

"Only five million and listen brother, I don't believe anyone even knows about this but Dad, Rich, you, and Walter, the gentleman that dad and I purchased it from and me.  Walter is on his deathbed as we speak, poor guy got cancer and apparently just wanted cash for his family to be taken care of after his death and for Rich to be compensated.  Even his family thinks it's just a toy.  All the employees except Rich, think it is just a toy and the patent is for a toy, it just doesn't get any better than this brother.  We have the most sophisticated weapon in the world and the government doesn't have a clue that it exists." 

"You know that you guys have too damn much money don't you?  I have no business being a partner in such an expensive project."

"Don't worry about that brother, that's the way Dad and I wanted it, and besides that you are going to more than earn your share on this one."

"OK, but I'll need the patent numbers before I head back home." 

"What the hell you need the patent numbers for?"

"You and Forrest have been jerking me around for a week now, so you can stew for a while and see how you like it.  Just be sure I have them before we leave here."

"OK, OK brother."

Finally, I crossed my heart and swore to die that I would not divulge anything about this to anyone without all partners agreeing.  Funny, here we are in our mid-fifties and it seems like we are kids again, off to play with a new toy.

We went down to the hanger and Nick jumped into the Jeep and motioned me to get in and we drove down the runway to the end and he kept driving another quarter mile at least, to the edge of the woods.  Nick always liked being dramatic and I always humor him.  When he stopped it was in front of the largest tree in a row of trees, he got out and reached in his pocket and pulled out a Silver Dollar and a pocketknife.  He took the knife and cut a groove in the tree and placed the Silver Dollar in the groove facing the hanger, then we got back in the Jeep and returned to the hanger.

Nick opened the baggage compartment on his Lear and removed a case about 5 feet long, large enough to hold an oversize rifle.  He pulled out the strangest looking shoulder fired weapon I had ever seen and handed it to me for inspection.  The barrel appeared to be about 40 mm or 1½ inches in diameter, a little longer than a M1 Garrand but was very much lighter.  It had what looked like a launching cradle rather than a breech.  Nick said, "Meet Musket II."  Then he reached into the baggage compartment again and pulled out a laptop computer, opened it up and turned it on and opened a program, and then he set up a scope on a tripod.  He said, "See if you can find the Silver Dollar brother."  The runway is a mile and a quarter and it’s about another quarter mile to the tree.  "Well to tell you the truth Nick, I can see the tree and I think I see the dollar but I couldn’t tell it's a Silver Dollar."

Nick grabbed another bag from the compartment and pulled out a very strange looking projectile about 11 to 12 inches long.  He handed it to me with the warning, treat it gently, it's kind of expensive and could get unstable if dropped.   It looked more like a miniature missile with fins on the back, a hump near the front that appeared to be a miniature camera lens.  I was familiar with miniature TV cameras from my time with the Company.  There were long slots in opposing sides, and an adjustment of some kind on the opposite side of the camera, it was fairly heavy for its size. 

With the exception of the slots in the sides, It looked like a miniature Cruise Missile. 

"Rich sure hit it on the head when he described this."

"Yeah, man that's exactly what Rich was going for, a miniature Cruise Missile."

"OK brother, let's see how this toy works."

He took the Musket II and said, "This is how it works; you put the missile in the cradle with the camera down, slide it back until it clicks in place.  Then slide this cover over it and it's ready to fire."

Nick handed it back to me and pulled out his camera phone and called Rich. 

"Sam is going to fire it now, and the silver dollar is on the largest tree past the end of the runway, about 6ft off the ground."

"Are you crazy brother?  I don't know anything about firing this thing."

Nick laughed and I could hear Rich laughing on the phone.

"You can find the trigger can't you brother?"

"I'm not stupid but you can't expect me to hit something I can't even see." 

This also got a laugh from Nick and Rich not to mention I could even hear Forrest laughing on the phone.

"Just point it in the general direction and fire it, watch it for a couple seconds and then look at the computer screen here, you will see how Rich guides it to the target with his computer.  We will be seeing exactly what Rich sees."

"OK, here goes brother."  I pointed the Musket II down the runway in the general direction of the tree and squeezed the trigger.

I couldn't believe it, there was almost no recoil, and only a whisper of sound as the miniature missile launched from the Musket II.  As I watched it, wings seem to appear and it didn't seem to be going nearly as fast as I had anticipated at first, but picked up speed extremely fast.  There sure was a string of fire coming from the tail.

"Now look here!" Nick exclaimed.

As we watched it approach the end of the runway on the computer screen it was like watching a movie.  You could see the runway, then the trees, then the large tree, and then to my dismay just as I identified the silver dollar as clear as if it were in my hand, the screen went blank.

"Damn you Nick, I told you I didn't know anything about this thing."

By that time Nick was nearly rolling on the floor of the hanger laughing.  He puts the phone to his ear and said, "Good show Rich but Sam thinks you missed.  We'll see you shortly."

Nick hung up and says, "Come-on lets go get my dollar."

Nick never said a word all the way down to the tree.  When we got there the dollar was no longer on the tree but it looked like there was a two-inch hole in the tree where the dollar had been.  On the ground near the tree Nick picked up his silver dollar and put it in his pocket.

"Wait a minute brother, I want to see that thing."

"What for, you said you missed?"

"Quit playing with me Nicolas; let me see the dollar."

He pulled out the dollar and flipped it to me.  I couldn't believe my eyes, There was a hole in the dollar about the size of a 22-bullet and it was only slightly off center.  I immediately started looking around for the pieces of the missile.

"Where the hell is the debris?"

"There isn't any that's just another beauty of Rich's design.  The missile is made of material that disintegrates at the last second when it fires a 22-bullet that also explodes after impact."

"This is true genius, the government would pay billions for this."

"That's true but we really don't want them to have it yet, do we?"

"Absolutely not."

"What you didn't see, while we were watching the computer screen was the explosion that killed the missile and camera and sent the 22-bullet to its target."

"This is too amazing for words; you said it best when you said it was like Science Fiction.  I can't top that."

"We know how much you admire Samuel Adams.  You have every book ever written about him and since he started the first revolution in the most part with a pen, and they fought it with a musket, we took the liberty to name this, Musket II for you and Samuel.  That isn't written in stone if you want to change it."

"Thank you, Samuel and I appreciate it; and Musket II is just fine."

Nick said, "Just think, if they would have had this back then, they could have gone to England and surely after killing two or three Kings, one would sooner or later have been happy to pull out of America, avoiding the revolutionary war entirely.  Ain't life good Sam?"

"You didn't learn that English in college brother."

"Awe, quit picking on me Samuel."

"Come-on let's go talk to the real genius."

"Sounds good to me we'll stop and see what Jim's got to eat first."

"Nick, we just ate."

"Yes but I don't get the little goodies Jim makes except when I'm here."

We went back to the hanger and picked up everything and put it away.  Then went back up to the lodge.




Nick and I sneaked into the kitchen again.  This time Jim was in a better mood.

Nick asked Jim, "Do you have any fudge brownies?"

"Would I dare not have them if I knew you were coming?"

Jim pulled out a fresh tray of warm fudge brownies that even I could not refuse; Jim’s fudge brownies are a chocolate lover’s delight.

"After dinner tonight, I will make you guys some chocolate peanut butter fudge, I know you both like that.  I'll make an extra batch so you can take some with you when you leave."

Nick asks, "How has Dad's health been?" 

"He's been as fit as anyone I know, occasionally a little depressed at times, I can tell that's when he's thinking of Anna but otherwise very upbeat and as always in great health."

"I only ask because I know he wouldn't tell us if anything were wrong."

"I know that but you have nothing to worry about, he has the constitution of a mule and as he always says, you've got to stay away from them doctors, they'll kill you with their poison.  You Guys know I’ll call you if there is any concern so relax."

"We know you will and we certainly appreciate it."

We both thanked Jim for the brownies and the fudge that was to come.  Of course Nick had to ask what he was fixing for dinner? 

"Don't you ever think of anything but eating, here take these brownies up to the den, Forrest and Rich will probably want some too." 

He had put about a dozen brownies on a smaller tray. 

"In answer to your question we're having roast beef, baked potatoes, green beans, and salad.  Don't act like a hog and save some room because I made your favorite pie, Key Lime."

"Fantastic" said Nick and we headed up to see Forrest and Rich.

Forrest and Rich were chatting over a cup of coffee in Forrest's den.  They welcomed the brownies as I poured a coffee for Nick and I, to help wash them down.

Rich says, "Well Sam, what do you think?"

"I think you are a genius and I'm honored to be partners with all of you, even though I don't understand why I was bestowed this honor---"

Forrest butts in and says "As the leader of our revolution, or government reform you will more than earn your partnership."

"Well, what can I say but I thank you very much and I now understand your confidence in this unbelievable weapon."

"That reminds me dad, Sam wants the patent numbers for the Musket II."

"What in the world for?"

"I don't know he won't tell me."

"I was playing with you down in the hanger Nick; I now understand why you guys were so evasive on the phone.  We cannot allow anyone else to know about this.  Rich, do you know anyone other than us that has any idea that this exists?"

"Only Walter, he answers, we treated it like it was top secret and we just got word here about 30 minutes ago that he passed away this morning."

"I’m sorry for Walter but I understand he was in bad shape."

"Yes he was and in a way it was a blessing for him."

"OK, here is the plan, we all know Billy and Debbie except for Rich and he will meet them soon.  They can get into the government computers and remove the patents.  I feel this is imperative to the success of our mission.  Even though it is patented as a toy, I worked for the Company long enough to know that they will be searching the patent office computers with key search strings.  They will want to see if anything-new shows up that could lead them to us once we use the Musket II, and they figure out that they are up against a new unknown weapon."

Forrest says, "I was concerned about that myself."

"When we're finished with our mission they can replace them.  I'm sure this is a piece of cake for them."

Forrest asks, "Is everyone in agreement with this."  Nick and Rich nodded. "Sam you and Nick know Roger Calhoon.  Rich, Roger has a Detective Agency in D.C. and has had several investigators working for me for nearly three years now.  They have dug up enough information on our enemies for us to get started whenever we are ready.  We will have another meeting next week and Roger will brief us then.  I want you Sam, to have Billy and Debbie come on down here with you.  I know they can do their business from here as well as from home.  Just have them bring their computers and everything they need to stay a while, I’m sure they won’t want to use the computers that are here.  Don't forget to bring Mary and Sara if they can come.  It goes without saying that they don't need to know about any of this, just tell them we are going to have a good visit with plenty of spirits, good food and quiet evenings by the fireplace."

I said, "I'm sure Mary and Sara will enjoy that."

"I'll be going to California with Nick and Rich in the morning to attend Walter’s funeral.  Rich also needs to get some personal things, he has agreed to move in here for the duration.  By next week we should have eight completed Musket II's and guidance computers, 200 miniature missiles or Boy Toys and 50 Big Toys that we can bring with us."

I asked, "What are the Boy Toys and Big Toys?"

Rich says, "The missile you fired today is a Boy Toy.  The Big Toy looks similar except it has a much higher explosive content and it hits direct instead of firing a bullet.  If it is necessary to take down a helicopter or stop a chasing vehicle you would use the Big Toy."

"You Guys keep throwing new stuff at me.  I need to know more about the Musket II and all of its components."

"I know one thing that Nick didn’t tell you.  If you noticed there is a long stroke on the trigger and if you pull it back half way it beeps the guidance computer that is going to be guiding it.  That alerts the operator that it is about to be fired.  Another thing is, each missile can be pre set to any of six frequencies, it’s an adjustment on top of the missile that has six positions and they are marked 1 through 6.  They are all preset on the #1 setting.  The same goes for the guidance computer look at this."

He had a laptop computer like the one we had down at the hanger and it had an adjustment on the screen frame.

He said, "This way, although it is not likely you would want to, it is possible to fire six missiles with the same Musket II rapidly, and have six people in six different locations on six different guidance computers guiding them to their respective targets.  One more thing, the guidance computer can self-destruct the missile at anytime before it gets to the target."

"It seems you have thought of everything.  What is the maximum range?"

"It should be at least 10 miles; anything over that and it could self-destruct from the heat generated in flight."

"I wasn’t timing it but my guess is it took less than 10 seconds to travel the 1½ miles today, is that about right?"

"Actually it took it 5.53 seconds according to the computer clock.  That’s a hair under 40 seconds to travel 10 miles.  Its cruise speed is just under mach 2 and it is so small I don't think many people would notice the sound barrier noise, in tests it sounded like a miniature firecracker.  It has to be slowed down in the last mile so the guidance operator can find the target, if you are less than two miles away it never reaches its cruise speed.  Incidentally our missile like the Cruise Missile, trajectory will follow the terrain and rise above and avoid any obstacles." 

"Is it possible to hit a moving target?" 

"With an experienced guidance operator it can be done and remember our target is much larger than that silver dollar."

"I'm curious about one thing, after the development of the Cruise Missile it seems the government would have thought of this?"

"Well, the government only thinks big and so does Boeing, I was a design engineer working for Boeing when they were developing the Cruise Missile.  That's when I thought of this, I had been a watchmaker back in England.  I had known Walter for a long time, as had Forrest and we all had like interests.  It is not an accident that we are all here today.  Walter had plenty of money, he didn't need the five million, but he knew that Forrest would do with this, exactly what he is doing, they had discussed it many times.  If Walter hadn’t got that bloody cancer and he was alive and healthy today, he would be here as a fifth partner."

"Amen to that."  Forrest said.

"Walter also wanted me to be able to reap some profits for my efforts if this ever became commercial.  Anyway back on the subject I really didn't want the government to have this, so I talked with Walter and he hired me to design it as a toy.  The only mistake we made it seems is getting the patents.  We took some liberties with existing patents changing them in size and description.  Apparently they were never cross-referenced out of toys or they probably would not have been granted.  Incidentally the patents name for the missile’s themselves is Boy Toy and Big Toy."

"This sure explains a lot of things.  Forrest, haven't I met Walter right here before, tall thin man seemed very gentle and kind, and now I remember he owned a Toy Manufacturing Company, it was a little over a year ago, I think at your Christmas party?"

"Yes Sam, Walter Levin I knew it would come to you sooner or later."

"It's really to bad he couldn't have lived to see this operation through.  I'm sure I will have many questions to ask you in the near future Rich, but I really have to digest some of this first.  I'll take care of the patent tomorrow, and by the way, I like Boy Toy and Big Toy, if its agreeable to all lets keep them."  They all agreed.

Jim just came on the intercom and asked Forrest what time he wanted dinner?

"How about thirty minutes from now."

"Be ready in thirty minutes."

"Fine Jim, we'll be right down so we can have a drink before dinner."

We retired to the dining room, Sheila came over and said, "I know what you three want to drink."  She looked at Rich and ask, "What will you have Sir?"

Nick says, "I'm Sorry Sheila I didn't introduce you, this is Richard Thomas and Richard this is Sheila, Dads General Manager, don't let the apron fool you."

"Nice to meet you Richard, what would you like to drink?"

"You’re the best part of this day, it's nice to meet you too, just call me Rich and I'll have Scotch and water, thank you."

She smiled at Rich and said, "OK Gentlemen, that's two Scotch and water, a Brandy and a Margarita coming up." 

Sheila is about 42 years old and looks younger, she's about 5 foot 6 inches tall with long brunette hair and a real looker, and from the way she looked at Rich I think she likes him.  She lost her husband in the first Gulf War and never had children; she has worked and lived here at the lodge since.

Forest said, "When you go back tomorrow, I want you to keep the Lear until you return next week.  Jack can stay at your place if that’s all right or if that’s not convenient he can stay at the motel at the airport."

"My place is fine.  Having Jack and the plane will come in handy, I have several people I need to see and most of them will need to stay here at the lodge for a while when we return."

"It’s your show son, so whatever you say is fine with me."

Sheila brought our drinks and about that time Jack came in for dinner, he started to sit at another table until Forrest said, "Come-on over here Jack.  Sheila bring Jack a drink over here."

Sheila asked Jack, "Your usual?"

"Yes Sheila, thanks."

Forrest told Jack that he would be staying with me when he took me back to Boston.

“That’s fine maybe I’ll have time to visit my cousin while I’m there."

Sheila brought Jack’s drink and asks if we were ready for our food, Forrest nodded and we all had a nice visit.  Rich got a lot of attention from Sheila through out dinner.

During dinner Rich said, "I have a new computer game I'd like for you to see after dinner."

"I don't really care for the new computer games but I have some old favorites."

"You will want to see this one, I'm sure you will like it."

"OK," I said to humor him, "I'll meet in the lounge after dinner."

The dinner was excellent and as usual Nick had two pieces of Key Lime pie.  I don’t know where he puts it.  I told Rich I would meet him in the East Lounge, there is a computer room there.

"I'll be right there." He said.

I walked by the kitchen, Jim said "I have some fudge ready if you want it."

He handed me a plate full of fudge and a large bowl of popcorn.  "Thanks Jim, I'll take this to the East Lounge."

When Rich came he had a CD and a very tiny joystick in his hand, he plugged the joystick in the USB port and put the CD in the computer and installed the joystick software and the game.  When he opened the game it had choices to make, first choice was to put in the GPS position.  He typed in a GPS position.  The second choice was estimated distance, everything from half a mile to ten miles.  I saw where this was going now so I said try five miles.

“OK, and for your information the left button on the joystick will de-struck the missile if necessary.”

Next was selecting a target, Rich brought up several simulated targets.  I said, "How about that one."  It was a man walking out of a building.

"We are too far away, he may be going to get into that limo and at five miles he will already be in it before our missile gets there.  This program is random, the same thing doesn't always happen but I've had that happen on that scene before.  Do you want to go down to two miles and see if we can get him?"

"Yes" I had wanted to see it hit a moving target.

Now here is a close-up of the mans face, we want to know what he is going to look like when we get there, in case someone else comes out of the building or is walking down the street.  We don't want to hit the wrong person.

"That would be disastrous." I said.

Rich hit the fire button and as the missile rose over the houses you could tell that this was Washington D.C., as it continued I could see that the Capital Building was coming up.  You could tell that the missile was slowing down considerably and there were several people in the picture now and the man we were targeting was about ten steps from the limo.  I could tell by his suit and just that fast his head was in Rich’s crosshairs and he fell down and the computer said winner and racked up a thousand points.

"See, you can hit a moving target, with practice.  With the game you get to see the target go down, unlike in reality when we loose the camera just before the hit."

"How long will it take to train three more guidance operators?"

"You play with it a while and you will see that it isn’t that hard, start out with a stationary target.  The real secret in reality is to have a spotter near the target with a camera phone.  They can give you the GPS readings, a live picture and can describe the clothing the target is wearing.  Another good thing would be a live TV news interview that would let the news media help you see the target.  As long as we had the GPS readings ahead of time we wouldn't need a spotter but it does make it better to have one.  The guidance operator needs to have a good picture of their target ahead of time.  Forest said that Roger would be bringing the pictures and videos next week.  Why don’t you sit here and give this thing a try."

I was amazed at how it was really like a computer game and after several times of screwing up and having to abort and getting the message from the computer that I missed the target and that I needed more practice.  It was getting embarrassing having the computer tell me how bad I was.  I finally did start hitting the target with some consistency after about two hours.

Rich said, "See it isn't that hard is it?"

"That's easy for you to say, it's too bad we can't get some twelve-year old boy's for this job, they would put me to shame." Rich laughed.

I was getting tired and ready to turn in and try to put this day in some kind of perspective. 

Rich said, "Take this CD and joystick with you and you can practice at home after you leave here.  He handed me a paper folded up and said this is the patent numbers you wanted."

"Thanks a lot Rich, goodnight."  I went up to my room and flopped over the bed I was mentally exhausted.







I must have dosed off, it was 10:00pm and I hadn't called Mary today, if I don't call her she will know that something is up.  I grabbed the cell phone and called.

Mary answered; "Well I thought you had forgotten about me."

"No, it has been one of those days, I'm bushed, I just fell across the bed and dozed off or I would have called you earlier.  How was your day?"

"Nothing much happening here, how is Forrest?"

"He's fit as a fiddle and sends his love, he wants you and Sara to come down next weekend, he is having guests and doing some business.  He said if you and Sara come down we could spend some quiet evenings by the fireplace, sipping on your favorite drinks and have some good conversation.  He also knows you like the tanning booth and the indoor pool in the wintertime."

"It sounds great to me and I'm sure Mom would enjoy seeing Forrest again."

"Forrest and Sara did seem to get along quite well even before your father was killed.  Forrest is lonesome now and so is Sara.  I’ll bet they would enjoy each others company, it should be good for both of them."

"OK, as you and Forrest always say it's a done deal, if Mom agrees."

"Oh yes, and he has some work for me so we will be having some meetings during the day.  Anyway Honey, I'll see you tomorrow, I love you." 

"I love you too, goodnight."

I got undressed, brushed my teeth and hit the sack.

The alarm went off at 7:00AM as usual.  I took my time getting ready, it seemed like yesterday was a dream but I knew it wasn't, there was a lot to do in preparation for our adventure.  I had headed up many operations when I was with the CIA but they were all dwarfed by this responsibility.  However I felt that, this was the mission I was born to lead.

I grabbed one of the briefcases that I kept here and put the patent numbers, the CD and joystick in it and went down to the dining room for breakfast, Forrest was already there having his Ham and Eggs, I went over and sat down.  Sheila came over with coffee and asks if I wanted my usual and I replied, "Yes thanks."

I said to Forrest, "I'm glad you're alone, I wanted to talk to you."

"What is it son?"

"What we are about to do is of monumental historic proportion.  I believe that we should consider having Mary record this mission for history.  I know she would love to do it and she is as loyal to you as she is to me, she would never divulge anything without our permission.  I haven't said anything to her and won't if you think it's a bad idea."

"Honestly I hadn't thought of it, we really are about to make history, aren't we?  If you talk to her and she wants to, I think it is a great idea but she must know that there are risks."

"Fine, I'll present a hypothetical to her this week and see how she responds."

Sheila brought my Sausage and Eggs and Nick and Rich came in and ordered their breakfast as Sheila was pouring their coffee.

I ask Rich, "Do you know anyone that is already proficient with your computer game?"

"Well to tell you the truth, yes, I hadn’t thought about it before but my brother wrote the software, no one knows it better than him.  I’m sure he can run it better than I can.  The problem with that is he is in England and can’t get his Visa renewed.  He had a problem with immigration on his last trip here and told them to shove it, he was never coming back, so I’m sure he couldn’t get back into this country."

"If he is as good as you are and has interest in our mission, I will get him back in the states.  Where is he in England?"

"Just outside of London.  I’m sure he would love to be involved in this if there were a possible way.  His son was killed in Iraq and he hates all corrupt politicians, American and British."

"OK, get me a picture of him and call him and tell him you are coming for a short visit next Thursday. What’s his name?"

"Harry Thomas, but I’ll be in California this week Sam?"

"Is there anything Nick and Forrest will need you for after Tuesday?"

Nick and Forrest were shaking their heads no.

"I can finish up in California by Tuesday night as far as I know."

I said, "OK, I'd get Harry a Visa and you have him meet us at Heathrow airport Thursday morning 6:00AM, I want to talk to him before we make a final decision."

"Give me your phone Sam, I’ll program my number in, I already have yours and I will call Harry today and set it up."

I handed Rich my phone as Sheila was bringing their breakfast.

I ask, "Where's Jack, sleeping in?"

Forrest responded, "You know Jack better than that, he's down getting his babies ready to fly today, he was finishing breakfast when I came down this morning."

About that time Jack came in and reminded Forrest to have Nick fuel up in Houston.

Nick said, "Yes Jack, I won't forget."

Nick had pushed his luck once and nearly ran out of fuel so Jack just wanted to make sure he didn't do it again.

Jack said, "The planes are ready whenever you Guys are."

Sheila poured Jack a cup of coffee and refilled the rest of us; we were just planning out our trips.  Again this morning Sheila seemed more attentive of Rich than she was of most new comers to the lodge, I felt sure that this was going to come to something but I didn't say anything. 

"Well Guys, I guess it's time for Jack and I to get in the sky."

Everyone got up and with hugs all around and an extra strong hug from Forrest as he whispered, "Thanks a lot son, be safe."

"I will and I'll see you Rich, Tuesday night or Wednesday and everyone else sometime next Saturday back here."

Jack and I headed for the Lear.  Sheila came running up with two big boxes, one for me and one for Nick, she said, "Jim will kill me if you forget your fudge."

"Thanks a lot Sheila but you should worry more about Nick than Jim if you forgot."

Nick said, "I didn't forget.  I was hoping you would and then I would have had yours also."

"That sounds like you Nicolas, trying to steal my fudge."

Forest said, "Will you two please behave yourselves and act like grown men."  We both laughed.

Sheila said, "Forrest, I think your fighting a loosing battle trying to change these two at this stage of the game."

"Yes I'm well aware of that Sheila."

I told Jack to wait a minute and stuck my head in the kitchen and said, "Thanks for the fudge Jim.  I’ll see you Saturday afternoon."

"You're welcome, you have a safe flight and tell Mary I’m looking forward to seeing her and Sara."

"I sure will, you take care."

Jack and I headed out again.  The trip back to Boston was uneventful, I sat up with Jack as usual and he was full of jokes today so it was an entertaining trip.  We sure put a dent in that box of fudge.  When we landed in Boston the sun was shining and it was a nice winter day.

Jack asks, "Do you need the plane anymore today?"

"No; do you want to go somewhere?"

"I just thought it would be nice to go see my mother and sister in Cincinnati."

"That's fine, in fact you can stay their tonight if you wish and I'll call you in the morning."

"I really appreciate it, Sam."

In a kidding way I said, "Don't forget to fuel up in Cincinnati."

He laughed and said, "Go home Sam."

Jack opened the door and dropped the steps.

I said, "I'll call you in the morning."

Jack said, "Thanks again."  By the time I got to my van he was waiting for clearance from Logan to take off again.

I guess my head was still spinning from the last 24 hours.  On the drive home I was trying to organize my thoughts as to everything that had to be done before next Saturday.  I called Mary at home and got the answering machine so I called her at work.

I said, "I’m back, what are you doing working on Sunday?"

She said, "Larry wanted some help on a story.”  Larry was her boss.  I could tell she was busy so I asked her to stop by my place on the way home.

Mary said, "We should be wrapped up here by 3:00 o'clock so I will see you shortly after that." Then she hung up.

It had warmed up here since yesterday morning and the snow was turning to slush.  I pulled into my apartment complex and went up to my apartment.  It seemed like a lonely place and it crossed my mind that it seemed strange that Mary and I had never got married, then I remembered that it was because of the work I had done.  I mused that maybe she would marry me now except here I am doing it again.  O' Well, it was still only 10:00AM and I had other things to think of.  I didn't see Billy's car when I came in but he and Debbie usually go out for a late breakfast on Sunday mornings so in my mind I scanned through some of my most trusted associates that had recently retired from the Company.  About six came to mind but only three that I could remember conversations about corrupt politicians and each had strong feelings about such politicians.  I jotted down the names, Michael Rommel, the best sniper I ever knew he was the handsome one that the girls always swooned over.  Johnny Aztec, an explosive expert that never saw an explosive that he didn’t like.  And Clyde Johnson, a black man that never saw a security system he couldn't overcome or a vehicle he couldn't appropriate.  I really didn't think we would need these men for their expertise but there were other things they could do in this mission and most of all they were loyal Americans and could be trusted beyond reproach.  I was always comfortable around them.  At one time or another we had all relied on each other for our lives, it is a brotherhood like no other, ask anyone who has ever been in combat.  I was gazing out the window remembering how Clyde had dragged me into the van and sped away on that mission when I got shot up, ten years ago.  He could have just left me and sped away alone, the mission was completed.  But no, being the comrade he is he risk his life in a hail of gunfire to retrieve me.  It's no wonder we called him Crazy Clyde.  These were the gentlemen that I wanted for our mission.

Still gazing out the window I saw Billy and Debbie pull in.  I didn't want to run in on them as quick as they got in the house so I fixed a pot of coffee.  I was reminiscing over some of the missions Johnny, Michael, Clyde and I had shared as I drank a cup of coffee and then I called Debbie.

"Welcome back Sam she answered."

"Are you guys busy?" I asked.

"Not at all, come on down."

I went downstairs and Debbie opened the door with her usual, "Whaz up Sam?"

"A whole lot is up today Debbie.  How would you and Billy like to go down to the lodge next Saturday?"

"Sounds great to me, how about it Billy?"

"I could use a weekend off." Billy said.

"I need you guys for more than a weekend, the pay will be good and you know the food is great.  I know you guys can take care of your regular business from there as well as from here, so just consider it, as getting a new client."

Billy asks, "How long are we talking about?" 

"It's kind of up in the air now but probably at least a month."

"That's a long time Sam, this must be a real good paying job." 

"How much would you charge a client to do this?"

"A full month, twenty thousand." He says.

"Well that's too bad I was going to offer you a hundred thousand."

"A hundred thousand!" Billy exclaims, "I'd go to the moon for a month for that much money."

"The accommodations at the lodge are much better than those on the moon and you know that."

"Yes, Yes, I know that” he says “we'll be ready, we’ll need to take our computers though."

"Forrest knew that, you can take them and anything else you want.  However I need you to do a couple of things now."

"Whatever you want Sam."

"Let me make a phone call first."  I called Rich, he said, "What do you need Sam?"

"In my rush to leave the lodge I forgot to get the picture of Harry from you for his Visa, but what I really need is his address."

Debbie had a pen and notebook so I handed the phone to Debbie and she jotted down the address and handed the phone back to me.

"Where are you guys?"  I asked.

"We're still about an hour from Houston."

"If we need a picture I'll call you but I believe Billy can fix us up, Harry does still have his Visa doesn't he, don't tell me he pitched it."

"No, I'm sure he still has it."

"By the way what is Harry's wife's name?"

"Sylvia, why?"

"Never mind I'll call you Tuesday.  Have a safe flight."  I hung up.

"OK Guys, I need you to get into the Immigration computers and find Harry Thomas at the address Debbie copied down.  See if you can straighten out his Visa and give him a green card so he can work legally in this country.  While you're at it check on the status of his wife, Sylvia's Visa and if it's screwed up fix it.  Anyway straighten them both out and bring them up to date."

Billy said, "That will probably take a little while."

"No problem, I don't need it until Tuesday or Wednesday.  Next, I need you to get into the Patent Office computers and copy these patents so you can replace them at a later date, then delete them from their computers."

I handed Billy the patent numbers that Rich had given me.

Billy said, "I don't see any problem with your requests, we'll get right on it."

"Thanks a lot Guys it will take a load off my mind.  One more thing, can you guys install a game on my computer for me, you know how computer illiterate I am."

"Sure thing, Debbie I'll get started on some of this, you can help Sam with his game."

Debbie said, "OK, I'll be right back."

Debbie and I went up to my apartment; I asked Debbie if she wanted a coffee, she said, "No thanks we just had breakfast."  I gave her the joystick and CD.  I said, "The software for that joystick is on the CD with the game."

Debbie said, "I've seen a lot of joysticks but this one is small."

"Is there anything different from a regular joystick?

"Not anything that I can see."

Debbie installed the joystick and software and started the game.

"Thanks Debbie now you take it down and try it on yours and Billy's computer, I would like to know what you Guys think about it.  I'll pick up the CD later, Oh, and don't let anyone else, see it or use it, this is our secret right now."

"OK, what ever you say, see ya Sam."  Debbie left.

I played the game for about an hour and was better than last night but still not good.  I really wanted to get Harry and Rich running the guidance computers and I wasn’t sure we needed any more right away and Billy and Debbie might turn out to be quite capable at it also.  I was getting hungry so I called the local deli around the corner and ordered a cornbeef and pastrami on pumpernickel.  The delivery boy brought my sandwich and I got a beer from the fridge.  I like beer with three things, cornbeef, pizza and spaghetti.  I turned on the TV and finished my lunch watching the CNN news and tried to imagine what it would be like next month and maybe even next week, but I couldn't even imagine.

I decided to call Crazy Clyde in Atlanta to feel him out, he answered

I said, "Hi Clyde, how is retirement treating you?"

"Well Hi Sam, retirement sucks, I am bored to death and wish I were back to work."

"How are your favorite politicians treating you?"

"You know better than to get me started on those bastards."

"Ok, it sounds like you're in luck, can you get away for a while?"

"What's up, you got a job for the Company?"

"No, not exactly the old Company but at least some interesting work and the pay is good."

"Count me in, I was ready to take any job to keep from going berserk."

"Is there a small airport near you that will handle a Lear Jet?"

"Yes, the Dekalb Peachtree airport is only four miles from me."

"That should be better than Hartsfield shouldn't it?"

"You know the answer to that Sam."

"Yes, I sure do, OK wear the brightest red shirt you can find and look for the Lear that has Forrest's Toy painted on the nose.  I'll have Jack the pilot call you with a day and time, probably tomorrow or Tuesday.  Are you still living with Mattie?"

"I sure am, about like you and Mary."

"Is she still working?"

"Yes, I can't get her to quit."

"That's all right we can bring her down for weekends if she likes."

"I don't know if she likes or not but I sure like."

"Ok, Jack will give you a call.  I'll see you Saturday at Forrest's lodge."

"See ya Sam."

Clyde is a handsome man about five feet eleven inches tall with a high forehead, short hair, brown eyes, a thin mustache and probably 165 pounds soak-n-wet.  He is a real dresser, always looks like he just stepped out of a fashion magazine.  Maggie was a beautiful black lady 49 years old, about 5 feet 5 inches tall with long black hair, large brown saucer eyes and quite shapely.  She also was a sharp dresser and her and Clyde sure looked like they belong together.  They both look 10 to 15 years younger than they are.

One down and two to go, I called Johnny in Saginaw Michigan but the answering machine answered, so I left a message asking him to call me when he got in.  Next was Michael in Dayton Ohio, a very sexy female answered the phone.

"Is Mike there?"

"Yes sir, do you want to talk to him?"

"I'd really rather talk to you but since we haven't been introduced, I had better talk to Mike."

"My name is Sally and you can talk to me."

"Later Sally put Mike on the phone."

"OK."

"Mike I hope Sally is over eighteen."

"She is Sam, she's twenty and you know me, I'm like George Burns, when I was twenty I liked girls that were twenty and now that I'm fifty-six I still like girls that are twenty."

"Well I see you haven't changed, are you any happier with the political system than you were a couple of years ago."

"Come on Sam, we both know you didn't call me to talk politics but to answer your question, hell no."

"Would you be interested in a little free lance work, that has great pay, excitement and risk?"

"What the hell, did you go back to work for the Company?"

"No I didn't but I have another job and need some trustworthy friends that I can count on, and if you weren't bored to death you wouldn't be shacked up with a twenty-year-old right now."

"I wish you didn't know me so well.  Tell me about the job."

"All I can tell you is, you will enjoy it and Crazy Clyde has signed on, and I'm trying to get Johnny."

"Count me in; working with you has been a lot of things but it's never been boring."

"I need you this week, is that a problem?"

"Hell no, I'm not doing a thing."

"OK, Buy the brightest red jacket you can find and I will have Jack, Forrest's pilot pick you up tomorrow or Tuesday.  Jack will call you and tell you a time to meet him at South Dayton Airport; he will be in a Lear Jet with Forrest's Toy painted on the nose.  In fact he's in Cincinnati now so you will be his first stop, I'll see you Saturday at Forrest's Lodge."

"OK Sam, I'll see you there."

Mike is about 6 feet tall and a solid 180 lbs.; he has a dark complexion with brown eyes and is so damn good looking that he looks like a gigolo.  So far everything was going good, now if Johnny would only return my call.  I went in the kitchen and poured another cup of coffee.  I put my favorite MP3 music CD in the DVD player and sat in my lounge and was going over things in my mind and listening to several Willie Nelson songs when the phone rang.

"Hi Sam, it's been a while what's going on?"

"A lot of things Johnny are you still pissed with our politicians."

"That's a stupid question, they just keep getting worse than ever."

"I'm glad you still feel that way, I need some help."

"What kind of help?"

"I can't say but I have a job and Crazy Clyde and Mike have already signed on and I'd like to have you to fill out the team.  The pay is good, the accommodations are excellent and your company will be appreciated."

"OK, you know you can count on me Sam."

"Are you still with Jennifer?"

"No she split a couple of months ago, so I'm just sitting around trying to figure out why."

"I'm Sorry about that."

"No problem, when do you need me?"

"I need you tomorrow or Tuesday.  Buy the brightest red jacket you can find and I will have Jack, Forrest's pilot pick you up tomorrow or Tuesday.  Jack will call you and tell you a time to meet him at the Saginaw Airport; he will be in a Lear Jet with Forrest's Toy painted on the nose.  I'll see you at Forrest's lodge on Saturday."

"OK, I'm looking forward to seeing all you Guys."

"See ya Johnny." I hung up.

Johnny was about 55 years old and 5 feet 8 inches tall with piercing brown eyes.  Once in a while some of the guys would call him Dynamite and when did, they were sure to get his piercing glare, that all by it's self was very intimidating.

Well I feel much better; now that thing's are falling into place.






It is about 2:50PM and Mary will be coming soon, Willie was singing “On The Road Again” on the DVD player and I was able to relax a little and reminisce some of the great times Mary and I had experienced on the road.  My thoughts were interrupted by Mary’s key in the door.

I got up to greet her and gave her a hug and kiss.  "Did you missed me?"

"You were only gone one night Samuel but I did miss you and when you didn’t call by 9:00 o'clock last night I considered calling my backup boy friend."

"You don’t have a backup boyfriend."

"You don’t know that." She grinned and gave me another kiss.

"I have a hypothetical question for you."

"And what would that be?"

 "If you were the only journalist that could record history on one side of a revolution or at least a monumental historic event and there were risks involved would you want to be that journalist?"

"Are you crazy Honey, any journalist in their right mind would give their eyeteeth to have that opportunity."

"Let me see a big grin." She grinned, "You're going to look very funny with no eyeteeth?"

"Oh you know what I mean Samuel, that was a figure of speech."

"I have another question for you; can you get your vacation next week?"

"I think so why, where are we going?"

"Well first of course we are going to get your Mom and go see Forrest next weekend; the rest will be a surprise."

"You know how I hate surprises, please tell me."

"I’ll tell you when we get to the lodge."

"Oh Samuel I hate you, this is pure torture."

"No its not, you will survive, of course you could call your backup boyfriend if you hate me so much."

"I’m saving him for later." She grinned and gave me another kiss.

"I hate to tell you this but I must be getting old, I am exhausted and could use a nap before dinner, this weekend has wiped me out."

"To tell you the truth that sounds good to me too, I was at the office at 7:00AM this morning so I could finish that job early and see you."

We retired to the bedroom for a nap.  I awoke to Willie singing "Nothing I Can Do About It Now" and I thought how appropriate that title was in the way it related to me and this time in my life.  I was about to take the roller coaster ride of my life.  I looked at the clock and it was 6:00PM and Mary was still sound asleep.  I got up and freshened up.

Mary with her eyes still closed, asked, "What time is it?"

"It's 6:10, would you rather eat or sleep?"

"I'm starved where are we going to eat?"

"Would you like seafood?"

"Clams sound great."

There was a small seafood restaurant down on the wharf that we liked and we haven't been there for a couple weeks.

"All right if you're starved you have to get up unless you want me to carry you."

"I could see the pillow coming at me again."

"I'm sure glad that you throw pillows instead of vases and other things, she grinned again and got up."

"Funny, now when you grin I look to see if you still have your eyeteeth."

She stuck her tongue out and went in to freshen up.  I thought how lucky I was to have such a wonderful, beautiful lady in my life.  We drove down to the wharf and ordered our drinks and food.

I said, "I was so tired that I forgot to ask if your Mom is going with us but I assume she is."

"Oh yes, she is real excited about the trip, she was going out today to buy some new outfits to wear and take with her, I think she likes Forrest more than we thought."

"That will be real nice to see those two enjoying themselves."

"Only we know how wonderful it would be to see them both happy again."

The waitress brought our usual drinks.

Mary asks, "What kind of job are you doing for Forrest."

"You will find out when we get to the lodge."

"You worked for the Company too long and are always trying to keep everything secret."  She whined a little but resigned herself to the fact that I wouldn't tell her until we got to the lodge.

The waitress brought Mary's Clams and my Grouper and as always it was superb.  We returned to my apartment building.

I asked, "Would you like to stay tonight?"

"If you tell me now instead of when we get to the lodge I'll stay."

"Nice try, do you just want to get in your car now or do you want to come up for a nightcap?"

"Darn you Samuel, nothing will bribe you will it?  I'm going up for a nightcap and some quality time but one of these days I'm going to my backup boyfriends."

I laughed, as we walked up to the apartment.

I awoke to the smell of coffee brewing.  Mary was already up.

I got up and asked, "Why are you up so early?

"I guess that nap yesterday got me caught up on my rest.  I want to get to the office early, since I am going to ask for my vacation, I need to get a lot of things done this week.  What are you doing this week?"

"I have very little to do today and tomorrow but tomorrow night I will be going to California and then to London."

"Oh great, I miss all the good trips."

"This will be so fast there will be no time for anything I'll be sitting in the Lear or in airports most of the time and you know that's no fun."

"OK your right, it sounds like a bore, now go get ready before the coffee gets old."

I got ready; Mary was ready to go but had a second cup of coffee with me.  She finished her coffee and gave me a peck on the cheek, and reminded me to wash the cups, then she left for work.

It was 8:10AM so I called Jack, "Yes Sam what's up."

"I have three passengers for you to pick up, have you got a pen?"

"Sure shoot."

I gave Jack their names, phone numbers and airports to meet them at.  I told him they would all be wearing red jackets or red shirts. 

"You can pick them up at your convenience today or tomorrow, just call them as soon as you know what you want to do and let them know your schedule.  You will be taking them to the lodge and introduce them to Sheila, I will call Sheila and tell her what to do.  Then I need you here by 6:00PM tomorrow evening.  If the Lear needs any maintenance get it done.  We will be flying to California and then to London."

"The Lear is fine, it just had its annual.  When do we have to be in London?"

"We will meet Rich's brother there at 6:00AM on Thursday, London time."

"Gee, London is five hours ahead of us; we aren't going to get much sleep are we?"

"Sorry about that I'll try to make it up to you later."

"OK, I'll call you and let you know my schedule."

"Thanks, see ya later."

I called the lodge and Sheila answered.

"Hi Sheila, this is Sam, Jack will be bringing three guests tonight or tomorrow, they are my most trusted friends from the Company.  There names are Michael Rommel, Johnny Aztec and Clyde Johnson, give them adjoining rooms if you can and Clyde is the man who saved my life about ten years ago so treat him nice for me.  Watch out for Mike, he never saw a skirt he couldn't remove, at least he thinks that, and he is very charming."

"Thanks for the warning Sam; I'll take care of them.  I was going to call you.  Do you know if Sara is coming with you Saturday?"

"Mary said she's is."

"In that case I'm making plans that she will be here."

"OK, I'll see you Saturday."

I hung up and I decided to call Sara and talk to her in confidence.  Sara was 59 years old and looked about 45, it really was amazing how much Mary and Sara looked like sisters.  People don't believe that Sara is Mary's mother.  I can look at Sara and see Mary 20 years from now and what I see still looks great.

"Hi Sara, I'm really glad you're going to the lodge with us Saturday."

"Yes and I'm anxious to get away and it will be nice to see Forrest again."

"Can I ask you something in confidence, you know what I mean, like don't tell Mary I called."

"What is it Sam?"

"Can you pack your suitcase for a couple of weeks instead of a weekend?"

"I guess so but whatever for?"

"We may not be able to return any sooner and Mary doesn't need to know because she already has clothes at the lodge."

"Fine, I won't tell Mary."

"Thanks Sara, I'll see you Saturday."

Things were going well so far, I might even have time to go fishing today.  I went down to Billy and Debbie's and got the "Whaz up Sam?" from Debbie.

"Just come to see if things were going well."

"I think everything is set, Billy is in the computer room."

I went back to see Billy and Debbie brought me a coffee, Billy all ready had a cup.

"Everything is done," Billy said as he handed me a CD, "the patents are on the CD and we can replace them at our convenience.  Harry's Visa was a mess, he must have pissed them off big time, but it is fine now.  If I were you I wouldn't go through the same customs at Los Angeles International where he upset them.  He may run into someone there that remembers him.  Sylvia's Visa was fine, it only needed updated."

"That's why we're going to pay you Guys the big bucks, you are truly God sent."

"Debbie did the patents, I can't take credit for everything."

"Thanks Debbie."

"No problem Sam, what are friends for?"

"How about the company buys steak dinners tonight."

"Sounds good to me, how about you Debbie."

"I'm good with it."

"Mary and I will pick you up here at 6:00 o'clock.  Oh, did you try the game out yet?"

"Yes but to tell you the truth it was kind of boring after about thirty minutes."

"Were you able to hit the targets regularly, including the moving ones?"

"It's a piece of cake Sam, that's why it's so boring, Debbie thought so too, Oh here's your game CD."

"You have no idea how happy that makes me, but you will understand when we get to the lodge.  You Guys don't fish do you?"

"No I never could get interested in fishing, you aren't thinking of going fishing in this cold weather are you?"

"Yes I'm probably nuts but I relax better and am able to meditate when I'm fishing."

"Have fun Sam, don't freeze your butt off, we'll see you at 6:00 o'clock."

"OK, so-long Guys."

On the way upstairs to get my fishing gear my phone rang, I looked and answered, "Hi Jack."

"Hi Sam, I’m in Dayton now and I think I see Mike smooching on some young girl, at least he has a red jacket on."

"That will be Mike all right."

"Anyway I’ll get everybody to the lodge tonight and I’ll just stay there tonight and be back in Boston in the morning."

"I have a change of plans, we can save some time if you just fly straight to Silicon Valley in the morning, call Rich before you get there and see if he can meet you when you land.  As soon as he is ready you can come to Boston, just call me when you get here and I’ll pick you up."

"Very well, I’ll see you tomorrow in Boston."

"Have a safe trip, see ya."

Fishing was good for the soul; I can see why Jesus was a fisherman although he fished for food I fish to meditate.  I rarely catch anything and always throw it back if I do, Mary says I'm an environmental fisherman.  I got my fishing gear and headed down to the seawall.  It was sunny and about 48 degrees out today and the snow was melting fast, however there were a lot of ice chunks in the Bay.  I had my heavy jacket on.  I stopped at the bait store and bought some frozen shrimp and went down the street to the seawall and my favorite bench was empty, in fact there were no fishermen around except on boats.  Life was good today I thought, as I lit up a cigar, cast out a line and sat down on the bench.  I was in deep meditation and the phone rang, I looked and it was Mary, I wondered what she could be calling about as I said, "Hi Honey what's wrong?"

"I called mother and she didn't answer so I called her cell phone and guess what?"

"Now how could I guess?"

"She's down at the Mall buying more outfits."

"Well Honey, there is no law against that is there?"

"She just bought two new outfits yesterday Sam, my mother has not bought any outfits since daddy was killed.  She is only going to be at the lodge for two days, why does she need more than two outfits?"

"Well Honey, why don't you ask her that?"

"I did and she said for me to mind my own business."

"Then why don't you mind your own business dear?"

"My mother has never told me to mind my own business in my life."

"I guess you won't be able to make that statement again, will you?"

"You're no help at all Mister Cool."

"Honey cool it.  You are coming over to my place tonight aren't you?"

"Yes but I want to stop at Mom's on the way."

"You might want to reconsider that, I have asked Billy and Debbie to join us for dinner at the Steak House and we need to pick them up at 6:00 o'clock."

"All right, but I just can't figure my mother out."

"Your mother is a beautiful lady and maybe she is finally coming out after your father's death."

"You're right, maybe I had better leave it alone.  Where are you?  It sounds like I heard a fog horn."

"You did dear, I'm down at the seawall fishing."

"Its cold out, are you dressed warm?"

"Yes dear I'm dressed warm."

"OK see you tonight, I love you."

"I love you too Honey."

After two hours of meditating and replenishing my bait about ten times I decided all I was doing was feeding the fish.  I tossed the rest of the bait in the bay and packed up and went home.

Mary came in at 5:30 and was freshening up when I asked if she got her vacation?

"I’ll let you know when we get to the lodge."

"OK."

"Just OK and that’s it?"

"What’s wrong with that?"

"Oh you are so cool I can’t stand you."

"I’m sorry you’re mad Dear, could I drive you to your backup boyfriends?"

"No I can drive myself thank you."

She came out of the bathroom and said, "You are too cool you know, no wonder you were so good at your job." 

She gave me a big kiss and grinned then said; "Now you can go clean the lipstick off your face Mister Cool."

"You should really keep those eyeteeth because you’re gonna look real funny without them."

"Oh shut up Samuel."

We stopped down to pickup Billy and Debbie and we left for the Steak House.  Mary and Debbie never shut their mouths all evening.  For Billy and I it was fun just to listen to them talking girl talk.  Mary going on about her mother buying all those new outfits was most of the topic of their conversation.  Debbie had a number of interesting theories about it.  Mary and I enjoyed drinks and a nice meal with good friends.  Then we returned to the apartment for some quality time, two for two, as I said before, life is good today.

I must be really slipping, I woke up and Mary wasn't in bed but I smelled coffee and went in to see her.  There was a note by the coffee maker. 

It said, "You were sleeping so well I didn't have the heart to wake you, and I did get my vacation.  I have a lot of things to catch up on this week.  I'll call you after while, love Mary." 

I looked at the clock and it was 9:20, I couldn't remember the last time I had slept so late.  Mary must have got up and shut off the alarm before it went off.

I fixed a bowl of cereal and ate it, then I cleaned up the kitchen.  I didn't have any business to do today so I thought I would pick myself up some jeans and tee shirts, it seemed that was my wardrobe of choice since I had retired.

This must be a sign that I'm getting old because I found myself very angry that I could not find a Polo Tee Shirt that had pockets.  I felt betrayed as I had purchased these tee shirts for over twenty years now.  Where was I going to carry my cigars?  Well so long Ralph, so much for designer tee shirts, I would have to buy another brand with pockets.  Funny I thought it was common in this day and age to have a variety, I go to the grocery and there are twenty brands of coffee on the shelf and each brand has twenty different varieties and I can't find a damn Polo tee shirt with a pocket.  What the hell is this world coming to?  O’Well, I got some jeans and tee shirts with pockets and headed back to the apartment.

The phone rang on the way and Mary asked, "What time did you get up?"

"I’m not telling you."

"You slept late didn’t you?"

"Yes it was 9:20 and I haven’t slept that late for a very long time."

"That’s good you must have needed the rest."

"I guess so but I can’t make a habit of it or you will be going to your backup boyfriends."

"Probably not a chance of that as good as you are to me, but I'm still going to keep him in reserve.  I just wanted to tell you that Mom wants me to stop by and see her new outfits so I will be a little late."

"That’s fine why don’t you stop and pickup some Chinese on the way here."

"Sounds good Honey I’ll see you about six o’clock, love you."

"I love you too."

On the way up to the apartment I stopped at Billy and Debbie’s.  Debbie went on about how they enjoyed the dinner and visiting with Mary and I.  She poured me a coffee and for once Billy was not in the computer room.

I said to Billy, "I think I know the answer to this but can you send emails that can’t be tracked back to you?"

"That's primer one for computer hackers, theirs nothing to it.  I’ll email you so you can see."

"OK, I was pretty sure but I wanted verification.  You Guys have no idea how I admire your work, it's beyond my comprehension how you do what you do."

Billy said, "We both started out in High School and I just loved screwing up the teachers, it was my main form of entertainment and it just progressed from there into hacking and networking."

"Debbie I can’t imagine you screwing up the teachers."

"No, I was going to be a programmer until I met Billy, but I enjoy building Web pages for my clients and most of the hacking I learned from Billy."

"Am I keeping you Guys from your work?"

"No, we're finished for the day unless we get a call."

Billy and Debbie were like me; none of us have a landline phone, only cell phones.  We chatted a while and I said, “See ya later” and went up to my apartment.

It was 4:00 o'clock and I sat my shopping bags down and put Willie Nelson on again, I sat in my lounge and kicked back.  Jack called and said he and Rich just got in and had checked into the Airport Motel and they were going to eat and spend the night there.

I ask, “What time do you want to leave tomorrow?"

"Why don’t we leave about 10:00AM, then we can catch a little shuteye before we have to meet Harry."

"Sounds good to me, I’ll be there at 10:00 o'clock."

"OK, I’ll see you then."

I guess thinking about everything that was coming up made me tired.  I sure went into a sound sleep; I awoke to Mary kissing me on the forehead.

"Hi Honey" she said, "are you all right?"

"Yes I’m fine, how were your mothers outfits?"

"They were pretty; she has seven real nice outfits complete with shoes and everything."

"Well that’s nice I’m glad you liked them."

"Mother is taking all of them with her and she will decide which ones she will wear when she gets there."

"Well I’m glad that you worked that out now, I told you there was nothing to worry about."

"I know I just want her to be happy and I guess I did push the panic button.  Honey, we have Pepper Steak, Egg Drop Soup and Egg Rolls and we better eat it before it gets cold."

“I’m starved tonight, I went shopping today and forgot about lunch."

"What did you go shopping for?"

"I just got some tee shirts and jeans."

"I thought you were leaving for California tonight."

"I forgot to tell you I conned Jack into going this morning and he and Rich are at the Airport Motel now and I get to spend the night with you, we will leave for London at 10:00 o'clock in the morning."

We enjoyed our meal and I put Casablanca in the DVD Mary had wanted to see it again, it was her favorite love story.  We cuddled up on the couch and watched it again for the fifth time in the past year.  When the movie finished Mary was asleep, I carried her to bed but she woke up.

I said, “You missed the ending."

“That's all right I know it by heart."

I laughed; we brushed our teeth and went to bed.

"Mary woke up in an amorous mood and didn’t seem to be in a hurry to go to work."

I said, What’s the matter are you missing me already?"

"What do you think?" she whispered, so we spent some quality time before getting up and having our coffee together?

Mary got ready for work while I watched the Today Show. 

When she was ready to leave she said, "You need to tell Jack to fly very careful so nothing will happen to my precious cargo."

"Sure I’ll tell him that, so he and Rich can laugh all the way to London."

She smiled and said, "I really do love you, you know."

She hugged me, we kissed and I told her I loved her too and I would call her.  When she left, it was 8:25 and I had to get ready to go myself.

I met Jack and Rich and the flight to London was to say the least a very long one.  We met Harry and he really wanted to be involved with our mission.  I had Harry and Rich go pick up Harry's wife Sylvia.  You could tell Rich and Harry were brothers as they did resemble each other.  Sylvia was about five feet tall and slightly pudgy, she was probably less than ten pounds overweight but it did show since she was so short.  She was a pretty lady with an outstanding personality, brown eyes that glistened and short brunette hair. We landed at Washington D.C. Dulles International and ran through Immigration and customs; everything was fine, thanks to Billy.  Jack refueled and we left for the lodge.

It was 3:20 Friday afternoon when we landed at the lodge.  Jack and I helped Rich, Harry and Sylvia with their luggage; we stacked it all in a golf cart and we took two carts up to the lodge.  I introduced them to Sheila and we got them all into rooms.

I asked Sheila, "Where are the guys?"

"They're in the East Lounge."

I went in the East Lounge and greeted them and explained that I had to go to Boston and I would see them all tomorrow.  On the way out I asked Sheila how they had behaved.

"They were perfect gentlemen."

"Good have you heard from Nick or Forrest?"

"Yes, they said they will be in about 5:00 o'clock this afternoon."

"Good they are coming in early, we should be here by 5:00PM tomorrow, and we'll see you then."

Sheila said, "Bye Guys."

Jack and I left for the plane.

I said, "Looks like we'll be home early."

"Yes, I think I'll stay at my cousin Clara's tonight."

"That's fine, I'll drive you there."

"No I called her and she will meet us at the airport at 5:30."

We landed at 5:15 and Clara was already there.

"She's just like you Sam, always early."

I grabbed the rest of Jim's burgers out of the fridge that he had made for our trip and gave a couple to Jack for Clara and him and kept two for Mary and I.  I went over and said Hi to Clara.  I got in my van and headed for the apartment.







I went home and Mary was very glad that the trip had gone well.

I said, "Honey here are some burgers we can nuke I've got to get cleaned up."

I cleaned up, then I sat in my lounge and Mary brought us the burgers, chips and a Pepsi.  After we finished the burgers, I must have looked like I'd been through a war.

Mary asked, "Honey why don't you go to bed, you look whipped?"

"I'll just be an old bore, and nap here in my chair.  To tell you the truth I don't see how the Jet Set can stand all of that traveling.  If I don't wake up, get me up when you're ready for bed."

"OK, you get some rest you old bore, I'll just read."

Mary got her book and was reading, and I went out like a light.  I woke up at about 10:00 o'clock, Mary was still reading.

She said, "Well Honey; you are alive aren't you?"

"Yes I feel much better now, I'm sorry I ruined your evening."

"The evening isn't over yet Honey."

"That sounds promising." I said as she put her book away and we retired to the bedroom.

I woke up before the alarm went off, it was 6:33 and I got dressed and put on one of my new tee shirts.  It didn't seem right without the pony on the pocket, but what the hell; at least it had a pocket.  Mary was still sound asleep.  I called Clara's home.

"Hi Clara is Jack up."

"You know he is Sam, I'll get him."

"Hi Sam, what do you need."

"Nothing really but I thought you and Clara might want to do something today and I don't need you until 3:00 o'clock this afternoon."

"Thanks a lot, Clara and I will catch up on old times; I'll see you at 3:00 o'clock."

I was pouring a coffee and I heard Mary stirring.

In an elevated voice I said, "Good Morning my love, your coffee awaits."

"Sounds great, I’ll be there in a minute."

I poured another cup and Mary came in and gave me a peck on the cheek and grabbed her coffee.

She said, "I like your new shirt, where’s the pony?"

"Let’s not go there, I’ll only say, I went to the Ralph Lauren outlet store where I always purchased them and they have become extinct there."

"Are you serious, you’ve been wearing those shirts for twenty years?"

"Yes but I guess I won’t be wearing them anymore unless they show up at the outlet stores again."

"I don't think you have to shop at outlet stores Honey."

"Probably not but I'm not inclined to change my shopping habits at this stage of my life."

"OK Honey, have it your way."

Mary called her mother and told her we would pick her up at 2:30.  I took my van key down to Billy and Debbie so they could load their computers and other luggage in it and told them we would leave at 2:00 o'clock.  I gave Debbie a key to my apartment and asked her to go up and remove all traces of that computer game she had put on my computer.

She said, "No problem Sam."

I checked my email and it looked like junk but I was curious about one from our great Senator.  I opened it and it just said "Hi Sam I told you it was easy--Billy."  Then I remembered my conversation with Billy; I guess that answers my question.

I said, "Honey, you didn't eat a thing did you?"

"No, you know I never eat breakfast."

"Well it's 10:25 why don't we get an early lunch then."

"Ok Honey, I guess I could eat an early lunch, since I see you didn't eat your cereal."

We drove Mary's car down to our local Diner and had a great breakfast.  She likes bacon and eggs, she just don't want them early in the morning.

"Are you taking the recorder you use on interviews with you."

"You know I never go anywhere without it, why do you ask?"

"No reason; I just didn't see it at the apartment."

She opened her purse and said, "See, I'm not stupid Samuel, I know something big is going on with you and Forrest and all this traveling.  I also know you will tell me when we get to the lodge."

"Yes Honey, I know you're not stupid but I guess I thought you had forgotten about that."

"Yes, like I want to miss a revolution, what in the world have you been drinking?" (She does still have good instincts).

"I guess you know me pretty well by now Honey.  Do you need to stop and pickup anything on the way home?"

"No, all I'm taking is my purse and makeup kit; everything else is at the lodge."

On the way home I picked up four sets of walkie-talkies at Radio Shack, I also stopped at the Wal-Mart and picked up six ski masks, then I stopped at the medical supply and got a couple of boxes of clear surgical gloves and caps.

"I'm not even going to ask." Mary said.

"Trust me Honey you don't want to know."

We went on to my apartment and got Billy and Debbie and the van, then went to Sara's and loaded her luggage.  Sara was ecstatic and she had three large suitcases.  We got to the airport at 2:45.  Jack was already there; we loaded everyone’s luggage and got onboard.  I sat across from Billy on the plane. 

Billy asked, "What do you think about these new electronic voting machines?"

"I personally think the whole idea stinks and can't even imagine what they were thinking when they approved them.  The best I can figure, some corrupt politician that knows someone like you dreamed up this whole idea.  He can then hire them to fix the election."

"Your good Sam, I must have taught you something about computers.  How about this for a scenario, the Chinese, al Qaeda or some other nation or terrorist organization picks our next President."

"Yes, just who hires the best Hacker gets the election the way he wants it, sounds like the people lose again, maybe we can do something about that also."
   
The flight was a routine one and at 4:15 we landed at the lodge.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing as we deplaned.  Forrest was in the lead of four golf carts coming down to greet us, it was Forrest, Nick and two of the maintenance workers.

I couldn't remember the last time Forrest came down to greet anyone since Mom died except that one time when Nick brought Rich and the new toy.

I said to Mary, "Honey; watch this."

Forrest jumped out of the cart like a teenager and headed straight for Sara, "Welcome to my humble abode" he said to Sara, "I can't tell you how happy I am that you came." as he hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

Like a teenage girl Sara said, "Oh' thank you Forrest for inviting me, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yes, and we need to see to it that it’s not so long from now on."

Forrest had the maintenance men put Sara's luggage on his cart, then greeted the rest of us, giving Mary a kiss and hug then thanking Mary and I for bringing Sara.  Forrest was very gracious to Billy and Debbie and thanked them for coming.  Forrest took Sara and they left for the lodge.  Mary and I hugged Nick.

I said to Nick, "You remember Billy and Debbie?"

"How could I forget them, they fix my computer in California from Boston.  I'll never figure out how they do that."

He hugged Debbie and shook hands with Billy.

Then Nick said to Mary, "I think Dad has the hots for your Mom."

"I think that's a two way street Nick."

"It sure will be nice having Dad smiling again, won't it brother?"

"Yes and the same goes for Sara, she deserves some happiness again too, Mary and I are just elated."

The maintenance men had loaded all of Billy and Debbie's luggage and computers on one of the golf carts and Billy and Debbie got on another one and headed for the lodge.

I hollered at Jack and asked if he was coming?

"I'll be up as soon as I put the baby to bed."

"OK, we'll see you up at the lodge."

Mary and I got our stuff and rode up with Nick.  Sheila greeted us when we got to the lodge, she said, "Forrest wants everyone to come to the East Banquet Room at 5:30."

"Where is my mother?" Mary asked. 

"I’m not sure Mary, Forrest was taking care of her personally.  Oh, and Sam, Nick picked up girls for your buddy’s this morning."

"All of them?"

"Yes."

"That’s interesting, do you remember their names Sheila?"

"Yes, Maggie, Sally and Jennifer."

"That’s great, Johnny and Jennifer must have made up."

"It sure looked like it when she arrived."

"I hope you've got some help Sheila, you can’t take care of all these folks alone."

"Yes, I have a couple of new waitresses and a couple of new housekeepers from the temp service, but you know me; I like the dining room."

"I’m glad you got some help, we’ll go get settled and see you at dinner."

"OK, Mary I’m really glad Sara came this time, Forrest would have been very disappointed if she hadn't.  Forrest is so happy I haven’t seen him like this for over three years."

"Thanks Sheila, the same goes for Mom.  Sam and I are thrilled."

We went up to our room.

Mary said, "I smell a rat Samuel."

"What do you mean by that Honey?"

"Mother knew she was going to stay longer than the weekend didn’t she?"

"How would I know that?”

"I know you, it is not a coincidence that mother bought all those clothes."

I smiled at her and gave her hug and a big kiss and said, "Isn’t it wonderful?"

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"I don’t know what you’re talking about."

She smiled and gave me a kiss and said, "Yes it is wonderful Mister Cool."








We freshened up and went down for dinner.  Everyone was there, including a beautiful buxom blonde on Nick’s arm.

I said, "Well, Nick must have had a planeload of ladies.  Sheila didn’t tell us about that one."

Nick came over and introduced us to Janet.  Janet is a tall girl probably about 38 years old, 6 feet tall tiny waist, has platinum blond hair and my guess from the top down 40-22-36 a whole lot of woman.  She has baby blue eyes and resembles a tall Jayne Mansfield.  Nick sure has his hands full with this one.

"You sure are the sly one brother, Sheila didn’t tell us about Janet."

"I told her I wanted to surprise you, so don’t fuss at her about it."

"Don’t worry about it brother, I won’t say a word.  We had better sit down; Forrest is going to say something."

Sheila came over and rushed us to a table for six and said, "Forrest and Sara will be sitting here with you Guys."  Forrest was at the podium with Sara.

He said “If I can have your attention for just a moment before dinner, I want to introduce to all of you who don’t know her, one of the most beautiful ladies in Boston, Ms. Sara Steele.”

Everyone applauded and Forrest said, "After dinner in honor of Sara’s presence we will retire to the east Ballroom for drinks, dancing and a real party.  I want everyone to enjoy this evening because I certainly am going to enjoy Sara and all of my friends."

I said to Mary, "I’ve never seen your mother look so good, she is a beautiful lady but the sparkle in her eyes and her grin, she sure is hot tonight."

"Remember what you said before Honey, maybe this is her coming out party and it looks like its Forrest’s also."

Nick chimed in; "It’s about time."

Janet said, "They sure are a happy couple."

Forrest and Sara came and sat down.

Sheila asked Sara and Janet what they wanted to drink and left to get our drinks.  Sheila quickly returned with our drinks.

I asked, "How did you get our drinks so fast?"

She said, "Easy, we have two Bartenders for this evening, and I am only serving two tables, yours and the Thomas's."

"Jack's sitting with the Thomas's, who is that taking care of him?"

"One of the new waitresses, Jane is taking care of Jack, she has worked here before and I think they have something going on."

"Well good for Jack.  How are you and Rich doing?"

"That's none of your business Sam."

"OK, whatever you say."

The choices for dinner were Fresh Grouper flown in from Florida and Porterhouse Steak.  Mary and I had the grouper and it was superb.

After dinner we retired to the East Ballroom for an evening of dancing with a live band.  Forrest had really gone all out to make this a memorable evening for Sara and all of us.  With the exception of dancing once each with Mary, Janet and Sheila, Sara was his partner for the night.  On those three dances Nick or I danced with Sara.  Between serving drinks Sheila and Jane danced several dances with Rich and Jack.  My comrades were enjoying their evening also.  At 1:00AM Forrest and Sara left the party and it broke up shortly after.  It truly was a night to remember.

Sunday was a day to just talk to everyone and not think much about business.  Old friendships were renewed and I thought how this group was surely a bunch of Patriots.  Every morning Forrest went for his morning walk, this morning Sara went with him.  I noticed that he cut it short this morning as he usually went the full length of the runway, which made his normal walk from the lodge nearly three miles.  Today he cut it down to probably a mile, I'm sure it was for Sara's sake.

Forrest and I did manage to meet for a couple of hours in his den.  We spent the time drafting our requests and demands to be presented to the news media in order to begin the operation.  We used my laptop and were very meticulous in spelling out exactly what we expected of our enemies and the consequences if they didn't comply.  The rest of our team would also vote on this draft.  I saved our document to a floppy disk and put it in my pocket.

Forrest and I joined our friends in the East Lounge.  I caught Billy and handed him the floppy and told him to copy it to his computer when he had a chance.  Mary and Sara were talking a mile a minute until they saw us coming and immediately Sara's attention focused on Forrest and Forrest didn't know there was anyone else in the room but Sara.  He whisked her up and they left for his quarters. 

"What were you and Sara talking about?"  I ask.

"That's none of your business."

"OK." 

"Yes Mr. Cool it's OK."

This had been an enjoyable day and the evening was even better.
 





It was Monday morning 7:10AM, and as I was shaving the phone in our room rang. I answered and it was Forrest.

"I need to talk to you and Mary before we meet with the rest of our team.
I have had the last conference room on the fourth floor renovated for our
Command Control Center. Can you meet me there after breakfast?"

"Sure, what time?"

"8:30 will be fine."

"We'll see you there."

The phone woke Mary and I ask, "Are you ready to go to work?"

"Do I look like I'm ready?"

"Not really, since you're plum naked, but I’m sure it would be entertaining for the rest of the guests."

Here came that pillow again. "Forrest wants to see us at 7:45, why don't you get ready so we can go?"

I never saw her get ready so fast, shower, done her hair, makeup, and dressed in 25 minutes flat. We left our room and went to the dining room.

"Where's Forrest?" Mary asks.

"I don't know but we might as well have breakfast since we're here."

"You know very well, I don't eat breakfast."

"I know, but you need to start sometime, for your health's sake. If you're going to cover a revolution you can't do it on an empty stomach."

Sheila came over with coffee and asks what we were having?

I said, "I'll have my cereal and a fruit bowl and Mary will have a fruit bowl"

Mary started to protest but changed her mind and kept quiet.

"You know this is blackmail, don't you Samuel?"

"Whatever works, it's way past time you treated your body better."

Sheila brought our breakfast and Mary whined a little at first, but the fruit bowl was so inviting she picked at it for a minute and then said, "This really tastes good."

"See what you have been missing all of these years."

"Honey, I hate it when you're right. This fruit is fantastic."

We finished breakfast and Mary asks, "What happened to Forrest?"

"We have to meet him on the fourth floor."

As we were leaving the dining room she slugged me on my arm and said,
"Samuel you lied to me."

"It was just a little white lie and don't you feel better with something in your stomach?"

"I refuse to answer that on the grounds it might incriminate me." Then she squeezed my waist.

When I opened the door to the conference room the room had been completely made over, it had a long conference table on one side and the other side of the room was like a movie screening room. We went in and Forrest remotely locked the door behind us.

Mary immediately got out her recorder and pen and pad. Forrest said, "Mary what you hear in this room is for record of history only, Sam will let you know anything we want to go out to the press, is that agreeable to you?"

"You know it is Forrest, I understand that's why I'm here, although Sam has not talked about it at all."

"That sounds like Sam. I believe the First Amendment will cover you in the event something goes wrong, otherwise, I would not have consented to you being here, you are not to participate in any of the operations we have other than as an observer and historian."

"OK Forrest, you know I will do my best and record it accurately."

"I know you will and I thank you for coming. Well then let's get on with it. Sam, I had this room soundproofed and installed several new things since you've been in it." Forrest pushed a button and a curtain opened revealing a very large plasma screen. "This is a TV screen and a computer screen; the computer in the back of the room is hooked up to it. It is also hooked up to our surveillance system of 30 cameras that over looks the whole property. Nick and Jack flew the helicopter over several buildings and properties I own in Washington D.C. and surrounding area photographing as they went. I want you to look them over, I think some of these properties may come in handy for your planning." Forrest then ran the video explaining the ones he owned. I don't know why, but I was amazed at the property he owned in that area alone. Forrest never did talk about money and only occasionally about property. I could see quickly that Forrest was right, I was sure that some of these buildings and properties could be worked into our plans.

I said, "I will want to examine some of these properties in person."

"This is your show Sam and you know that everything I have is at your disposal. When I turn the meeting over to you this morning and when you are ready, if you press this first button it will run a videotape of several demos of the Musket II, Boy Toy and Big Toy."

"Good, you know I haven't seen any of those."

"I know; but there was no need, I wanted you to see it in person as you did and not on tape. If you look at the screening room seats each has two buttons on the arm, one is for a Yes vote and the other is for a No vote. These will be used when we vote on persons to convict or acquit. There is coffee, soft drinks and rolls whenever anyone feels inclined." He pointed to a new refreshment area. "In the adjoining room that has also been soundproofed is where Billy and Debbie have setup their computers and will be working, they have a pleasant view of the valley and lake behind the lodge. Sheila has notified all persons involved to meet us here at 9:00 o'clock; they will be here shortly."

The buzzer rang and Forrest unlocked the door, shut off the intercom and in filed Nick, Roger, Rich, Harry, Mike, Johnny, Clyde, Billy, Debbie, and Jack.  After Jack entered Forrest locked the door again. Mary was taking notes of all in attendance.

Debbie said, "Hi Mary, I'm glad I'm not the only skirt here."

"I'm only an observer Debbie, but I will lend moral support."

Forrest said, "I want to thank everyone for attending and I acknowledge that you are all my most respected friends and confidants. At one time or another most of us have in conversation mentioned how impossible it would be to overthrow this government. There is no match for our military and the men and women of our military are our allies, not our enemies and we have no desire to harm even one of them, so the frustration has continued until now. If you look around the room you will see that you are a very diverse group of individuals, each the most talented in your field, it is not by chance that you are here today, but by design."

"The time has come for the Revolution, or better described I would consider it government reform. If any of you are uncomfortable with this, you may leave now and go to the dining room where you can wait for the rest of us.  No one will think less of you if you choose to leave."

You could hear a pin drop in the room as everyone looked around to see if anyone was leaving.

"If you stay, you are committed to the new government that will emerge from the people of the United States, not from us."

Forrest hesitated for a moment to see if anyone was leaving. Not a soul in the room moved.

"All right, from now on we are, The Invisible Patriots." he stated.
"We all know each other very well by now. You all know how I hate terrorists; they are the most stupid, ignorant people on the face of the earth. Any idiots that think they are going to heaven and get 8 or 20 beautiful wives by blowing themselves up along with a lot of innocent people is way beyond any psychological help. I can't even imagine what the hell they are thinking, they have been at it for years now and they have never accomplished a single victory.
The reason they haven't is very simple. If you want to effect change in the world or in your country you have to eliminate the source of the problem, which is almost always greedy and corrupt politicians, bureaucrats', judges and their crony's, it absolutely is never, innocent civilians."

“There are a couple of things I want to bring up and now seems to be a good time.  Lets start with the Federal Reserve.  I doubt if one in a thousand Americans know about this scam, so I guess that’s why you never hear about it.  How did the Federal Reserve come into existence?” 

“A great president, Andrew Jackson, threw out the 2nd Bank of the United States, which upset the bankers tremendously.  So after previous attempts to push the Federal Reserve Act through Congress, a group of bankers funded and staffed Woodrow Wilson's campaign for President.  Wilson had committed to sign this act. After Wilson was elected, a Senator, Nelson Aldrich, the maternal grandfather to the Rockefellers, pushed the Federal Reserve Act through Congress just before Christmas when much of Congress was on Christmas Holliday. In 1913, Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act.  Later, Wilson with regret said (when referring to the FED), "I have unwittingly ruined my country".”

“Basically, this is how it works; the government needs money for a war or whatever so the Federal Reserve has the Treasury Department print money.  They generously pay the printing costs but then why not?  They then promptly loan the money back to our government and collect interest on it.  Don’t you think this is beyond comprehension to the American people and if they understood what was happening they would raise holy hell?”

“Bringing this down to a personal level it goes like this.  A con man cons a very rich man into giving him all of his money.  Now the rich man is no longer rich and he needs money to pay his help and other expenses so the con man generously loans him his own money back and charges him interest on it.  Do you really think anyone is this stupid?  Well the answer is yes, our congress is this stupid.”

“One of the greatest battles for the preservation of this Republic was fought out here in Andrew Jackson's time; when the second Bank of the United States, that was founded on the same false principles of those we now have in the Fed was hurled out of existence.  Andrew Jackson said: To a delegation of bankers discussing the Bank Renewal Bill, 1832 ‘You are a den of vipers and thieves. I intend to rout you out, and by the eternal God, I will rout you out.’  And he did.”

“Aside from the fact that the Fed is unconstitutional, it’s just plain STUPID since the constitution only gives this power to the congress.  Over 90 plus years we have paid the FED enough interest to pay off the national debt.  When you have time you need to find out more about this: See Federal Reserve and MORE and yet MORE, then this by Paul A. Hein.  Later Billy will put these links on the screen, showing details of the UN, the Fed and others for your information.”

“An interesting side note to the creation of the Federal Reserve is, it was passed in the same year the income tax was put into effect.  They needed an income tax to pay the interest to the Fed.  Without the Fed there is no need for an income tax.”

"What I am going to propose may seem like terrorist tactics or vigilantism and in a way it is. However, we will be terrorizing the proper people and it will return America to the Republic it was founded as, and bring it back to it’s original Constitution.  Our enemies will call us Terrorists, Vigilantes, Murders,
Criminals, and any other despicable term they can muster. With your efforts we will put the holy fear of God into them and all corrupt people who are the real problem. Our goal is to eliminate all corrupt Senators, Congressmen, judges, bureaucrats and lobbyists in this country. We will start on a national level and work our way down. We hope that we don't have to execute more than a few and the rest will resign. Our commitment will be to do this without harming even one innocent civilian. Not a chauffeur, an aid or any person who is only doing his or her job, trying to make a living. A person should be able to go to a restaurant, get on a bus or airplane, or go to his workplace without the fear of being blown to bits by some idiot that has been brainwashed by some religious fanatic. Since the attack on 9/11 our government has gone completely haywire."

President Harry S. Truman once said ---
"Whenever you have an efficient government you have a dictatorship."

"Apparently our representatives agree with him and are in the process of turning America into a dictatorship. The Patriot Act does exactly that. It is unconscionable that our representatives allowed themselves to be steam rolled into passing a bill that not even one of them had read. This bill guts the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th amendments and basically rewrites the 7th and 10th. Giving this bill the name "Patriot Act" is the worst kind of insult to any true Patriot. There is nothing patriotic about this bill. It is nothing more than a giant power grab by the
Federal government. The second Patriot Act, actually named, "The Domestic
Security Enhancement Act of 2003", if passed, is the completion of the dictatorship. Hitler would be very proud of these tyrants, as he coordinated his rise to power in the very same way. It is amazing how few people have read or even thought about this abominable legislation. The American people are like a bunch of ostrich's with their heads stuck in the sand. It is this very attitude that the German people had when Hitler came to power. We must never forget that
Germany was a democracy when Hitler rose to power. We cannot allow this to happen to our Republic."

"How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don't think."
--- Adolf Hitler

"The man who has no sense of history, is like a man who has no ears or eyes"
--- Adolf Hitler

"We will be going over data, photos, tape recordings and other evidence against individuals. Before we sentence anyone to death, our vote must be unanimous. Roger has been compiling evidence for nearly three years now so we have a lot to go through already. As I understand it, the first twenty are ready for review. You and only you will know the names of the top twenty and once you know, they will only be referred to as a number, one through twenty. If we don't get positive results after the first twenty we will have other meetings like this. We will endeavor to have the media give warning of their impending sentence. Each person sentenced will receive a personal email giving him or her an opportunity to resign rather than be executed. I don't suspect many, if any, will resign on the first appeal, unfortunately they will probably think we are some kind of elaborate hoax. Hopefully we won't have to kill them all, common sense should prevail at some point and most of them will resign when they see the handwriting on the wall. You all know Sam; he will be in charge of all operations. Richard Thomas has invented a new weapon that has made it possible for us to accomplish our mission. Now, Sam will explain how we will start our mission."

"Thank you, Forrest, for your confidence in myself, and all that are present here. I look over this room and see the very best friends and confidants of my life, including the love of my life Mary. Also here are comrades I have fought many battles with. Thank you all for being my friends. There are only twelve of us involved in this operation at this time, Mary being only an observer and historian. It came to mind that Jesus changed the world with twelve disciples, so maybe we can also change this nation with twelve warriors. I think the first order of business should be to watch a tape of the weapon Rich designed and his brother Harry wrote the software to operate. Forrest told me, if I press this button the tape will run. If it turns out to be a porno tape it's Forrest's fault and not mine."

The tape started and all eyes were on it including mine. Rich's voice was narrating the tape. It was pretty much what I had witnessed on the runway but with close-ups of the silver dollar and at a longer range. There was also one clip of the Big Toy, which I had not seen in operation. It was fired at an automobile at about thirty yards and it blew the front of the vehicle half off without damaging the passenger compartment. I learned from this tape that the Big Toy had a seventh setting allowing it to be guided by the Musket II simply by pointing it in the direction that you wanted it to go. I guess Rich had just forgot to tell me that since we had not talked much about the Big Toy. Everyone that had not previously seen this weapon was utterly amazed. There were several gasps in the room as the tape showed the accuracy of the weapon. Then Billy put the links on the Fed, UN and others on the screen for all to review. There was a lot of discussion on everything, especially the Fed.

I took the floor again and said, "There are a couple of more things I'd like to cover now.  One is, we have over two and a half MILLION illegal aliens crossing our borders annually, like Frosty Wooldridge I wonder, "Where is the outrage?"  Our governments, city, state and federal do nothing to stop it; in fact in most cases they encourage it.  These illegals are infecting us with diseases, polluting us with drugs and other crimes, taking our jobs, destroying our education system and at the same time they are infiltrated with terrorists.  I don't know about you but I thought we were in a war on terror, yet our elected officials continue to pander to these illegal aliens and terrorists.

I’ll read an excerpt from Frosty Wooldridge article at newswithviews.com, "Where is the outrage?" "Last Monday, February 20, 2006, the Rocky Mountain News reported, "Mile-High Drug Hub" making Denver the leading center for drug distribution in the United States. It's part of MS-13 Gang's dispersal of $128 billion in drugs crossing our border with Mexico every year. Ironically, Congress guards South Korea's border with 37,000 troops with our billions in tax dollars, pats down gray-haired ladies at our airports, spends $80 billion annually on the war on drugs, but leaves our border unguarded allowing that $128 billion in drugs to cross year after year. Additionally, terrorists from any country can walk over the Mexican border with a 99 percent chance of succeeding. Where is the outrage?"

As Frosty said we have approximately 37,000 US troops guarding the 190-mile border between North and South Korea and virtually no troops guarding the 1,990-mile border between Mexico and the United States.  To have the same security we furnish South Korea with, we would need 373,894 troops on our Mexican border.  With approximately 387,920 troops on foreign soil at this time, its time to bring them home and take care of our own borders.

The second subject is, how to free America of foreign oil dependence the fast efficient way!  Ninety percent of Americans know nothing about Hemp, including those that smoke marijuana.  Hemp is not marijuana!  Hemp is just another one of Gods gifts to the human race, but in the United States, due to paranoia, ignorance and corrupt politics, we are denied the use of this miracle plant.  First the facts you need to know:

1. Hemp is but one variety of the cannabis plant.

2. Although a cousin to marijuana, it's impossible to get high smoking hemp.

3. Hemp, unlike oil, coal or natural gas, is a renewable source for fuel.

4. Hemp can produce 10 times more methanol than corn.

5. Hemp produces over four times as much paper per acre as trees.

6. Hemp produces two to three times the amount of textiles per acre as cotton.

7. Hemp can also be used in food, textiles, paint, plastics and more.

8. Planting 6% of the continental U.S. with these biomass crops would satisfy all of America's energy needs.  Just think, no more foreign oil!

9. Hemp makes the cheapest fuels available, with 90% fewer carcinogens, and only 50 to 60 cents a gallon to produce.

Think about it, should we continue to enrich the Terrorists and Oil Tycoons or should we start enriching American Farmers?  I believe the oil; lumber, nuclear & cotton interests are standing in the way of Hemp production in the U.S. today?  What Else? Crooked Politics as Usual!

To demonstrate how our corrupt government works, this is from from Al Cronkrite’s Article At EtherZone.com

"The 1937 laws were reportedly passed in response to public outrage created by the newspaper empire of William Randolph Hurst using information supplied by a U. S. Government official named Henry Anslinger." 

DuPont had developed a lucrative business making the chemicals needed to create paper from trees. William Randolph Hurst owned huge tracts of forest in the Pacific Northwest. Henry Anslinger, Andrew Mellon's nephew by marriage, had been appointed head of the newly created Bureau of Narcotics by his uncle who occupied duel positions as head of the Mellon Bank and head of the US treasury. Mellon Bank had large outstanding loans to DuPont. Since Hemp offered an excellent source for the fiber needed to produce paper and for the constituents of cloth, Dupont's monopolies in the nylon and chemical business could have been threatened as well as Hurst's lumber holdings."

These three men, Henry J. Anslinger, Lammont DuPont, and William Randolph Hearst, made growing hemp illegal.

"Today, Hemp is being touted as a potential fuel for automobiles. In a 1991 newscast Hugh Downs said, "It is estimated that methane and methanol production alone from hemp grown as bio-mass could replace 90% of the worlds energy needs."  Read or listen to this newscast HERE.

Henry Ford used Hemp to fuel the Model T.

"Make the most of the hemp seed, sow it everywhere." --- President George Washington, 1794

Hemp seed saved this nation when it was a fledgling nation and can save it again today, provided our leaders show some foresight and courage, or better yet, some plain old common sense.

If we really want to make America independent of foreign oil, it's an easy fix.  I know the oil, lumber, nuclear and cotton moguls, who are financial supporters of our leaders won't like this.  However this is something else we can encourage congress to do.

The cannabis plant or hemp is the answer to our independence from foreign oil, and the salvation of our planet.  In April of 2003 Zogby conducted a national poll of 1,000 likely voters that revealed a majority support allowing US farmers to grow industrial hemp under a regulated system.  Why in God's name are we importing hemp seed and hemp oil that our farmers can produce here?

Hemp production was re-started during WWII and at the end of the war there were nearly a million acres planted.  We are in a war today and we are financing the enemy by purchasing their oil.  Have you ever heard of anything this insane?  It's way past time we started hemp production again?

Who would you prefer get your money, the Oil Sheiks Or the American Farmers?  It looks to me like we've given the Sheiks too much money already.  Sixty-five years ago, most of those Sheiks, were still riding camels, and living in tents.

The Choice is up to our Politicians and it's up to us to convince them to change the laws.  We have one Congressman on our side already.  You can read his article HERE.

"It is time to give the floor to Roger and see the evidence against our enemies. Once we know who they are we can make our plans."

Roger said, "First I want each of you to have a copy of the first twenty targets that we feel are the worst of the lot, with detailed information on their hidden money, where it is and which ones are on tape, etc. You can see who they are and what we accuse them of. There is also detailed information retrieved by Billy and Debbie on money hidden in Swiss Banks, etc. Take a few minutes to look over these papers, take a break and get a coffee and roll if you wish. After the break we will go over some videotapes, audiotapes and photos."

This is the list Roger handed out without Names.
__________________________________________________________________
   
    #1 is a Supreme Court Justice - Quite often a swing vote on the court, this justice         when really needed by the people on a serious political issue, like all the rest voted the party line. Unfortunately someone has to become the example.  With detailed scrutiny, the assets of this justice don't match the possible career income and that is the main reason this justice was selected. A message must be sent to the rest that we will not tolerate Supreme Court Justices that allow politics into their decisions.

#2 Lobbyist - Put the deals together for #3 & #4. So corrupt he makes the Mafia look like Sunday school teachers. Flew Charter jet to Switzerland and closed his account six months ago for approximately $12,350,000.00 in gold, that now rests in his walk-in safe at his home.

#3 Senator - Had a murder committed to keep from being exposed for corruptness. Made numerous deals with corporations to submit and push bills knowing full well it was only to steal from the taxpayers and line his pockets. He has a Swiss bank account in his wife's name. Deposits as of last week
$11,562,122.37.

#4 Congressman - He worked with Senator #3 in the House helping to push bills for money. He also has a Swiss bank account in wife's name. Deposits as of last month $6,956,438.27.

#5 Senator - Got family member a job at a lobbyist firm and consistently introduces and votes for bills favorable to that firm.

#6 Senator - Took large sums of money from Chinese government agents to introduce and push bills favorable to the Chinese government and to the detriment of the United States. He has a Swiss bank account in an alias name using middle name as first name and first name as last name. Deposits as of four weeks ago $8,702,542.45.

#7 Senator - Received large sums of money from a weapons company to help convince the pentagon to purchase high tech weapons, weapons they knew did not work. Cayman Islands bank account in wife's name Deposits as of three months ago $7,928,792.76.

#8 Senator - Has taken money from every large contractor in his state to bring government building jobs, and highways to nowhere into his state. Deposits in home state bank in alias name as of seven months ago $10,262,589.23.

#9 Congressman – He worked with #7 on the pentagon to purchase weapons that didn't work. After his help on this project he has approximately $4,200,000.00 in stock of same Weapons Company, all in his playboy son's name.

#10 Bureaucrat - Took large sums of cash to ignore environmental hazards created by a large corporation. Approximately 2,500,000.00 Cash in home safe.

#11 Congressman - Tried to blatantly push through the House a bill to protect corrupt politicians, do we need to ask why he is on our list?

#12 Congressman - This is a Cohort of #11 same bill, same question. That is all we need to know about him.

#13 Senator - Introduced bill to allow illegal aliens to take American jobs legally, in exchange for large contributions to his re-election campaign, from large Insurance and other corporations paying to get cheap labor.

#14 Congressman - Caught on tape taking money for a vote, he must spend all of his blood money since he lives way beyond his means.

#15 Congressman - Another one caught on tape taking cash from a lobbyist for another vote.

#16 Senator - Also caught on tape taking money from lobbyist #2.

#17 Congressman - His mistress has over two million in the safe in the apartment he rents for her. She has never worked at all and pays the rent in cash.

#18 Congressman - Caught on tape taking cash from a large corporation's comptroller to vote for another bill in their favor.

#19 Lobbyist - Paid off #14 and #15

#20 Judge - In the Deep South who consistently releases violent people back on the street that he could keep incarcerated, allowing them to commit their crimes again including child molestation and murder.


During the break, I ask Mary if she was sorry that she took this job?

"Honey, this is the most exciting thing I have done in my life, I feel like
I’m doing something historic. Just watching and listening to you guys, gets my adrenaline up."

"Give me a smile." I said.

She smiled, "I’m glad you didn’t have to give your eyeteeth to get this assignment."

She laughed, and said, "Me too, honey."

I told Billy and Debbie I wasn’t aware that they were working for Roger.

Billy said, "I didn’t know Roger was working for Forrest, I did know that Forrest had referred him to us and all Roger said was, 'Don’t tell anyone.' so we didn’t. Now I see why you wanted us to play that boring game,