Kyle Pratt - Through Many Fires

“Because,” Caden replied, “the events that caused the suffering also put Durant in power.”

Trevor leaned forward resting his chin in his hand. “We don’t choose the time, only how we react to it.”

“We’re all Americans,” Lisa said. “Will the guys at the armory fight their countrymen?

“I don’t know. We did once before, during the Civil War, but I’ve been trying to figure out a way to explain it to the soldiers.”

There was silence for a moment.

“Who are the rebels?” Maria asked.

Caden shrugged. “I guess we are.”

Maria shook her head. “One side is struggling to preserve or restore the nation and one side is breaking it apart. Which side are you on?”

“I want to preserve America.”

All the family nodded in agreement.

Caden sat across the table from Lt. Brooks and First Sergeant Fletcher. “…and so I believe I must take a stand and do my part to change the direction of this country. Durant says he is the president because of the constitution, but ignores entire articles of it. We are a republic, but he has not allowed a new congress or elections and he is stifling the press.

“Some will call it treason,” Caden said with a sigh, “but I am a patriot and I need your help to strengthen what remains of this nation and restore and preserve what we have lost.”

Brooks shifted in the seat. “The convoy came back earlier this week with more food and the cannery donated a couple thousand cans of vegetables that they couldn’t ship, but town’s people are still hungry and I’m not sure starving people will support a war.”

Caden nodded. “We should be getting more food from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and,” he shrugged, “maybe even China, but unfortunately Durant chose the time, we can only respond. Either tyranny or war is coming. Both ways the civilians will get hurt.”

There was silence for several moments then Brooks spoke again. “We took an oath to obey the orders of the President.”

“Yes,” Caden said, “but the first line of that oath is that we will support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Again there was silence.

Fletcher took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You will need to explain this to the men.”

“Yes,” Caden said, “As soon as we are done.”

Fletcher and Brooks exchanged nods and then together stood to attention.

Lt. Brooks looked Caden in the eye. “What are your orders, sir?”

From the far end of the table, Brooks leaned over the large paper map of the county held in place by coffee cups, staplers and a hole punch. “Do you really think they will come through Hansen when they try to arrest Governor Monroe?”

Fletcher rubbed his chin.

Looking at the other two, Caden said, “I think Durant will try federal marshals or FBI first, but if that doesn’t work he’ll try with military backup.”

“That doesn’t mean they’ll come through here,” Brooks said shaking his head.

“That’s right, Hansen is an out of the way hick town and so far that has been our salvation. Let’s hope it continues but…” Caden traced the route of the highway along the map, “there are only a few mountain passes and Hansen is on the highway to one of them.”

Brooks and Fletcher nodded.

Walking over to the state map on the wall, Caden pointed to the joint base north of Olympia. “If I were planning the attack for Durant, I’d want to ensure this huge Army base is with me or eliminated as a threat. Then I’d head south from there to arrest Monroe and control the capital.”

“So, you think the people here are safe?” Brooks asked. “They won’t be attacked?”

“I think it’s unlikely Durant’s forces will come this way, but we need to be ready.” Caden looked at the clock on the wall. Why do all my meetings end so late? He moved the cups and office equipment off the map. Glancing at Brooks he asked, “Before I head home is there anything I should be updated on?”

“Well…power in the town is up and stable. One generator at the coal power plant is operating. Unfortunately we had to cannibalize the second generator to get it running. However with the one operating generator and the hydroelectric dam, we have enough power for the town and surrounding community.”

Lifting his cup, Caden took a big gulp of lukewarm coffee. Despite the taste, he smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“We’ve added more soldiers,” Fletcher said.

Caden raised an eyebrow.

“Our muster is now sixty-three. A few are stragglers just now getting here. Others were on leave and can’t get back to their regular units so they came here, and two guys enlisted before the attacks, but hadn’t yet reported, so they asked if they could report with us.”

“Thank you both for that good news.” If war doesn’t come, we might just make it through this crisis. He rolled up the map and secured it with a rubber band. “Start drilling the men on the rifle range early tomorrow and make a list of necessary supplies. I need to talk to the sheriff, so I’ll be in late.”

The next morning as the smell of breakfast drifted upstairs, Caden stumbled down dressed in his uniform. The world was still dark, but a light was on in the kitchen. The radio on the window sill, told of relief supplies from Canada being distributed in Hansen.

Sitting on the far side of the table feeding Adam, Maria looked his uniform up and down. “You do know it’s Saturday, right?”

“The military isn’t really a Monday through Friday job.” He sat across from her. “I’ve got to talk to the sheriff.”

She frowned. “At least call and make sure he’s there before you go.”

Pouring coffee he nodded. “Good idea.”

The man who answered the non-emergency line assured him Hoover was in. “Do you want to hold?”

“No, I’ll talk to him in person. Just tell him I’m coming.” After a quick breakfast he went straight to the sheriff’s office, but once inside was told Hoover went to the hospital. Caden was startled. “I just called. They said he was here. Is he okay?”

“Hoover’s fine. It’s his Mom.” The deputy shook his head. “She’s not doing well.”

He hurried out of the building. This is not a great time to be adding worries. Is there a good time? As he slid into the driver’s seat, Caden knew he had to warn the sheriff that war was possible.

Driving toward the facility he pondered the name, Hansen General . A month ago he lived in metro Washington D.C., home of giant world-class hospitals such as Walter Reed and Georgetown University . Since a high school skiing accident, he had not been to the old brick building that served as the community medical facility. He had no idea how many beds were in the place, but he was certain he could count them on his fingers.

A few blocks down he turned the corner and was immediately confused by several modern buildings. A drugstore, a clinic, a medical professional building…where is the…. Then he saw another structure partially hidden behind the others and a line of cedar trees. Ahead a sign read, ‘hospital parking.’ He pulled into a surprisingly full lot.

A tent village existed along one edge of the parking area. Campers, RVs and cars filled about half of it. Inside a group of people huddled around the front desk where a harried worker tried to answer questions. A deputy stood to one side.

“Where’s Sheriff Hoover?” Caden asked.

“I saw him come in a little bit ago.” The deputy pointed right. “He went that way, but I’m not sure where.”

Caden walked in that direction and was soon lost in a maze of pastel blue passageways. The rooms were filled and nurses hurriedly wove around cots that dotted the halls. He would need more than fingers and toes to count the beds. Ahead he saw a familiar face and called out. “Dr. Scott!”