G Hopf - The Long Road

“I’m bishop of the Encinitas First Ward of the Church of Latter-day Saints.”

“Why am I here?”

“We saw your helicopter crash, and knowing it was military, we went to your aid.

“That’s it, nothing more,” Sorenson said flatly.

“Like I said before, not much we or the Marines can offer. My old unit probably already left.”

“Where were they going?”

“I heard they were headed to Oregon.”

Sorenson just sat for an uncomfortable period of time before he said anything else. Sebastian didn’t know how to size him up. He seemed like a pleasant enough man, but Sebastian just wasn’t sure.

“I’ll let you get back to resting, you need it,” Sorenson said, standing up and putting the chair back.

“Wait, um. Can someone go see if my brother is okay? Can you send someone to get them, maybe? He’s a good man, he has the same skills I have, and if I know my brother, he’ll have supplies and his family will be an asset,” Sebastian hurriedly said.

“We have enough supplies and more than enough people at the moment, but I will consider it. Right now you need to rest and we need to continue our preparations.”

“Preparations for what?”

“We’re leaving, Sebastian. San Diego is not a safe place and it’s now time to go home.”

“Where’s that?” Sebastian asked curiously.

“Zion.”

40 miles east of Barstow, California

Per Nelson’s request, the group had gathered to discuss Gordon’s plan to scavenge near Fort Irwin. Nelson felt the plan was shortsighted and unnecessary. Huddled in a circle, minus Holloway, who was on lookout, the group discussed the new plan. For protection they had tucked the convoy behind a small mountain a couple miles off of Interstate 15. Each person in the group showed the weariness of the previous seven weeks. The weight of the struggle had affected them all in similar ways. Collectively they wanted to get to Idaho, but they also trusted Gordon.

When Gordon had heard about the meeting, his initial reaction was frustration. He hated having to explain himself to everyone. Not really having a choice in the matter, he would do his best to convince them. But in the end, even if they decided against it, he was going.

“By now you know why we’ve been sitting in the desert for hours,” Nelson stated as he started the discussion. “I thought everyone should have a voice in Gordon’s plans as they affect us all.” Nelson turned to Gordon, who was not sitting; he stood with his arms crossed. “Gordon, I’m sorry, but I disagree with this plan. It’s important for us to keep heading north. I think we have enough supplies, and the more time we’re on the open road the greater the chance we have of being attacked. Yesterday was an example.”

Unfolding his arms and pointing at Nelson, Gordon answered, “I appreciate a good debate, so thank you, Nelson, for bringing everyone together. Before I get started on why I think it’s important for me and Holloway to go scavenge the nearby base, I wanted to remind everyone of something.” Gordon paused and looked around. “We have gotten this far because we have the resources and the skills. Yes, while it seems we have a lot of supplies now, they will eventually dry up. The troubles we encountered on the road yesterday are something we may well encounter again. Plus, think about this. Once we arrive in Idaho and settle down, we will most likely have to defend ourselves from raiding parties. We will need not just food but lots of ammunition and heavier firepower. Yesterday that .fifty-cal saved us. We need more weapons like that and more ammunition for them. This base might have those things.” Gordon paused again and pointed in the direction of Fort Irwin.

Melissa, who was normally quiet, spoke up. “Gordon, I trust you, but I have to agree with Nelson here. Let’s just get going. I feel very vulnerable on the road. I want to get to Idaho so we can get our life going.”

Following on Melissa’s comment was Eric. “Sorry, Gordon, but I agree. You know I always have your back, but let’s not stop, let’s keep going.”

More in the group spoke up, and all agreed with Nelson.

“Okay, I hear you!” Gordon exclaimed, clearly flabbergasted by the opposition to his plan. “Does anyone agree with me?” he asked, looking around. What surprised him most was that Samantha didn’t raise her hand; in fact no one did.

“Honey, sorry. Yesterday proved to me that we need to keep driving,” Samantha replied to Gordon’s hard stare.

Everyone in the group felt the awkwardness, and all fell silent.

Gordon just looked at each person; even Holloway’s wife was opposed. He couldn’t believe it. He didn’t know how to deal with this situation. Everyone’s comments were against the plan, but no one told him he couldn’t do it. He struggled with how to respond. His thoughts were conflicted because he felt the need to go but knew the importance of having a connected and cohesive group. The seconds passed like hours as everyone remained quiet, waiting for Gordon to respond.

“Dad’s right,” Hunter spoke up.

All in the group turned to see Hunter standing on the edge of the group near his trailer. He looked different now; it wasn’t his clothes, but his demeanor was different.

He took a step forward into the circle and repeated his comment. “Dad’s right, we will need bigger guns to defend ourselves.”

Gordon was taken aback by his son’s forcefulness. He was proud and shaken. He had never seem Hunter act like this; it was if he had morphed into a small man.

“Thank you, Son,” Gordon said, looking at Hunter proudly.

Hunter just nodded and stepped over to Gordon’s side.

“Everyone, I heard you and I agree, we need to keep pressing forward, but we also have to get those things we’ll need to protect us. Here is what we will do. Holloway and I will set out in a few hours to recon the base. We will return in the morning. Upon our return we will head north again. It’s starting to get dark, and you know we don’t move in the darkness. I hope this satisfies everyone; look at it as a win-win.”

There was some slight cross chatter, and then everyone agreed to the plan. One by one they all got up and went back to their vehicles until only Samantha, Hunter, and Gordon were left.

Samantha walked over to Hunter; she looked at him, then looked at Gordon. “What is this?” she asked, pointing at the revolver holstered on Hunter’s hip.

“I gave it to him this morning, he needs it. If he’d had it yesterday, things would have been different,” Gordon responded.

“He’s a boy, Gordon! Have you even showed him how to shoot it?”

“I know how to shoot it, Mom. I’m a man now,” Hunter interjected.

“No you’re not, you’re still a boy, you only just turned eight and your father is crazy for giving this to you!” Samantha replied.

“Now I’m crazy! The world is crazy, Sam, and you better get used to this because he needs to protect himself and Haley. You know better than me, this isn’t the world of birthday parties and Disney Junior. He knows how to use it and knows not to treat it like a toy,” Gordon answered her defensively.

“If you weren’t constantly going off leaving us, maybe he wouldn’t need it! I can’t believe you’re taking off to go to that base. What if something happens to you? We need you here!”

Gordon didn’t answer because he didn’t know how to without upsetting her. He just stood there staring at her.

“Never mind; you’re too stubborn and always have been!” Samantha exclaimed. She stormed off.

“Dad, can I go with you and Mr. Holloway?”

“Absolutely not. I need you here in my place while I’m gone,” Gordon said, looking down on his son.