Beyond Border SUNDAY SERIES

1.6

Athan, Fiona, and Ronny, were silent. None of them responded, they just nervously followed. Kids were running everywhere. Like hundreds of ants, they were crawling everywhere, jumping over furniture, and each other, making their way to the exits. Some fought the flow of people to get to their lockers for non-essential items. Off in the distance, other explosions could be heard. Tom heard them, and noted where they were coming from. However, Athan, Fiona and Ronny eyes were fixed on Tom, so none of them even paid any attention to the other explosions, despite seeing Tom’s pause and tilt his head for a brief moment. The three kids were overwhelmed and trying to keep up with Tom.

As they were trying to leave the school grounds, the reality of what was happening started to sink in. Smoke was rising in the distance to the north, and the east, then . . . in all directions. A pile of debris, was all that was left, of  the federal building Tom had thought about earlier. The smoke and dust was everywhere, blowing across faces like dirty clouds. People were panicking. The distinct smell of burning buildings filled the air. One man took his shirt off, ripped it in half, and put one half over his mouth, and the other piece of shirt on his girlfriends mouth. Those who did not try to filter the air, began to cough and choke. Memories of September 11th flashed briefly though his mind.

Tom looked up to the sky, and caught sight of a rocket as it sailed by on its way to destroying an unsuspecting target. The explosion was deafening. They kept moving. The rocket struck the already devastated federal building. Whoever was firing those things really wanted that building down. Even though they were a couple of blocks away from the former federal building, the shock wave knocked them off their feet.  Disoriented, they slowly got back on their feet. Despite the ringing in their ears, they ran as fast as they could to Tom’s truck. The silence created from the ringing in their ears made the events seem like a dream. As their hearing came back, the reality from the sounds bombarding them made the situation very real. Police and fire trucks were responding to the explosions. The kids piled in the truck, as Tom was throwing the truck in drive, and taking off before the doors were shut.

Beyond Borders - Chapter 1.4

1.4

Tom (Athan’s dad) answers the phone “Yeah...,” the call was one sided. “You know who it is… what do you want?” After another short pause, “WHAT!”

PAUSE

Tom, hurried his words along, “I can tell you in ten different ways,” as he shook his head,  “I’m not going to play this game with you. I don’t care who! I don’t do that anymore.” Tom hung up the phone and looked at the class that Athan was sitting in,  except he was no longer there.

Athan was rounding the corner of the hallway, as an announcement bellowed from the loud speakers, “ALL STUDENTS TO THE AUDITORIUM.” Athan planted his left foot and pivoted 180 degrees, and proceeded to the assembly with urgency.

As Athan made his way into the auditorium he noticed the students in the far corners, not a single free chair from the front to the last rows. Standing room only for the staff along the exterior walls. Athan took a moment to scan the entire room. He noticed Ronny standing in the middle waving Athan over. Ronny had made it to the auditorium first, with Fiona, who was sitting on his right side. Ronny saved the seat on his left for Athan. Ronny always looked out for Fiona, and Athan thought it was just because Ronny thought of Fiona as a little sister too. Athan had no clue it was more than that. Athan worked his way through the sea of legs in the aisle, and as he was adjusting his chair, he asked Ronny,  “What’s the deal?”

“I don’t know. Kyle said that they set up the T.V. to show a live feed,” Ronny responded.

Athan sat down and leaned forward, looked around Ronny, and asked Fiona, “Did you see where Dad is?”

Fiona turned toward the back exit and pointed, “He’s right over there.”

Athan saw his dad, and replayed the one sided phone call he overheard in his head. Athan shook his head, and then looked back at Ronny to ask, “What time are you coming over tonight?”

“Around five. Fiona said that I can come for dinner. Is that cool?” Ronny answered in a weird cautiously polite tone. Athan mumbled back, “Yeah.”

Ronny and Fiona could tell that Athan was lost in thought. Who would be calling? What attack was he  talking about and why would his dad be involved? Athan’s mind was running wild. Maybe his dad was a bodyguard or some kind of security expert.  

The auditorium lights began to dim,  while the curtains above the stage were drawn open. The T.V behind the stage was already playing. It was strange for the TV to be on without a lengthy Teacher introduction. Channel 7 News was now streaming through the auditorium. The audio started in the middle of the report, “….Yes Mark, the President is going to speak now.”

The picture on the TV looked like a post card, with blue skies and a wide angle shot of the White House, that quickly zoomed in on The President of the United States, as he exited the building and walked to his mark behind the podium. The President looked directly in the camera lens, and his face was stone with glassed over eyes. He silently paused and grabbed the sides of the podium angrily, hung his head down, and stretched his back, then lifted his head, faced the camera again, inhaled, then started in a confident voice, “Good people of the United States. Last night at approximately 2:00 am eastern standard time,  we, The United States of America are at war with Cuba AND Mexico.” The students and faculty in the auditorium were shocked. While a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, fear and confusion started to seed in the minds of those watching. The President continued, “In a surprise attack in the Gulf Of Mexico the USS Ronald Reagan was lost with all hands.”

The President, dropped his head again, took a moment and stared directly in to the camera, and with undeniable strength informed the world that, “This attack, was unprovoked. It will be met with a heavy response. Our counter strike has already been completed. Moments ago I received word that our mission was a success. Missile strikes were targeted to hit our enemy’s main Naval port in Cancun Mexico. Satellite imagery has shown complete destruction of twelve enemy battle ships.” One of the President’s advisors suddenly appeared on screen, and grabbed the Presidents elbow and literally pulled him off screen. The body microphone on the President  was still broadcasting live. The off screen audio continued to air an irate President grinding his teeth while chopping out the words, “What do you mean fake?!” The President’s voice was bordering on hysterical, a voice thagt the American people had never heard from this young president before.

Sirens roared from everywhere. The auditorium surround sound enveloped everyone as they appeared to freeze with their eyes fixed on the TV, as the sound of a rumbling train was skipping across the room. Screams broke out, students started to leap from their chairs as the watched a rocket like image blur across the White House sky, then burst into a bright light, then a black screen without any feed.

One of the teachers ran on to the stage, shouting “What was that?” as he began to rewind and replay the feed. As the rocket came in to view he paused the image on the stage, then adjusted the settings, and played the clip in slow motion. Frame by frame the rocket slowly made its way to its target. The White House was decimated. The President took the brunt of the blast. Frame after frame, everyone in the auditorium could clearly see parts of the White House speeding towards the President. Just as the first piece of debris was about to hit the President’s head from behind, Athan’s dad, Tom, pushed the button to close the curtains on the stage. The teacher at the T.V. forgot that there were over eight hundred teenagers watching with him as he reviewed the video of the national capital being destroyed. The sounds from the students were deafening. Some students were screaming, while other students were crying. A few students began to argue about what they saw and actually started to physically push back and forth. Teachers reacted quickly to stop what could escalate in to a riot. The floor felt like it was trembling.

Fiona with her pupils dilated and adrenaline pumping, started to drill Athan for answers, “What just happened?” Fiona, intently waited for Athan’s reply. “I am pretty sure that Washington just got hit hard by a missile attack. We really should be watching a different channel to see what’s going on.” Athan squeezed his way through the crowd, struggling to get to his dad. “Athan…WAIT UP,” Ronny yelled as he tried to catch up to Athan with Fiona in tow. Another shift in the ground made people start to scatter like ants in all directions.

A random voice roared “Earthquake!” The ground shook so hard that those who were standing fell to their knees. The auditorium filled with screams. The school was in complete chaos. People were running everywhere. The main laser projector, located above the orchestra section in the ceiling, was dangling by two bolts, that were loosening with each tumour.

The projector dropped suddenly on one side, and then the force from the first side’s fall,  detached the second side from its fitting. The entire unit plus ceiling, dropped to the floor, barely missing Mrs. Macintyre’s head. Athan was caught on the floor with a few fallen students on top of him. Then there was a second explosion.. It wasn't as strong as the first explosion,  but it was enough to scare the shit out of them. Athan looked up to see his dad holding out a hand to help him up. The fire alarm went off. Athan lept to his feet and noticed that Fiona and Ronny were standing behind his dad, Tom. People started to rush for the exits and were pushing past the four of them.

Tom quickly directed  Athan, Ronny and Fiona, “LET’s GO! To my truck in the FACULTY LOT.”

Beyond Borders Chapter 1.1

Athan’s dad was extremely fit. Athan knew his dad did pushups daily and rollerblading, but his dad could best guys over 10 years his junior at just about anything. Athan’s mother is a speech pathologist, well known across the country as a distinguished authority in her field. She was lucky enough to also work for the same school district as her husband, and children.

Athan had two sisters. Julia the oldest, just a few years older than Athan, was attending Harvard Medical. In the sunlight Julia’s dark hair and dark eyes shone with the beauty of a rare gem. Fiona, with her flowing blond hair and light eyes, was the youngest of the three, by a couple of years. Fiona was 5’4” and barely 90 lbs. soaking wet. Fiona’s petite frame never took away from her strength, or ability to engage people twice her size in a debate when needed. Fiona was always a true lady. Fiona a freshman, was finally joining Athan in his high school. The only down side, was that Fiona didn’t get asked out very often; Athan scared anyone who was interested in Fiona away before Fiona even knew they had an interest.

What Athan hadn’t found out, was that his little sister’s boyfriend, was Athan’s best friend Ronny. They had been sneaking around together for about a year, and were in love.

CHAPTER 1 Beyond Borders

Here is the second installment of my SUNDAY SERIES BEYOND BORDERS

Athan was sitting in his seventh period chemistry class, dropped his head, and sighed, as he noticed his father sweeping up the hall just outside his classroom. It wasn’t shame that made him react that way. Athan was not ashamed of his dad. Athan knew his father was extremely intelligent. His father should be teaching  the teachers and the other parents. He shouldn’t be cleaning up after teenagers.

No one gives Athan any real slack about his dad’s job. Athan is very popular. He is not the football quarterback or any traditional form of popular. A friendly and fair personality, and charismatic smile, has made him friends with the entire school, including teachers and staff. Not that Athan wasn’t physically fit, because he was. At 5’10” 180lbs and solid. He worked out three times a week and it showed. There were six sports coaches total, who each had a winter, spring and summer sport. Each coach wanted Athan to try out for their team. Athan had his pick.

Thinking about times with his dad, Athan lifted his head and smiled. He was remembering the great things his dad has done. When his Athan’s dad was young and single, he went to flight school, which lead him to jobs all over the world. Athan once overheard a conversation between his dad and uncle (they are twins). The two brothers were reminiscing about days in Cambodia flying in an apache helicopter. Athan didn't believe it at the time but over the years he has found some pictures and letters that support pieces of the stories.

Sometimes Athan’s dad would overhear him, telling his friends stories, about the days when, his dad was, flying helicopters. Athan knew his dad was meant for greater things and couldn't make sense of his dad’s job choice. What Athan didn’t know was that his dad wanted to be close to his family. This job allowed him to watch his family and see them all grow up. To be with his family (meaning Athan, his wife and two daughters as well) was top priority.

Beyond Borders - Prologue

SUNDAY SERIES: BEYOND BORDERS

Prologue

Captain Mark Sinclair stood on the deck of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan observing the last drills that were scheduled for the day. F30’s were taking off and landing. Rain and wind blasting, from what seemed to be . . .  everywhere.

The captain always liked to observe the drills from this open spot on the deck. Even in this pelleting rain. His hood was pulled tightly around his face, and his goggles provided cover for his eyes. He was wearing all the latest from the Navy. The only part of him that was uncovered was his mouth.

“I can’t slow them down one bit,” said Captain  Sinclair,  “even in this mess.”

The captain loved to test his soldiers in adverse conditions. A class two hurricane is not the worst condition, however, to run combat drills, it is the best time to see what the soldiers are made of. He was proud of the men and women under his command. He hand picked every single one on the ship and personally oversaw their interview process. When they preformed the drills well, like today, Captain Sinclair made sure they were rewarded.

“Did you say something Captain?” Yelled the petty officer over the pounding rain.

“Just thinking out loud. How did they do?” Replied the captain.

The petty officer looked down at his laptop, punched a few keys, and looked up at the captain, “Captain, the crew has beaten their best time.”

“Good news.” the captain replied firmly, “Tell the crew. Let them know that - I am proud of them. Movie night is back on.” as a slight smile broke as he continued, “Tell the officers that we are playing Texas hold’em in my mess tonight. Although we are at alert status, let them know that there will be no more drills for the rest of the week.” The captain’s lips pulled back as his expression returned to concern, “If anything comes up it will be the real deal. I want normal watches around the clock. Make sure everything is locked down tight. This storm will get worse before it gets better.”

“Yes Captain. Current radar puts it at a class three as of now.” The petty officer spun on his heels and began to issue the captain’s orders.

Captain Sinclair turned around and the door opened; he walked in and the door closed. Standing before Captain Sinclair was an ensign waiting to take his rain gear. The captain shook off whatever loose water that was dripping off him and removed his gear. The ensign grabbed the gear while saying, “Captain, I just received word that your presence is needed on the command deck.”

“Thank you Ensign.” The captain began to walk away and stopped. He turned around and said, “Make sure that this is all dry before they find their way back to my quarters. Do we have an understanding?”

“Yes Captain.” In a tone that almost sounded like an apology. The ensign remembers the last time, when he accidentally got the captain’s closet all wet. He also remembers having to polish all the chrome on the entire ship after; with the captain’s tool of choice, a q-tip. It took the ensign a few dozen boxes and three days to do it. The captain really did feel bad for him on the third day, but he also loved the shine on his ship. The captain wasn't one to give out punishments; it really wasn't his style. On the other hand, when one of his men or women dose something truly stupid, he makes sure they won't do it again.

The captain made his way through the ship and finally to the CAC. “CAPTAIN ON DECK!” yelled the first officer who saw him enter.

The captain walked straight to Ensign Maryweather “Report!”

Ensign Maryweather quickly replied, “Captain there is a communiqué from, the, ahhh . . . Admiral Stephens.”

“Where is he calling from?”

“The Pentagon Captain.”

“I'll take it in my ready room.”

“Yes Captain.”

The admiral only called from the pentagon when orders are to be given. The captain shut his door as he swiftly entered his ready room, sat at his desk and lifted the screen on his laptop. Captain Sinclair took a deep breath in as the screen came up. He glanced behind him at the pictures of his family on the wall behind his desk. His wife Denise, and two children, Mike and Marina. Mike Sinclair, his oldest son at twenty nine. He is also chose a career in the military like his father. But the similarity ends there. Mike had joined the Air Force and is now a major. Captain Sinclair and Major Sinclair spent a good deal of their conversations bumping heads and arguing. It escalated to the point when they had to agree on a non-aggression pact during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Super Bowl. It actually had worked out pretty well for the past year; with the exception of the days not included in the pact, those three days were nice. The captain’s youngest is twenty six year old Dr. Marina Sinclair. She is not a medical doctor; her doctorate is in physics. She currently works in Seattle, at a large research and development lab that contracts to the military. Marina is responsible for creating the new interceptor rocket. A defensive rocket to take down other rockets. She just started on a new project that she hopes will really boost her career. His wife, Denise, is the President of a large advertising firm in L.A. Denise’s firm’s client list included all the big names in the world today, from Tylenol to Nike, they do it all.

 

When the captain’s screen came on, he saw the admiral sitting at a large conference table flanked by two generals. “Captain, good to see you,” Admiral Stephens blurted out quickly, “The only man alive that looks like he gets younger as the years go by.”

“You have bad news for me, don’t you Admiral?” He saw it in the admiral’s eyes.

“I am sorry Captain, but IT is official. We are at war. Mexico declared it an hour ago stating that we will pay for all the worlds’ problems. Be on alert. We can’t afford to lose you. Right now the whole Gulf is smothered in  thick cloud cover. We need to know what they are up to.”

“There isn't much we can do until this hurricane goes by.”

“Effective immediately, your standing orders have changed. You are to proceed to Corpus Christi to refuel and take on additional crew. Upon arrival, you will receive your new orders.”

“What about the Mexican fleet? Who will be here if they come up through the Gulf and hit any one of the coastal states from Florida to Texas?”

“You can still keep an eye on them with your long range radar and the orbital monitoring station link up. If anything happens we will know about it. You will still be in position to launch an impressive attack on them should the need arise.” The admiral and the captain have a long history together, going back to the days when they were at the OCS (Officer Cadence School). Nine times out of ten they skipped formalities and stuck to their first names. Unfortunately today was not one of those days.

Before Captain Sinclair could respond Admiral Stephens, the ships alarm went off and his intercom was beeping. The captain pressed the talk button on the intercom and shouted “Report!”

“Captain Sinclair, we are unable to locate a large portion of the Mexican fleet.” yelled back the voice from the intercom.

“I am on my way!” the captain knew it was them. He knew that the Mexican fleet had him. He began to blame himself for parking his ship in the middle of a hurricane for drills. He should have been at Corpus Christi waiting the storm out. Captain Sinclair recalls his own words exactly . . . It’s just a bit of rain.

The captain walked in to the CAC. Ensign Maryweather looked to the captain and said, “Captain, reports are in from our fighters. Half of the Mexican fleet has disappeared. Due to the storms strength, we were not able to keep a fix on their positions. The storm has affected all of our monitoring systems. The orbital is useless through all the cloud cover.”

Captain Sinclair’s face was determined and frustrated, “Do we know which of the ships have moved off radar? Get a lock on their positions ASAP!”

“The ships that moved off were……I got it……all of their fast movers. At least fourteen. Captain, I can’t get a lock on anything out there.”

Which is exactly what the Mexicans are counting on, thought Captain Sinclair.

“The only way to get a beat on anything out there would be to have a laser on it.”

Which is exactly what the Mexicans are doing.

The captain remained silent for another few moments, then looked up with shock in his eyes, and loudly billowed “Ensign, best possible speed to Corpus Christi. Have all defensive systems brought online. Launch all fighters to create a one hundred mile perimeter. I want a warning net until our systems are at 100%.”

“You heard Captain Sinclair! Best possible speed to Corpus Christi, have all defensive systems brought online, and launch all fighters to create a one hundred mile perimeter.” Once the Ensign relayed the orders he turned to the captain “Everything all right Captain?”

“No. Admiral Stephens just informed me that we are at war with Mexico. We need to get out of this storm and to Corpus Christi to join the fleet.”  Captain Sinclair said in a monotone breath, knowing already, that his was never going to make it. Then that is when IT happened. The captain’s eyes dilated as they locked on the first F-30 getting ready to take off. Just as the F-30 was breaking free from the runway it erupted in a ball of fire.

The F-30 was the first of a series of explosions after explosions, that sounded with each second that ticked by. Just off the bow, was a small Mexican Zodiac with two men on it laser targeting the USS Ronald Reagan. The captain opened his mouth to yell out orders to the crew when he was cut off by a high pitch scream. He turned, looked out in to the storm, the entire deck of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan was destroyed by incoming rocket fire. The enemy ships came in undetected using the storm to mask their approach.

Captain Sinclair closed his eyes and thought of his wife Denise, and kids, Mike and Marina. Remembering one of the few times his family was together for a picnic in the park. His wife Denise, so beautiful in her sundress; beautiful long brown hair blowing in the wind. He held on to that thought as the missile broke through the window and entered the CAC. A bright flash was followed by an explosion when the CAC burst in to a small sun. The aircraft carrier took another thirty minutes of bombardment before it settled to rest at the bottom of the Gulf. September 24th 2012 will be a day remembered in history. The U.S.S. Ronald Reagan was destroyed by Mexico. We are at war.

Chapter 1 Next Sunday 
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