Chapter 27: Jake is Tested

Jake had been deeply affected by the artifacts of civilization that he had witnessed on his short trip across New England. It suddenly occurred to him how sheltered and removed from reality he had been his whole life. When he considered that both New York and Boston were very new cities, from a historical standpoint, the implication overwhelmed him. Something had to be done.

"I assure you, Miss Pinkersley, I'm not a subversive agent." Jake had gotten nowhere by calling the Confederacy Liaison Office and had gone downtown for a face-to-face with someone. "Please validate my CAP card, and if that's not enough, then check my arrest record. You'll find that my tolerance for 'Earth First' is far less than typical."

The petty tyrant bureaucrat scowled, but did bring up Jake's file on her terminal. "Oh, I dare say, but I still don't see why you need to contact those who were not chosen during an extraction."

Jake sighed and mentally started counting until he regained his composure. "I'm not looking for what you seem to believe are losers, although that's another group that could also use assistance. I'm inquiring about family members of volunteers and/or their concubines who were ineligible to emigrate because of age. I'm specifically concerned with those between the ages of fourteen and eighteen who are now without a family, or with only a single parent who was also left behind."

Miss Pinkersley was genuinely confused, "Why?"

"I'm so sorry, Miss Pinkersley," Jake apologized with more than a little sarcasm. "I don't believe I have the necessary language skills for me to explain that to you."

A man in a gray uniform with the silver bars of a Decurion stepped through a door to the side and behind Miss Pinkersley's desk. "Is there a problem?"

Jake answered, "Yes," and Miss Pinkersley answered, "No," simultaneously.

The man smiled and introduced himself to Jake. "I'm Decurion Chalmers and couldn't help but overhear your discussion with my protective receptionist. Please forgive my eavesdropping. Would you care to step into my office for a minute?"

Jake preceded Chalmers into the indicated office and stood as the man closed the door and crossed to the far side of his desk. "Please sit and make yourself comfortable, Mr. Caulfield," the tall man indicated a padded chair to the side of his desk. He swiveled his chair to face it as Jake took a seat where the two could talk without the desk between them. "My hearing is better than most and the door is hollow. What's your interest in these individuals?"

Jake sat quietly for a moment and did his best not to be intimidated by the strong features of his host. "I'm concerned that a fourteen-year-old would be unable to purchase groceries, prepare meals, take care of a residence, and attend junior high school or high school without supervision, or at least the support of someone more mature. They may be classified as adults, but the sudden transition from minimal responsibility to total responsibility can't be easy."

"The Confederacy assumes the financial responsibilities of the family members of everyone who's extracted," Chalmers seem less perplexed that Pinkersley. Perhaps he could best be described as mildly confused.

"Yes, I've been so informed," Jake replied. "But parents have more than just financial responsibility to school-aged persons." Jake wanted to avoid the 'but they are adults' argument and was disinclined to reference the age group of interest as 'children', which to his way of thinking they were, himself included.

Chalmers nodded, "Yes, the dropout and suicide rates of the demographic you indicate is appalling. But, we just don't have the manpower to address the problem."

"What if," Jake sat forward as he gathered his thoughts; "those who elect not to remain in their former place of residence have a choice to move into a community of others in the same situation? If those who have but a single parent are also included, then perhaps the parents can provide mutual support not only for each other, but also for those residents who have no remaining parents as well?"

The Decurion sat back in thought. He was clearly intrigued by the concept. "Do you have a plan?"

"I wouldn't call it a plan, sir." Jake suddenly wished he were better prepared for this meeting. "There's a local building that was abandoned during renovations that could become a combination of residence, community center, and dining facility. I have not yet approached the current owner to inquire about the availability, but if this building is not available then I'm sure one could be found and used as a pilot project. It would require some funding, though." Jake locked eyes with Chalmers as he made the last statement.

Decurion Chalmers smiled as he reached across his desk. He handed Jake a card that he had extracted from a silver basket. "Call me when you have details on cost and schedule. I believe something can be arranged."

Jake stood up and shook the tall man's hand. "Thank you, sir. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon."

Jake located the tax records for the building he and Lesa had used for cover during the dependent extraction and contacted the representatives of the building's owner. He learned that it was not in as good a condition as he had hoped. The exposure of the interior to the elements had caused additional damage. The building was structurally sound, and the pipes and wiring were not affected, but there had been considerable cosmetic water damage to ceilings, walls and floors.

Using the contact information he obtained from the owner's lawyer, Jake made an appointment with the architect who was in charge of the original renovation. This time the receptionist involved was very cordial. "Good afternoon, Mr. Caulfield. Mr. Carothers is expecting you. Please, go right in." She even stood and opened the door for Jake.

A portly Timothy Carothers stepped around his cluttered desk to greet Jake. "Thank you for meeting me here, Mr. Caulfield." Carothers was clearly dismayed by Jake's age but chose to continue the meeting. "What's your interest in the Park Plaza property?"

"I have no direct, vested interest in the property," Jake began. "But, I've been in contact with representatives of the Confederacy and believe they can make use of the building to ease the transition of certain individuals in their care, if the costs are not prohibitive."

"I'm not sure I follow," Carothers responded.

Jake planted the seed of his idea. "Former dependents and spouses of individuals who have emigrated are not always in a position to carry on from their existing residence. I propose that Park Plaza be remodeled to house young adults between fourteen and eighteen who wish to complete their education. If single-parent families are also included, then it's possible that the remaining parents could provide some mature guidance to those who lack such resources."

Continuing when he saw that he had Carothers' attention, "If you were to invest a bit of time to develop a concept plan and budget, I believe you can sell the idea to this individual and obtain the necessary financial backing." Jake handed Decurion Chalmers' card to Carothers. "I doubt I can contribute much more to the project, but feel free to call me if you think I can be of any assistance." Jake stood to leave.

Carothers also stood and shook Jake's hand again. "Thank you for finding me. This just might be a way for me to recover my personal investment in this property."

Satisfied that he was doing something about the housing issues of others, Jake took a look at his own situation. Jake, Leslie and Sara Jay spent more nights at Lesa's than in their dormitory rooms. There was even some discussion about them giving up their accommodations on campus, but none of the three wanted to make that kind of open declaration. As long as they maintained a separate residence, there was plausible deniability. However, as winter progressed there was no denying Lesa's condition.

Misty continued to make monthly trips to Boston. On the first trip in January she took Janet and Tiffany with her and the three of them stayed at the Grayson's. The subject of emigrating came up at breakfast. Martha glanced at the four young adults at the table and then got Benjamin's attention. "Ben, the obstacle that makes me ineligible for emigration can be overcome with surgery. On the advice of Lesa Crews I've contacted a clinic in the Bahamas that assures me they can provide me with a viable reproductive system. If I can become pregnant, will you emigrate with me?"

Benjamin was both speechless and embarrassed. He rarely discussed anything related to sex, and never in the presence of youngsters. He cleared his throat, "Are you seriously considering having another child? While that may get you a ticket to a colony, I still don't want to leave our kids and grandkids behind. Are you considering going without me?"

Denise spoke up, "Grandpa, I love you to death, and you're the smartest man I know, but sometimes you can make the dumbest decisions. I usually remain in the sidelines and help Grams fix it later, but this one ... this one can't be fixed later."

Adm. Grayson gave his granddaughter and wife a puzzled expression, "Martha..."

She interrupted his response by placing a finger on his lips, "Can you make the best contribution to humanity directing activities at a research colony somewhere among the stars, or down here on Earth where you'll be dead from a heart attack in the next two years? Will our grandchildren be safer here on Earth with us or on Earth after you've helped arm the planet? Will they miss us more if we're gone for five years or gone forever? Besides, who said that they couldn't come along with us?"

The Admiral just let his head and shoulder slump in response. There was no arguing with Martha when they both knew she was right.

Martha' eyes twinkled behind the glasses on her wrinkled face, "Emigrating will be a new adventure for both of us. Just think of the changes it will bring to our sex life alone. I'd love to watch you give one of these young girls a test ride and show them what a real man can do, but I doubt your heart could hold up with so much blood being directed to the dusty corners of your body until after you've visited a Confederacy clinic."

Grayson's eyes bugged, "Martha!"

Misty choked on her cereal, but gave Martha and Benjamin a big smile when she recovered. The mischief in her eyes clearly communicated that she was game.

Martha patted Benjamin's hand, "Just stay calm dear. It'll spoil everything if you drop dead now."

"This sounds like serious surgery." Benjamin was clearly concerned about a threat to his wife's health. "And carrying a baby at your age will tax more than just your heart. Can it be done safely?"

"I'm sure I'll be fine if I can get into a Confederacy medical facility before the second trimester."

Benjamin nodded, "I'm too old for this kind of adventure."

"I'll bet I can make you feel younger," Misty challenged from the far corner of the table.

Martha and the others laughed at Misty's remark, but Benjamin gave her a shocked scowl.

Misty blushed a little, "Not that, I was talking about flying off together."

That remark invoked even more laughter.

"No, I mean we could have fun in the air with our clothes on." Misty tried to recover, then blew it with, "But, I guess we could have even more fun without our clothes." She batted her eyes at Benjamin; then winked at Martha who was laughing too hard to respond.

"Enough of this," Benjamin said as he tossed his napkin on the table and began chuckling with the others. "You, my dear," Benjamin said as he pointed an accusing finger at Misty, "are going to be a great deal of trouble for me, aren't you?"

Misty gave him her best innocent look and replied, "Who, me?" She then looked him in the eyes and continued, "I think you'll find that I'll do almost anything to give those who must remain behind the best chance they have to survive. Right now, I believe that their best chance is for you to lead your team of researchers to the successful creation of weapons that can stop or drive back the dickheads."

When arrangements were made with the clinic, Misty insisted on flying the couple to the Bahamas. "It may take me a few more hours to get there than a commercial jet, but I can control cabin pressure and altitude to reduce stress, and can easily divert to get medical assistance if there are any issues that spring up with either of you during the flight." She couldn't resist teasing Benjamin. With twinkling eyes she suggested, "Besides, we may be able to talk the Admiral into joining the Mile High Club. I know from previous experience that the autopilot can handle the turbulence; so I might be able to break him in myself."

Benjamin's only response was the soundless motion of his mouth, but Martha and Denise broke into uncontrolled laughter.

Misty and Janet were uncomfortable about leaving Denise at home when Harry and Jamal picked them up to explore more of Boston, but Denise declined to join them or Tiffany and Henry when Henry called for Tiffany. Denise had not recovered her equilibrium after the night of wild sex with Jake and Lesa and wasn't ready for another encounter, even with some of these friends.

On the trip back to Atlanta a somewhat concerned Janet asked, "Misty, are you thinking about emigrating as one of Admiral Grayson's companions?"

"No, sweetheart," Misty assured Janet. "But, it would be alright if I fooled around with him, though, wouldn't it? It might be fun to loosen him up and try him out, but I know he couldn't hold my attention long-term the way you and Ralph can. He's far too conservative."

Eight weeks later Martha called to tell Lesa that her surgery was successful and she was doing well. It was too early to tell about her pregnancy because it had only been a week.

There were more than a few eyebrows raised when Jake and Lesa signed up for Lamaze classes together, but the looks and remarks of the shocked couples were easily ignored. The college administration was harder to ignore, but Lesa's lawyer pointed out that her family issues were none of her employer's business unless there was proof of misconduct.

Lesa and Martha were not the only ones who were pregnant. Lesa received a message from Marvin saying that half of his companions were also pregnant. Julie Ann had gotten pregnant within a week. He had delayed Sasha's pregnancy until two months afterward, and it would be either Millie or Rebecca's turn next month. He hadn't made up his mind.

Marvin's message had also contained a cryptic line saying that Lesa could expect help with her problem any day. There wasn't anything to indicate which problem she could expect to be addressed or who would be addressing it.

The team that MIT proposed to send to Georgia as part of the grant application didn't include Charles Brenner or Dr. Benjamin Grayson. The senior faculty member would be Dr. Manfred Hughs, whoever he was. The hopes of a grand extraction looked as grim as the weather.

The exhibitionist styles of society were being tested by the cold weather even in the sunny south. The Sun may have been out, but the thermometer still registered in the 'freeze your ass' range of four to ten degrees Celsius. Rip-away warm-ups became the rage. The snaps down the outside seams allowed the long-legged pants to be removed in a fraction of a second.

Just before spring break Gloria spotted a news article that could well be the relief Marvin had alluded to in his message. Vice Admiral Benjamin Grayson was to be honored in Washington at a ceremony where he would be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his tireless pursuit of naval superiority. The article went on to mention the names of high-ranking Pentagon officials who would be present to honor the recipient.

Jake could hardly contain his enthusiasm when Gloria emailed him a link to the article. He showed his PDA screen to Toby. "This has to be what Marvin was talking about. We need to find out where and when this award ceremony is taking place!" Toby just smiled and held up his own PDA showing the same message. "Right," was all the sheepish teen said to acknowledge that he was stating the obvious.

Lesa called Martha and learned that the award event would be held at the newly completed Arlington Convention Center the same week as graduation exercises at Georgia Tech. "Benjamin said he wasn't going to anything so silly." Martha related an earlier discussion with her husband. "I told him that if he ever wanted to get his dick wet again, he'd better plan on being there."

Lesa laughed, "Oh, that's cold. I assume all of your kids and grandkids will be attending?"

"You can count on it," Martha replied.

Lesa immediately made reservations for a large block of rooms at the new Hilton attached to the Convention Center. It was time to start making the final preparations for a mass exodus.

Jake was a little uncomfortable after dinner Friday. "I'd like to invite Leslie's parents to our graduation. Would that be okay with everyone?"

"But, we won't be attending the commencement. We'll be ... oh," Leslie responded confused until what he was really saying sank in.

Lesa smiled and nodded, "It sounds like a devious enough plan to be worthy of us. It will allow everyone to bring in friends and family without telling them what's really going on. I have no objection, if the real agenda remains hidden."

After turning back to face Leslie Jake asked, "Can you call and arrange for us to visit your mom and dad tomorrow? It's a four hour drive to Savannah. If we leave early we can have lunch with them and return, or we can spend the night for a longer visit."

"Take Sara Jay along," Lesa suggested. "You might need to find out if they both want to come, or just one of them. You know how Jake is with older women," Lesa winked at Leslie. "And I doubt you can get your dad into your bed even if he's hogtied and blindfolded."

"LESA!" Leslie and Jake shouted together, Sara Jay and Sarita giggled at their shocked reactions.

The threesome had left early enough to get to the modest dwelling before noon, even allowing for potty breaks. Leslie knocked, opened the door, and shouted, "We're here!"

Marlene Owens was an older version of Leslie. She was tall, stacked, and proud with flaming red hair and sparkling green eyes. Leslie was completing the introductions with her mother when Red appeared from another part of the house.

Jake was a little embarrassed as he shook Red's hand, which is understandable considering the circumstances of their first meeting in Leslie's dorm room. "Hello sir, it's good to see you again."

When the subject of attending the commencement came up during lunch there was little enthusiasm from either of Leslie's parents. Her mom had a lot going on with her church group and her dad had to cover for all the vacation time workers wanted to take during the summer.

It almost seemed like a change of subject when Jake asked, "Do you mind telling me what your CAP scores are? Or at least whether or not either of you are qualified to volunteer for Confederacy service?"

Marlene blustered, but Red became quiet and thoughtful before asking, "We may not see Leslie again if we're not there, will we?" He nodded and looked at his wife, "I can take one other in addition to Marlene. I was thinking about asking Willamina from the front office."

A sour expression covered Marlene's face. "You would have me put up with such a trollop? Why on Earth would you want to lie with the likes of her? If you must saddle me with a lose woman young enough to be your daughter, why not Eileen's oldest daughter Theresa? Her four children may have three different fathers, but she's at least a good Catholic!" Marlene turned to look Leslie in the eye as she finished speaking.

"Mama, I'm not going to stop taking the evil pill. And I'm not going to do penance for sleeping around." Leslie wasn't truculent with her mother, but she was firm and determined.

"That just shows how long it's been since you've attended Mass. The Pope hasn't blessed the pill, but he has blessed polygamy for Catholics who want to emigrate." Marlene was a bit smug as she corrected some of her daughter's objections.

Marlene assured Jake and Leslie, "I'll see to it that your father and I are in Atlanta the week of your graduation." She sighed before adding, "And I'm sure we can find a suitable diversion for your father who won't make me totally homicidal."

Leslie took her mother's hands and looked her in the eye, "Make sure she spends the night at least once. Incompatibility is a death sentence up there; so, she has to be someone both of you can live with in a confined space." It may have been the first time Leslie had ever seen her mother blush. Marlene could only nod in response to her daughter's instructions.

Jake's birthday celebration was not as big an event as Janet's had been. There were too many distractions for anyone to really focus on a birthday party. No one was surprised that his CAP score had improved. His maturity demonstrated in taking a leadership role, his empathy for those who could not be extracted, his actualized capacity for aggression, and his emerging self-confidence jumped his overall score to a 9.1 which was sure to put even more pressure on his already stressed dick.