Chapter 81

Present – Ira – Weapons retrieval

General Pain (Jack) has acquired a more appropriate rifle and accompanies me to retrieve all of the equipment in our domicile. As we exit the tunnel, he questions, "Do you think we need to lock the door?"

I respond, "Most certainly. Your assumption that the security system has been compromised is probably accurate. Henceforth, we cannot be certain the facility has not been compromised."

He stops and locks the door. I quickly draw my Katana and General Pain questions, "Ira, is something wrong."

I reply, "My olfactory units detect a disturbing odor."

He answers, "I locked down the house and I don't smell anything."

I ordered, "Less-then-ever, please prepare for the forthcoming onslaught!"

Present – Jack – Weapons retrieval

Something has Ira spooked and she's good enough that if she's spooked then it's important! But what the hell could have broken into the house? I had it locked down and nothing is supposed to be able to get in.

I make sure my rifle is ready and we slowly head toward the twins room when – fuck the hell out of me! I don't just see them, I smell them and now I wish I had my mouse gun again! There are so damn many of them and they are swarming right after us!

Present – Todd – Hunting

I had just assumed my position in the tree when all hell breaks loose. The fox and Sharik come running past the base of my tree like their asses are on fire and close behind them ... I cannot believe it ... It's a puma with a damn control collar on it. I draw my bow, fire and son-of-a-bitch! I only wound the damn puma! I am pissed at myself for not getting a clean kill!

It does make him change direction and he's now headed away from the fox and Sharik. But nothing is worse than a wounded animal, except possibly a wounded animal that's been modified to be a killer.

I work my way out of the tree, hit the ground and I'm surprised when I see the fox and Sharik waiting for me. They both move off in the same direction and I decide they want me to follow them. It's puzzling to me because we aren't headed after the puma. As we work our way around to the side of the cabin, I cannot believe what I see! This is a great stroke of luck for me! I nock another arrow, prepare a second arrow and...

Present – Jens – At the hospital with Mira

The helicopter sets down at the hospital and a team rushes right out with a gurney. When they load Mira on the gurney, I take Alexi's hand and say, "Come on, your sister needs all the support she can get." We follow the gurney into the hospital.

Alexi answers, "Ms. Donaldson, how can I forgive myself for causing this accident?"

I gently smile at him and reply, "Alexi, your sister doesn't blame you so you need to stop blaming yourself. There was a good chance that if you hadn't stopped that bear he might have killed all of us. Part of becoming an adult is learning that you will make mistakes and then learning how to live with and benefit from those mistakes."

Alexi questions, "Ms. Donaldson, I cannot believe you have ever made a mistake. I do know my sisters have the utmost respect for you."

I laugh and confess, "Alexi, I make mistakes all the time! One of the biggest mistakes was how I treated you and your sisters. But the biggest of all was how I treated my love, Ben. I didn't know at the time but he had been conditioned to avoid being trapped and my love for him made him feel trapped so that's what made him run away."

Alexi seems to be processing the information I gave him, then he states, "I wish there was an easier way to learn than making mistakes."

I question more closely, "Well Alexi, have you received any training on the use of the forty millimeter grenade launcher?"

He answers, "No, I have not."

I reply, "That's what I thought. You need to learn that before you use any weapon you have to receive the proper training for it."

He laments, "This is the most costly mistake I have ever made Ms. Donaldson. I might still be a boy but I can perceive my sister will lose her fetus."

I again attempt to comfort him, "Well, Mira is young and she will have many more chances to have a baby. But you are the only brother she will ever have, so you need to cheer up and put on a brave face for your sister."

Present – Mira – At the hospital

The contractions have grown stronger. It has become a very sad day since it is most certain I will miscarry Ben's progeny. But I realize I am young and there is still a sufficient quantity of Ben's male procreation component at the clinic of fertility.

My doctor from the clinic states, "Mira, we're sorry but you are going to lose this baby. However we would like a chance to examine the fetus to make sure it was healthy."

I cautiously reply, "You may perform an external examination of the fetus, however our religion does not permit an autopsy without the utmost respect provided to the fetus. And when you are finished I will require return of the fetus so that a priest might perform the rite of Extreme Unction prior to the burial."

The doctor assures me, "Mira, we will take the greatest care with the body of your fetus. Our only concern is to do some genetic tests on the fetus."