Our Future is in Our Past
Chapter 10
Old Friends and New Friends
Pulling the control column back on the Sloth, Kim quickly gained altitude until they were high above the earth. Turning the control to the right, she put the Sloth in gentle right hand turn until they were facing southwest. Settling down into his seat, Ron double-checked the navigation computer. The date of arrival and the location were on the screen. He referred to a map of the area and started to plot a number of possible landing sites. But they didn't have any data on exactly what the area looked like during that time. He referred back to the screen. The date blinked on the screen, "September 25, 1781" and the location was covered by a dot. The dot was on a map of the state of Virginia near the two towns of Williamsburg and Yorktown. He turned to Kim.
"I think landing near Williamsburg will be the best choice. That is where General Washington will be and we will be far from the British Army."
Kim nodded.
"How about our friend Tarleton, the more distance between him and us the better."
Ron typed on the computer, read something then turned back to Kim with a grin.
"Well, it says here that he was with Cornwallis but was on the other side of a body of water from Yorktown. He had orders to hold the place in case Cornwallis needed to retreat there. But..."
Kim nodded.
"He never got the chance. Okay so that's one problem taken care of. Let's just hope that he stays on the other side away from us."
Ron finished typing into the navigation computer and made ready to engage the time warp. He turned to see Kim leaning over to him. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
"Let's get moving. The sooner we get there the sooner we can get settled. Have you thought about what jobs we might be able to get?"
Ron shrugged.
"Go with what we did before, except this time stay close to the good guys. I don't think it will be a problem. Why don't we do some research on some of the places we might can get a job or some type of work. We'll also need to find a place to stay. Let's hope that we can get up with Washington and that he remembers us."
Kim smiled as she sat back.
"Sounds good to me. Ready?"
Ron nodded.
"Yep let's get up to speed and engage the time machine."
Kim pressed the accelerator to the floor causing the Sloth to leap forward in the air. It quickly reached 80 miles an hour. Sparks and small bits of lighting started to fly from the craft then with a burst of speed; the Sloth leapt forward and disappeared into the sky.
Ahana glanced into the sky, thinking of her American cousin and the sacrifice she and her friend had made for her and her family. It was then; with Kim on her mind she saw a streak of lighting across the sky. She made a wish, hoping that Kim and her friend were okay and that they would be able to make their way home.
Opening her eyes, Kim looked out of the window of the Sloth. They were flying high over the Atlantic Ocean and heading west. Looking down, she could see the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads. Taking controls of the Sloth, Kim placed them in a shallow drive toward the center of the peninsula where Williamsburg was located. The heads up display appeared on the windshield in front of her and a point showed up showing her where she needed to go. It was early in the morning so Kim swept wide over the land and came up on their landing zone from the west. This way they would be coming into the spot from the darkness. Ron silently pointed to a grove of trees near a meadow. The river formed one side of the meadow and the tree line the other three sides. Kim brought the Sloth into the meadow for a landing. She pulled the Sloth into the tree line and near a group of fallen trees. Pulling under the trees she shut the Sloth down.
Ron looked down at his stealth suit.
"I don't think this is gonna work. We'll have to find some way to get some clothes."
Kim nodded.
"We can use the stealth suits until we can get some regular clothes."
She made the setting on the suit control and her clothes changed into a long dress typical of the times. Ron changed his clothes too. His clothes consisted of a white shirt, linen vest, knee high socks and knee pants. They looked around for a moment and spent sometime moving some of the downed tree limbs to cover the opening where the Sloth was. With a press of a button, Kim started the stealth mode. The Sloth disappeared from view. Kim looked at Ron.
"Which way?"
Ron looked around for a moment then pointed toward the other side of the meadow.
"I think that would be the best way. There is a road that will take us to Williamsburg; maybe someone will give us a ride."
Kim took Ron's hand in hers and they started across the meadow.
Kim and Ron walked into the small town. It appeared to be very quiet and there were very few people on the dirt street. As they made their way into town, they noticed a church just to their left surrounded by a low brick wall. They could hear music coming from inside. Looking to their left as they continued up the street, they could see a large building at the end of a long park. The gates were closed and it appeared to be empty. Shops appeared to be closed. Kim glanced over to Ron.
"Ron, what is today? I don't mean the date, I mean the day of the week."
Ron looked at her and shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know KP, why?"
Something within Kim told her that something was wrong but she just couldn't put her finger on it. She was about to answer Ron when a group of men approached the two of them.
"You there, who are you?"
Ron turned to the men.
"I am Ron Stoppable and this is my wife Kim."
The men surrounded the two of them. All appeared to be slightly drunk. The largest of them glared at the two of them.
"Why are you not in services on the Lord's Day? How long has it been since you attended services?"
Alarm bells started to ring in Kim's head. Before she could stop Ron he answered.
"I guess it's been a couple of weeks."
He half turned to Kim.
"Isn't that right KP?"
Before she could answer one of the large men wrapped his arms around her pinning her arms to her sides. He lifted her clear of the ground as she tried to kick him. The other two men grabbed Ron by the arms and held him tight. The one holding Kim yelled to others.
"The constable is in services so let's put them up at the courthouse till services are out."
The men carried Kim and Ron up the street and around a brick building in the middle of an open field. When they came around the edge of the building, Kim got a good look at their supposed destination.
"OH no, no you don't!"
The men didn't speak as they carried the two of them toward a set of stocks set into the ground. One let go of Ron as other held him tight. The first pulled up the top board and helped the other force Ron's head and hands into their places. The first dropped the top board in place and looked it down. Kim tried to kick her captors as they repeated the same actions with her. Soon both of them were locked into the stocks by their head and hands. The men laughed as they stumbled off into the shade of the courthouse. One turned to them.
"You two just wait right there till the Sheriff gets here. Don't go anywhere!"
All three laughed as they walked around the corner of the building. Ron glanced over to Kim.
"Uhhh...KP. Do you have ANY idea what is going on?"
Kim sighed and nodded.
"Ron, that's why I asked you what day it was, In Colonial days it was the law that you had to be in Church a certain number of days. Apparently our 'friends' over there are up to selective enforcement of the law. Let's hope when the real sheriff gets here he'll be a little more lenient."
Kim had no idea how long they stood there with their heads and hands stuck between those boards. But judging from the movement of the shadows they had been there a couple of hours when people started to walk up the street or ride by in carriages or on horseback. All of them stared at the two teens stuck in the stocks and whispered to each other. Then Kim saw a familiar face, in fact she saw a couple of familiar faces. One said face turned to see them standing there in the stocks. She saw him pull on the reins to stop his horse. The face that was looking at them was her ancestor Colonel Possible, he spoke to his companion. The other face turned to see them standing there. Kim waved as best she could to the face she remembered well, General George Washington.
"Hello General Sir. It's us! Kim and Ron Stoppable."
General Washington rode his horse over to them shouting for some of his soldiers to come release them. He dismounted his horse as Colonel Possible did the same. One of the men who had captured them came running around the building as a couple of soldiers unlocked the stocks and helped Kim and Ron get out of the contraption.
"Hey soldier boy, we caught those two for not being in chu..."
The man stopped abruptly when he realized who he was talking to. General Washington stared at the man for a moment then turned to a few of his soldiers standing nearby.
"Arrest that man for public drunkenness and anything else I can come up with."
He turned to face Kim and Ron as they stood in front of him rubbing their necks and wrists.
"Now, I thought we had sent you two to safety. What happened to the Ohio country? What are you doing here?"
Ron put his arm around Kim.
"Well sir, we were going, and made it most to the way there. But didn't make it, it was just too cold so we decided to come back where it was a little warmer. We were making our way through the area when we found out what was going on and came to find jobs here."
The General turned to Col. Zin Possible.
"Colonel? I believe I heard that Mr. Charlton needed some help in his coffee house. What do you think?"
Zin Possible held onto his breath. The carbon copy of Pim was standing in front of him again, and standing beside her was the carbon copy of Lon. The two people he thought had disappeared from his life had appeared again. Old memories he thought best buried came flashing back. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"General, I know that Mr. Charlton needs a young man to help but I think Mrs. Wythe would like to have some assistance of a young lady at your headquarters."
Washington nodded as he turned to face Kim and Ron. Kim stepped over to take Ron's hand as they stood before the general.
"Very well, we shall see to it on the morrow. As for this moment, I would hope that the two of you will join me for dinner at the King's Arms."
Ron held onto Kim's hand.
"General, we would be grateful, however we need to find a place to stay."
Washington smiled as he mounted his horse.
"I am sure when can make room for you at headquarters. Now, since you have accepted my invitation to dinner let's be on our way. Now, young lady would you give this old man the pleasure of your company for a short ride?"
Kim smiled and nodded as she stepped over to the General's horse. She gathered her dress in one hand and raised the other toward Washington. He took her hand and with surprising strength pulled her up on his horse and seated behind him. Kim settled down on the horse and put her arms around him. He smiled and nodded up the street.
"Colonel Possible, would you be so kind as to give that young man a ride. Let's not make the lad walk."
Zim saluted Washington.
"It will be my pleasure sir. Come on Mr. Stoppable; let us go get something to eat."
Ron grabbed Zim's hand as he offered it to him and pulled himself onto Zim's horse behind him. He held on as the Colonel turned his horse and followed the Washington up the street. Ron noticed an unusually shaped building across the street. It was surrounded by a brick wall and the area around it was fenced off by pointed logs. He took the chance to look around as the group made its way up the street. There were several places that seemed to be stores and others appeared to be homes. Soon they stopped in front of a large white structure with green shutters. A number of people stood out front and stopped to look at the group. The ladies curtsied as the men took off their hats. Washington acknowledged them with a nod of his head as he dismounted his horse. Turning, he raised his hands up and helped Kim down off his horse. He gave her a little bow and presented his arm to her. She blushed as she took his arm and joined him in walking up to the tavern. Ron and Zim quickly joined Kim and Washington as they entered the tavern.
They were quickly led to a table next to a large window. Kim noticed that the room was simply decorated. Washington held Kim's chair as she took a seat. Ron took a seat next to her after the Washington and Zim had taken their seats. One of the servants stepped up to the table.
"What would you like to drink?"
Washington glanced around the table.
"I think some cider would be good today John. Pray tell me, do they have the Pottage Pie today?"
The waiter nodded.
"Yes General Washington, would you like that today?"
Washington looked over at Kim.
"Pottage Pie is like a good chicken stew in a crust. Would you like that or would you like something else?"
Kim glanced over at Ron who nodded. She turned back to the General.
"That sounds delicious to us General. Thank you."
Washington smiled.
"You are very welcome Mrs. Stoppable."
Kim blushed.
"Please General Washington, call me Kim."
Washington sighed as he grinned at her.
"Very well…Kim."
He glanced over to Ron.
"Ron as well?"
Ron nodded.
Washington nodded. About that time the waiter returned with their cider. He placed the drinks on the table as well as a small loaf of bread and a container of butter. The General smiled as he sliced some of the bread.
"Ahhh…one of my favorite treats, Kim, Ron, you must have some of this bread with butter."
Ron placed some of the dishes on the shelf, and then turned and picked up a pitcher of ale. Stepping out into the room he went from table to table filling the tankards of ale of the customers in the room. After settling up some payments, he stepped into the backroom where the proprietor worked at his books.
"Mr. Charlton, I have cleaned up the front room and set up for Mordecai."
The man turned to face Ron.
"Very well young man, I must say you have lived up to your recommendations from the Colonel and the General. It's a pleasure to have you on my staff. Here is your pay for the day. I need you to come in early in the morning. More troops are moving through each day and that means more customers. I'll need you to bring up some more ale out of the cellar in the morning and make sure there is plenty of coffee and cocoa ready."
Ron placed his daily pay in his pocket.
"I'll be here extra early Mr. Charlton."
Ron walked out into the late afternoon sun and started up the Duke of Glouster Street, which he learned was the main street of Williamsburg. Troops marched through town in droves and more were camped on the Palace Green and around the Courthouse.
He waved to one of the young men he had met working in Mr. Charlton's coffeehouse. The coffeehouse was at the end of the street right near the Capitol building. This placed the business right in the heart of one of the busiest parts of the city. Many officers and political leader stopped by for coffee and other drinks while they talked of the war and politics. Kim was now at working George Wythe's house, which was Washington's headquarters. She helped in the kitchen, not cooking, but also helped with the serving of Washington's officers.
Ron walked past the Raleigh Tavern, Shield's Tavern and the King's Arms Tavern, all full of patrons eating and drinking. He stopped by Tarpley's Store and got some rock candy and dried fruit. As he returned to walking up the street he reached the open area near the Magazine and the Courthouse. This area was full of tents and men as they prepared to move to the nearby area of Yorktown where Cornwallis and his army was camped. He and Kim had ridden out the day before during some time off and had been able to get close to the city. They could see the British Army building some small redoubts around the edge of the city. They kept a sharp lookout for British cavalry. If they got caught and Tarleton found out about it, it would not be pleasant.
He stopped in front of the magazine and watched as a number of men loaded barrels of gunpowder into a number of wagons. He had no doubt that the army would move out soon and surround Yorktown. Ron turned and continued walking up the street as he made his way to Washington's headquarters. He turned the corner of the street at Bruton Parish Church and made his way across the Palace Green. He opened the gate on the far end of the fence and entered the area behind the house. He crossed the yard and entered one of the small cottages at the rear of the property. This is where they were staying for now. It was very simple. A single room with a fireplace, and a mat on the floor, he sat down on the floor and pulled off his shoes. Sighing in relief, the laid back against the wall and tried to relax.
Kim picked up the tray in Washington's office and started to leave when a rather handsome young man entered Washington's office. He hesitated for a moment as he looked at her then turned to Washington. The General's face broke into a great smile as the young man approached.
"Mon Generale, it tis so wonderful to see you well. My troops are well and eager. They approach Yorktown as we speak."
The young man approached the General as he stood and placed a kiss on both of Washington's cheeks. Then he turned to face Kim and gently took her hand. He kissed her hand and gazed at her.
"Mon Generale, you must introduce me to this lovely creature."
Washington laughed.
"Yes of course. Kim, this is the Marquis de Lafayette. Sir, this is Kim Stoppable. You may remember Col. Possible and me discussing a certain couple that served us so well at Valley Forge. He and I thought they had gone to safety in the Ohio country until they arrived in town a few days ago."
The Marquis' smile faltered for a moment when Washington introduced her to him. Kim pulled her hand back and attempted to perform the best curtsey she could under the circumstances. The blush on her face made it feel hot.
"It is an honor sir to meet you. Is there any way that I may serve you?"
Lafayette bowed to her.
"Ms. Stoppable, the General and Col. Possible have spoken well of you and your husband. You both have performed great services to your country. If you could bring me some wine I would be grateful."
Kim curtseyed again and picked up the tray to leave.
"I will return soon. Would you like something General Washington?"
Washington nodded.
"Why yes Kim, a little wine would be nice. After that I don't think we will need you any more today. Isn't Ronald supposed to be off of work by now?"
Kim nodded.
"Yes sir. I think he may already be at the cottage by now. Excuse me, I will return with your wine."
Kim left the room and made her way down the stairs and out the back door. She carried the tray into the kitchen where Belle was putting the finishing touches on the upcoming dinner. Kim put the tray on a side table and turned to her.
"General Washington and the Marquis would like a glass of wine."
Belle nodded and pulled a bottle from its rack and poured two glasses. She placed them on another tray and covered them with a light cloth. Kim picked up the tray and walked back into the house and up the stairs.
Shego grumbled as the horse she and Drakken rode on stumbled under their combined weight. It was an old nag they had picked up from an old farmer. Shego's thought back to what she had learned from the computer files from the Tunnel. She found out about two characters just like them who had helped the British at Yorktown. The two were run out of town when the British left and there was no record as to what happened to them. She did know that the two of them were in good standing with Tarleton.
That should enable them to get into the British camp at Yorktown and get close to the pay chest. She and Drakken had both decided to leave attacks on Kim and Ron's ancestors off for the time being. It exposed them too much and Kim and Ron would fight all the harder. Plus after some thought Drakken mentioned that even small changes in history could cause problems later in time. If they were going to make a hit on Kim or Ron's ancestors they would have to try something early in their parent's lives. But that was for later. Right now there was a big chest of gold sitting ripe for the picking.
If they could get into the city and get close to the gold, there was a good chance they could steal it during the battle and get away. All they had to do is play the part of Lady Go and Squire Lipskey. Their sad story would be perfect to get them into the good graces of the British troops. She was not real keen on going into a small town that was getting ready to be shelled to smithereens. It would not matter if they knew all of the history of what was going to happen. A cannon ball or shell falling on you would not care if you were from the present or the future. You would still end up a greasy spot on the ground.
They had been watching the American troops move into the area, a LOT of troops and more coming everyday. Luckily they had avoided several patrols. Now they were getting close to Yorktown and they should be meeting British troops. Shego had spent most of the morning grilling Drakken in their story. For every mistake he made he received an ouchie he would remember. He had to play his part perfectly for this to work. If he made a mistake, they could end up swinging from the end of a rope just like the princess and the buffoon nearly did.
She grinned at the thought of the Princess hanging by her neck at the end of a rope. Plus, from the report she saw the Princess and the buffoon got the ever living daylights beaten out of them when they happened to be guests of that Tarleton dude that they needed to find. She wanted to do something nice for a man that did such bad things to Kimmie and Ron. Bad enough things that it took the best high tech care that Global Justice can give to help them recover.
"HALT!"
Shego jerked her head up when she heard a yell. Before she could bring her horse to a stop they were surrounded by a number of green jacketed men on horseback. The hats on their head were tall and covered in dark fur. Their equipment clinked as they circled the two of them. One of them pulled his horse up to a stop.
"Who are you and what are you doing on this road?"
Shego was about to speak when another trooper rode up to the group. He pulled his horse up when he got to the group. He stared at the two of them for a moment.
"Lady Go! Squire Lipsky! What are you doing here?"
Before she could answer one of the troopers turned to the man.
"Colonel Tarleton? Do you know these two?"
Shego raised her thoughts to Lady Luck again. So this was the infamous Tarleton who would lead them to the piggybank of all time. All they had to do is play the game. She acted faint.
"Colonel Tarleton? Thank God we have found you."
I hope you liked this chapter of Future. Kim and Ron are back with Washington has he gets ready to take on Cornwallis at Yorktown. This area is one of my favorite places to vacation. I have walked the same streets that Kim and Ron are walking and I have been in all the buildings mentioned in the story. I have even eaten a meal in a number of the taverns. The place that Ron is working in very near to my heart. This was a new building site discovered in the past few years. It was researched and rebuilt and now stands as it did during that time. The really neat thing about it is the owner's name. It is the old English spelling of my last name. I also know that my family came from that part of Virginia. There is a small chance, however small that the gentleman who ran that business was an ancestor of mine.
Things will literally heat up as the battle begins. Stay turned and enjoy. Please leave a review.