I own nothing

Dennis wanted to get an early start so he went around and woke everyone. Angela and Bobby were anxious to start also. They wanted to form the plan to get going. First, they needed to try to make everyone look the part because they were going to travel east before trying to cross the river.

They would be traveling for a few days in order to get to a place where they could cross more easily. The river patrols were heavier here because they were so close to Seoul. Also, up river there was a village on the southern shore that had family members. This was not uncommon. When the countries split, there were extended families on both sides. Family was strong in this part of the world and they could be counted on for help.

The more immediate problem, however, was the two blonde ladies. They needed to disguise them. Fortunately, Dennis grandmother knew how to dye hair with black tea. Captain Chu was also skilled in this practice, so they needed to start.

Penny and Leonard were awakened by the local roosters. It was a beautiful morning with the sun just breaking. Penny felt so relaxed after last night. She just wanted to stay in Leonard's arms. Leonard knew this couldn't be, so he prodded her to get up and they found the others.

Bernadette and Penny were actually excited to try out the new look. They also were getting a trim of their long locks to a more appropriate length. Leonard was even on board remembering how Penny looked in the play. After they were dressed, the group bid farewell to Dennis' grandparents and went on their trek to the east. They took the family dog with them to serve as an early alarm system. Dennis assured the group that the dog would be fine and be able to find his way back when they left him and crossed the river.

Captain Chu and Dennis lead the group while Angela and Bobby kept up the rear. The first day's travel was rather pleasant. Everyone was a little calmer and actually enjoyed each other's company. Angela urged the group on and to pick up the pace. She knew that they would be looked for and it was imperative they cross the river as soon as possible.

A few hours after the group left, Dennis' family had cleaned the area and there was no trace that they had company the night before. Just as Grandmother was getting ready for an early evening supper, soldiers came up to the village. As theirs was one of the houses on the farthest outskirts of the village, they were visited first. This group of soldiers were the regular army. They were by a young woman that was not in uniform.

Joyce Kim politely approached the elderly couple and respectfully bowed. Grandfather addressed the woman. "Why have you come? We have not seen a government representative for a long time. Why do you come with soldiers"?

Joyce was contrite. "We mean no disrespect. We are looking for escaped spies that are guilty of crimes against the State. We must look for them in all the villages. We believe that they will attempt to cross the river. The bridges are all monitored, so they will cross the river by boat. Are there any missing"?

Grandmother came in with tea. "Please sit and have tea. You must have traveled a long way and you must be very tired".

Joyce tried to leave quickly but Grandmother was persistent. She sat and visited with them while the soldiers searched the other houses in the village. After an extended visit, one that was surely longer than Joyce had planned, the soldiers returned and reported that there were no boats missing and no spies found. They had left a pair of soldiers at the east end of the village as guards to make sure no one approached that was unauthorized.

Grandmother tried to get the soldiers to stay for a short meal but were told to start for the next village as Joyce had the feeling that the elderly couple was making far too big a fuss and intentionally detaining them. Joyce respectfully said her goodbyes and led the soldiers off. She was intent upon making up the extra time spent in the house.

As Joyce approached the two guards, they seemed agitated. They approached her. "we have found a trail that leads off to the east. It runs off the regular path into the woods and then turns east". They brought the group to the trail.

Joyce recognized this as a possible escape route. "This trail seems to be used by more than one or two people. It is well trodden, this looks as if a group of people have used it. Quickly, follow it".

Back at the band of friends, things had slowed down. Penny had become exhausted, She was exhibiting all the symptoms that Amy and Bernadette were worried about.

Leonard implored the group. "We need to stop and rest. It is getting late anyway. Please, Penny can't go any farther".

Angela had noticed they started to lag behind. "We need to move on, we are almost there, we need to get you and Dennis over to the other side. Everyone else will just be a political embarrassment and a diplomatic night mare, but they WANT the both of you. YOU TWO are our priority. We must keep going".

Leonard was more forceful. "We cannot go any farther. And I'm NOT leaving Penny".

Bernadette, Howard, Sheldon, Amy and Raj walked up to the arguing pair. In unison they said; "You stay, WE stay! Bernadette added' "we didn't come all this way, find you, only to let you go. We need to rest"!

Captain Chu took Angela aside, "We are in a secluded spot, we can rest for the night, no fires, no lights. We can get an earlier start in the morning. I will take the dog and go back along the trail looking for any trouble".

With that, the group set to rest for the night. Bobby or Angela would spell Captain Chu in four hours.

Joyce and her band of soldiers did not stop to rest. They were hot on the trail and were determined to find the two scientists and whoever was with them.