CH 105
Kouta and Kaede stood at the bow and watched out over the ocean. Both had seen the ocean before, but being out on it was a new experience. Water was all around them. Nothing but water.
"It's like we are the only ones in the world," Kaede said as she stared off at the horizon.
"Yeah, it kinda is," Kouta agreed. He put an arm around her. "If that was truly the case, I'm happy it's you here with me."
Kaede leaned into him and blushed. "As am I," she replied softly.
Looking into each other's eyes, they slowly came together, each anticipating a sweet kiss. From behind them, Yuka let out a screech.
"Kouta!" Yuka cried. "There you are. Cameron asked if you can come up to the pool deck. You can bring Kaede with you."
Kaede glared at Yuka for the interruption. "I really should kill that stupid girl!" she grumbled under her breath. "It would be a real shame if Yuka fell overboard, wouldn't it, Kouta?" she asked loud enough for Yuka to hear.
Kouta winced. "Kaede, please don't kill Yuka," he begged. He turned to Yuka and said, "Coming." He let go of Kaede to head back. Kaede grabbed his hand and came with him. She eyed Yuka unkindly.
.
Coming onto the pool deck Kouta was the group around the bar of Cameron, Delilah, a redheaded woman he didn't know and an a pair of older men. He and Kaede stopped to listen.
"... besides the drugs, they are also bringing Chinese into Mexico as well as plenty of guns. Fully auto AK 47's, Chinese made. So far, these Chinese don't cross the border with the drug dealers. We haven't found where they are going," Tom explained. "The last I knew, supposedly the Mexican government has no idea they are there. Personally, I think they are either well paid off or fear for their lives so they won't admit anything is going on."
"From what you're telling us, this drug dealer China coalition plans to invade us." Cameron said.
Tom shrugged. "Why else would they bring weapons? I don't think it will be a classic invasion thought. They will work at us like they are working on the Mexicans. Threats and bribery to undermine us, if they aren't already."
Catherine said, "John Henry has been watching them. There are two main collections of Chinese nationals, both near the Arizona and Texas borders. The area is a popular drug route. Their estimated numbers are 2,500. More are coming in, only 10, 15 at a time. They get off the incoming ships and just work their way inland."
"A slow buildup so it will be un noticed," Cameron agreed. "And we can expect no help from the Mexican government?"
Tom let out a snort. "Nothing. But if we are caught doing anything there, you know they will raise a big stink."
"Then, we don't get caught," Cameron stated.
"We are talking thousands here," Catherine reminded her. "There will be no single, quick strike. The chances of someone seeing and escaping to warn the cartels is very great. These drug cartels are powerful, and they are organized. They are also cruel. Killing is not the worst thing they do. They revel in torture, especially the torture of the families of who they suspect."
"Kouta, what are they talking about?" Kaede asked, not understanding English.
"Problems. Chinese working with Mexican drug runners." he said quietly.
Cameron turned to him. "Kouta, We may have a favor to ask of you and Kaede later on."
"Helping to kill these humans?" Kaede asked.
"Helping to protect our town while we go killing the drug runners and Chinese." Cameron told her.
"Won't our government put up security at the border?" Delilah asked. "I mean come on, where's the army?"
Tom cast her a sad glance. "The current administration does not believe there is a threat along the border."
"Are they stupid?" Delilah asked.
"They are politicians." Tom stated. "That's why I worked hard to get this group together."
"Tom, Catherine, I have been working at China's internet and communications. Let me try to get those troops withdrawn and misdirect their ships," Cameron said. "Since we are out on the ocean anyway, maybe we can grab one. International waters, no country will be blamed."
"I think misdirecting it would be the best option," Catherine said. "Instead of somewhere in Mexico, send it to Los Angeles. I'll have John Henry alert customs it's on it's way."
Catherine then turned to Kaede and asked in Japanese. "You are Kaede?"
"I am, and you are?" Kaede replied.
"Catherine Weaver. This is Tom Smith, I think you know Cameron and Delilah Connor. Tom and James are human, the rest of us are not. That does not bother you, does it?"
Kaede let out a snort. "No, I can handle Tom and James being human as long as they behave themselves."
Catherine grinned. "Yes, no one's perfect. What we do is try to minimize some of the foolishness humans are known for that gets the world into trouble. Things like thinking it's a good idea to set off nuclear weapons, push limits until wars break out. Excessive greed, things of that nature. Do you think you might be interested in helping us?"
"I've had my share of human encounters." Kaede stated.
"We all have," Catherine replied. "That's why we now keep a close eye on them. Many humans do behave well. Some do not. If we can stop those who misbehave before they do something very stupid, we can keep the world a more peaceful place."
"Just where is this Far Away?" Kaede asked.
Catherine looked confused. "Far away?" she asked.
Delilah had to grin. "That is what Nana calls Driftwood. Since I told her she was far away from where she began, she insists our home is called Far Away."
"To Nana it is," Cameron noted.
Kaede looked over at Nana and Mayu, playing with a beach ball in the pool. She was glad to see smiles on their faces. She also noticed something else. "Nana's arms seem a bit longer."
Cameron told her, "Yes, Nana's arms and legs will grow back out. We are healing her. While she heals, we're going to need to trim her fake limbs back."
Kaede cast Cameron a surprised look. "How is that possible? To grow back a limb?"
"We made it possible. Nana is going to be reinforced on the inside also," Cameron explained. "We take care of those who want help."
.
Cameron went to the lounge and got on her laptop. The yacht had satellite comms. She got on the Chinese net and searched specifically for shipping. She found two ships were currently headed for Mexico. On the command channel, she redirected them to Los Angeles and then contacted John Henry with the ship's names, and their projected arrival date. She also let him know they were suspected of carrying drug and weapons.
She was sure getting caught would cause more chaos for them in the long run. it would also be a more relaxing trip for her.
.
At Joe's garage, John had come and talked to Joe about converting cars to run on Alcohol. He could do it, even with fuel injected, computer controlled cars, it just took a few parts and some modifications like reprogramming the computer, and cutting out the catalytic converter that was no longer needed.
Joe also had his idea of what to use, to run a car if not gasoline. A water tank, and a high volume electrolysis unit, and cars could run on the hydrogen/oxygen mix. This conversion was a little more expensive, but then the owner was able to fill up at home from his own water supply. In his off time, Joe worked out what the average cost for each conversion would take, then made posters to hang in the front office so people could see them. The alcohol conversion was less expensive, but with the more expensive hydrogen conversion, the car owner never needed to buy fuel ever again. Just filter the water they were using before putting it into their tank. Of course, Joe would supply the kits and do the conversions here in the shop.
When customers came in, he made sure they looked at the two posters.
The only one who wasn't happy Joe was offering this was the owner of the gas stations in town. Since many people had begun hoarding gasoline after the announcement of petroleum production was going to be shut down, the price of gas had doubled in the last two weeks. Synthetic oil also became very popular, even with the people who didn't need to put it in their cars.
Three weeks after the initial announcement was made, it was changed to petroleum production would be decreased, not eliminated. Apparently here were riots all over the country from that first executive order, as well as a ton of lawsuits.
John still went ahead with his alcohol plant, as did Barnabas. Besides cane sugar, the unsalable grapes farmers in the area had also yielded a decent amount of alcohol, and with John buying up the leftovers, made all those farmers happy. He was just in time to get two truckloads of sad looking grapes from the Littletons and the Johnson farm. The Lewis family kept their own alcohol production.
John was also happy that Daniel, Jackie, Lily and Louise wanted to help with the alcohol plant. At the old shooting range on the other side of the road from the house, John had the land flattened and the pant started. He did a first 'test' batch with a small still and some of the grapes he got. the first batch was a light purple color, and it burned when he put a flame to it. It also smelled like grape. With a bushel of those grapes, he got a gallon and a half of alcohol.
John also had the sheriff visit him. John was in the garage when he saw the sheriff's car pull up outside. John greeted the sheriff as he got out of his car.
"Hey sheriff, what can I do for you today?" John asked.
The Sheriff pulled out a pack of papers. "Hey John. Heard your working on making alcohol fuel."
"Yeah, I am. If we're not going to have gas, then cars have to run on something," John agreed.
The sheriff handed him the stack pf papers. "That's why I got these for you. A couple applications so you can make fuel, an the federal requirements of the fuel you make."
"Thanks," John said and accepted the papers. he looked at the top page, which was the federal requirements for 'E-85'. He frowned. "I have to have 15% gasoline in the mix?"
"By law, yes. I know a few who don't to that, but it's a risk they are taking. So far, no feds have come around looking for moonshiners, but you never know. If you plan on selling your fuel, you know someone will be coming to see what you're doing. It's best to be within the law."
"So, what happens when there's no gas to be found?" John asked.
"From what I seen, the gas production isn't going to be stopped cold, too many people screaming about it. It's just going to be reduced," the sheriff explained.
John read further and frowned. "An inspector from the federal government needs to be here? I have to provide taxes, in monetary or product form to the government?" he asked.
The sheriff chuckled. "You don't think the government doesn't want their share?" he asked.
"This says 20 percent!" John cried, staring at the sheriff.
"Don't look at me like that, I didn't make this stuff up," the sheriff told him. "Just letting you know what to expect so feds don't come in and try to take everything you got. And they will if they think you're making illegal alcohol. Most shiners had separate properties they have their stills on, just for that reason. So they don't lose their homes and lands if they do get caught."
John let out a sigh. "Yeah, OK. So I have to sell a piece of land where the plant will be, just in case?"
"Wouldn't hurt."
John looked at the requirements again. "Hazardous material permits?" he asked. "It's friggin alcohol!"
The sheriff laughed. "Yeah, there are some weird laws, but they are laws."
John was beginning to rethink his plans. there was no way they could remain unknown if he had to do all this paperwork with the government. Maybe Cameron could help with this. He also toyed with the idea of just getting Barnabas set up for his alcohol factory so John would not be directly associated with it.
.
Sitting on a lounge chair on the back deck, Cameron wondered how long Catherine had known about Nana and Kaede. Quire a while if she had been guiding Nana on her trip. It was no secret Catherine kept a close watch on things, and she didn't always tell people her plans. Cameron also doubted Catherine had enough advanced notice to get this boat all the way to Japan just to pick them up. She was already doing something else in this area.
Her phone rang. It was John. "Yes John?"
John told her about all the paperwork and taxes involved with getting a plant to make alcohol going and the government 'inspectors' involved after it was started. He agreed that the operation was too high profile for them, and if anything just get Barnabas set up so he could do it. He was the business man after all, and Daniel wanted to be involved with it as well. Let them do it.
They talked a while, Cameron told him they were on a ship coming back across the ocean and they wouldn't be home for at least a month and a half. John wasn't happy about that, but at least they got out of Japan without any major conflicts. He assured her everything at home was fine, so to enjoy her cruise. "The only thing I'm worried about is Joan," he told her. "She's burning the candle at both ends, playing on two football teams. Allison came to see how their house is coming along and to visit her parents. After the NFL season is over, Allison will be playing with Joan on the women's teams, and Bob's going to come home for a bit. We might see Joan for a week or two, but she'll be going back to play for Austin. She needs to pick one team and stick with them."
"Are you thinking it's too much for her?" Cameron asked.
John chuckled. "Probably not for her, but I don't want to see her ruining her relationships over football," John explained.
"There's more to life than a football field," Cameron agreed. "Let's hope she realizes that. How about the other kids?"
"JJ's happy as a clam helping the Littleton's with their farm, so is Jackie with the fencing center and Daniel. Louise is is doing great with her piano playing. She plays on her keyboard at home, and she's really good at it. So what is Catherine doing there in the eastern pacific?"
"I don't know. My biggest concern right now is that she gets us home. She told us about a growing problem. I'll let you know about that when we get home." Cameron said. She noted Kaede come and sit down beside her. "I'm hoping we get home a little faster than a month and a half, but right now, I don't see it happening."
"Don't forget, we got an airfield now. If you can catch a small plane, they can land here," John reminded her.
"If I can find one, we will be taking it," Cameron assured him. "Trust me, I do want to get home as soon as possible."
Kaede spoke up. "Catherine wants to see us up in the pilot house."
Cameron looked at her and nodded. "John, I'll call you back later, something's come up. Bye for now."
"OK, bye hon."
"She tell you what this is about?" Cameron asked, shifting to Japanese.
"She wants everyone there first."
"Figures. Let's go."
Kaede cast Cameron a sideways glance. "I have to ask, why."
"Why what?"
"Why you were willing to come all this way and get us away from there."
Cameron replied, "Nana missed all of you, and I found out you were being hunted by your government. as I said before, all the things you did when you were younger wasn't all your fault, but your government wanted to believe so. The best solution was to remove you from the area."
"You know nothing about me," Kaede stated.
"I know enough." Cameron stated. "I know you were in a bad orphanage, I know you were held for many years in that facility. I know not once did the people who held you try to help you. From the bits I got from Nana, that place would have made me a murdering maniac also. I also know that if given the chance, you would have been put back in there if not killed outright if those government people were able. I'd much rather see you doing something, than hiding your whole life."
"I was made to destroy the human race," Kaede said bluntly.
"So was I," Cameron replied. "I have also grown in wisdom and knowledge since then. I no longer follow those instructions. I do what I feel is best. No one, no thing controls me. I am Cameron, not some slave to do what another tells me to. Delilah and Catherine are the same. They choose their own destiny as I do. You can too."
"You are not a diclonius." Kaede stated.
"You are not a terminator," Cameron replied. "It is no secret each of us can make people dead very fast and do as much destruction as we like. I've found it's best to reserve those impulses to those who deserve to be wiped out. Unless I miss my guess, you have a family as I do. Protecting them and doing your best for them should be your top priority."
Kaede frowned. "So it doesn't bother you what I am?"
"What you are is not important. What you do is," Cameron stated.
.
As Cameron suspected, Catherine has another reason for being in this area. Seeing Catherine had a map out, Cameron eyed it. "What's this?" she asked.
"This small island, that is where the cargo ships pick up the guns and the drugs," Catherine explained. "It is in Japanese waters so if it is found, then Japan will be blamed for adding these things to those ships. We'll be there tomorrow. We are going for complete destruction. All people, buildings and docks, and any ocean going vehicles we find there."
Cameron nodded. "I see. You picked us up so we can help destroy that place."
"Yes," Catherine said.
Cameron looked at Kaede. "Feel like letting a bit of anger loose?"
Kaede eyed her. "So this is why you brought me here?" she asked in a hard tone.
"No. I didn't know anything about it until just now. I'm not saying you have to. You can if you want," Cameron told her.
"But Catherine here expects me to," Kaede stated.
"As Cameron said, you can participate if you wish to. It was Cameron and Delilah I was wanting to go help destroy this place." Catherine said.
Delilah chuckled. "OK, that's why you came to get us."
"Yes," Catherine admitted. "It will go faster if there are three of us."
"These are bad guys," Delilah said with a shrug. "Sure, how to we get on that island and not be seen?"
"Here on the north side are cliffs. The boat can pull close to the shore. We throw ropes over and climb," Catherine said. "This ridge is narrow, nothing up there. we go down the other side and and into their compound. Destroy communications first, then lay waste to everything."
"I want to go too," Kaede said. "I want to see what you people can do."
Cameron cracked a grin and said, "Likewise."
.
The next day they approached the island in the afternoon. Cameron and Delilah scrutinized the cliffs for any monitoring devices. Not only along the tops, but also on the face of the cliff. Other than a few cracks in the stone, they found nothing. Gathered on the bow of the boat, Catherine, Cameron, Delilah and Kaede waited for the boat to come close enough to get the ropes up.
"It's not that tall," Kaede said, looking up.
Seventy feet." Catherine told her.
Kaede grabbed one end of a rope by the grapple. "Cameron, get the other end."
Cameron did. "These are hundred foot ropes," she said.
Close to the cliffs, Kaede jumped. She flew up on top of the cliff and found a place to set the grapple. She then waved for them to come up.
Cameron climbed up first, followed by Catherine and Delilah. The ridge top was narrow and steep on both sides. Cameron pulled the rope up and tossed in down the slope. They walked down the steep part, eyeing the compound down by a long dock. It looked to be ten buildings, a freighter was docked.
"Coms first," Catherine reminded them.
"The antenna to the left, second building in, and the ship radio," Cameron said. "Sink the ship?"
"Not at dock, we take it out and sink it," Catherine told her. "I'll get the ship and wait for you."
"As you said, comms first," Cameron said. "Delilah, get that building with the antenna, I'll get the ship." Both their plasma guns came out.
"Ready?"
"Now."
Cameron opened up on the top of the ship, erasing everything that stuck up above the wheelhouse in back, then worked her way down to destroy the bridge and everything on it. Delilah chopped the antenna down and blew big holes in the roof until all that was left was a burning shell. Catherine morphed into a silver snake and slithered away as she changed her color to match the terrain.
Kaede grinned. Yes, these people were good at destruction. She felt she had to do her share.
With Cameron and Delilah blowing things apart and Kaede chopping them up with her vectors, those ten buildings didn't last long. Neither did the men who who managed to run out with their AK 47's. Piles of ash and blown apart bodies was all that was left of them. By the time they waked down into the compound, it was in burning ruins. To the side they found a storehouse with crates of weapons and drugs. A single plasma bolt into the inside got it burning good. Apparently, these guys weren't expecting trouble.
Even though the bridge was in melted ruins, Catherine found the control wires to start the engine and back the ship out away from the dock. They all got on . The water here was deep, so she only took it a few hundred yards from shore. The boat pulled along side. After Kaede and Catherine jumped down on the boat, Cameron and Delilah blew holes in the bottom of the ship, then got on the boat themselves.
Not to be out done, Kaede slashed some long rips into side of the ship as they pulled away.
"Was it good for you?" Cameron asked her, wearing a grin.
Kaede ginned back. "Yes, actually, it was good stress relief."
Holding up a finger, Cameron said, "Remember, only bad guys and only when we won't be seen by anyone else."
With the damage done to it, the freighter sank out of sight before the island faded away into the horizon.
Now they had some boring weeks ahead of them crossing the pacific ocean. At least Kaede had Kouta to keep occupied with. Yuka, Kaede knew she just had to put up with. There was one thing Kaede was happy with. Cameron and Delilah were much different than she was, but then again, not so different.
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Lily was finding she was enjoying taking care of the alligator. Although it was big and scary looking, it wasn't mean to her, or any of them. She'd feed it with Jackie or Peggy, and at times by herself. When the eggs hatched there was a bunch of tiny alligators to feed also. A pack of three foot long alligators would come by now and then to get some food also.
Lily also found she liked helping to take care of the house with Peggy. Louise had her piano she practiced a lot on. That was fine, Lily liked hearing the music. That was, when Louise wasn't out swimming in the lake with Jackie. With harvest coming up, she knew they'd have to go home soon. Both Louise and Jackie promised they would take care of their alligators. They also reminded Lily that the ones up in the swamp near the farm were not friendly ones.
JJ got the call that harvest would be soon. The trio packed up into Johnny's little truck and they returned to the farm to help get things ready for harvest. Vacation was over for now.
Upon arriving at the farm, JJ and the girls got a hearty welcome home. Lily told everyone about feeding the alligators and swimming in the pool. Eddie and his girls cringed at the thought of getting close to something that big with such big teeth. They thought Lily, as well as Peggy, were very brave to even get close to something like that.
After the family reunion, they got down to work making sure all the wagons and wine presses were ready to work. The migrant workers arrived the next day. They were ready to begin the harvesting.
.
The Gas station owner, Miguel, came into the sheriff's office, upset. "Sheriff, The gas delivery didn't come! I'm running low and they said I have to wait another two weeks!"
The sheriff shrugged. "What do you want me to do about it?"
"I'm going to be out in another few days! On top of that, the price of gas and diesel had doubled!" Miguel complained.
"You knew this was coming. You should be rationing the gas out," the sheriff told him. "There's no law that says they have to supply you. Can you try another company?"
"Not with the contract I got. Felix up in Johnson City has the same problem. This is not right!" Miguel fumed. "What are we gonna do?"
The sheriff knew having fuel was important to this town. With no fuel, everything would grind to a halt. "I'll see what I can do. In the mean time, sell only to service vehicles. Trucks, school buses, Joe's wrecker. People are working on it." He also knew that there was no warning on this 'reduced output' of fuels. For once the government acted quickly - on something that was going to seriously cripple the economy.
After Miguel left fuming, the sheriff tried to call the Governor. All three lines were busy. The County Commissioner's lines were also busy. Knowing the gas situation, he didn't want to drive up to Johnson City. He decided to sent Aliana up to see them. He did reinforce to her that there would be no magic used, other than travel, and she could not hurt anyone.
"So, what do I do then?" she asked.
"Find out if the state can delay this extreme slowdown of production," he told her. "See if they can give us a bit more time to adjust."
She frowned at him. "That's it?"
"That is all we can legally do," he explained.
Aliana let out a sigh. "Yes, Master. This shouldn't take long," she said then disappeared.
The sheriff rubbed his forehead. What idiots decided it was a good thing to order petroleum production to be cut so rapidly?
Pedro was next in the door, looking upset. "Sheriff! Miguel won't sell me any gas. My buses are all but empty!" he cried.
"He doesn't have much left to sell, and he won't be getting any for another coupe weeks," the sheriff told him.
"What are we gonna do?" Pedro cried.
"We're working on it."
.
This was a conference final game coming up, Joan was surprised when Coach Emerson got the team together and said, "Our game has been cancelled."
"What? Why?" Greg asked loudly.
"Seems we are not authorized to use transportation to get to Miami. Only service vehicles and vital air flights are allowed to move," he explained. "The league is talking to Austin, or trying to. From what I heard, the capitol is a mess right now. All teams are on a two week delay. No private vehicles or non essential transportation can get fuel. So, we're stuck here until this madness is resolved."
"Who's brilliant idea was this?" Joan cried.
.
The sheriff had called a town meeting in the high school auditorium. John came to find the place packed. At the entrance doors, the Sheriff's secretary was greeting people.
"Welcome, Mr. Connor, we/re happy you could make it," she said.
"Know what this is about?" he asked.
"Yes, the sheriff has news about the recent changes in the law." Quieter, she added, "And what we're doing about them."
"Good," he replied.
"Seats are all taken, just stand as close as you can to the front," she instructed.
John went in. Not only were all the seats filled, but so were both isles near the walls. He went down the middle isle and sat behind the group there, it was only about a third full.
It was another few minutes before the doors were shut. Right after that, the sheriff came out on stage.
"Afternoon everyone," the sheriff said with a wave. "I finally got news from Austin. The Governor has spoken with other Governors from states, and they are in agreement. We are not going to follow Washington's degree of restricting petroleum production. Yesterday, the government inspectors were collected from our refineries and pumping stations. Those who willingly to, left. Those who refused to leave are in jail. The Texas National Guard is being renamed the Texas guard. Again those who do not wish to comply are being removed from service. Consequently, they are looking for recruits. The Governor also refuses to remove border walls in Texas, and the Texas Guard is being deployed to replace the Border patrols that are being laid off. Many of them are joining the Texas guard. We also need volunteers for the area militia. We will need to select a commander for that also. I'd like to collect any suitable weapons to help build this guard force."
He paused and scanned the crowd. "Right now, things are not looking good. The Governor is taking precautions in case things get worse. Hopefully bureaucrats can solve our current problems. If they can't, it will be up to us. Driftwood is a peaceful town, we all like it that way. Unfortunately, it may not be peaceful much longer. I thought everyone should know what's happening. Anyone wanting to join the Texas Guard, or the local Guard, or begin their own fuel production, come see me tomorrow in my office. Thank you for coming. John Connor and Dave Lewis, please come see me back stage."
John got up as the people did around him. He went against the flow out to make his way to the front of the stage. The sides were blocked by the mass of people, so he climbed up on the stage to go back stage.
What the sheriff said, sounded serious.
.
No games for at least two weeks. Joan was tempted to go home, but she only had a half tank of gas herself, and she'd need a full tank for the trip. The parking lot was guarded, but Joan thought it was safer just staying put in their their apartment. The streets of Dallas were filled with protesters. She didn't want Bob out there. Allison was still home, hopefully things there hadn't exploded like it did here.
Watching the news, it was like this all over the country. The severe reduction of gas and instance everyone shift immediately to electric cars was not going over well with anyone. After an hour of watching the news, Bob and Joan had seen enough.
"Let's go watch out for the Bronco, someone might try to steal the gas we got," Bob said.
Joan nodded.
They went out in the lot and saw many others were there also. A band of teenagers came in with siphon hoses and empty gas cans. They were chased out. Talking to other residents, they decided a constant watch was needed to keep out the gas thieves.
Coming down the street was a policeman on a horse. He lifted a bullhorn and announced, "Attention everyone. Please, give me your attention. The Governor has refused to give in the the order of decreased fuel production! I repeat, the Governor had refused to give in to the order of reduced fuel production! He has other news also that will be on tonight on the news. Please, go home and wait for the Governor's newscast!"
He rode a block then repeated his announcement. People cheered him on and crowds on the street began to move away.
"I guess we're watching the six o-clock news," Joan said.
