"Honor and Courage"
by The Merry Prankster
Chapter 3: The Reveille
Murphy's Laws of Combat #3: Teamwork is essential, It gives the enemy other people to shoot at.
Brisco Park:
Snellville, Georgia
1630 hours
August 9, 2000
The Rohirrim and Elves spent the next hour helping the hostages get on their feet and ready to move. The hostage takers on the other hand, were the subject of yet a far different discussion.
Mike wandered over to Erica, "Hey Erica, you ready to get back to the ranch. It's getting dark."
Within the last few minutes, Haldir, Eomer, Xander, David, Erica, Legolas, and Reggie had come up and introductions were quickly made. That done, Mike announced, "Now that we have everybody here and the survivors have been looked after, what's next?"
"With as late as it is I suggest we make camp and get a fresh start in the morning." Erica injected.
"Back to the ranch?" asked David.
"HUH....is the base closer?" Erica questioned with a slightly red face.
Mike raised an eyebrow, "Why my dear Erica, did something happen between you and our good elven friend last night, hmmmmm?"
"Nope just don't relish the idea of anyone else seeing the room my cus trashed."
"HEY I DIDN'T TRASH IT, I IMPROVED IT!" Reggie's voice could be heard from the supply area where she was busy trying to find something decent to wear and looking for her backpack that she had traveled with from Florida.
"But you are more than likely right, the Ranch will be closer. But what about the those." Erica replied as pointed to the prisoners.
"Look Erica, GET OVER IT. The ranch is the most secure place for the survivors." answered Mike in a dead serious voice.
+++
Meanwhile Eomer and Haldir were deep in discussion over what to do with the prisoners. Eomer nodded and pointed towards Xander, "They were your captors, what do you want to do?"
+++
Mike looked back to Eomer and rubbed his chin, deep in thought. Finally he asked Erica, "Is there something you want to talk about?"
"Nope." Erica answered with a straight face that screamed. "I AM LYING."
"Are you sure" Mike asked
"Yup, there is nothing to talk about." Erica said as she coyly turned away from her friend.
"Okay, whatever" Mike said as he turned and moved over to speak with Eomer. "Eomer, lets take care of the prisoners and take the hostages back to the ranch. I'll show you the way."
"Jail with no hope of parole sounds good to me." Xander said with an evil smile.
David pointed to a point outside the park, "There is the Snellville police station. They should have a holding cell big enough for them and we can post guards."
"You can't just leave us there." One of baddies whined. "We will die of starvation. You are the good guys and you can't do that."
Haldir looked back with a dark look, "You are lucky you were no able to inflict any harm on these innocents. Otherwise I would have had no trouble with having your throats slit where you stand. After all, the dead can't betray us."
"Now that sounds like a real plan." Erica remarked, sending a cold stare towards the baddie who whined.
Eomer took one look at the teen before holding up an arm to calm her down, "However, David's plan is for the best. We shall hold them in this jail of his. Now Master Xander, would you have anybody willing to guard them with my people?"
"I said no hope of parole. I was meaning we would lock them up and throw away the key." Xander said as tried to get his point across the elf.
Mike explained, "What our good friend from Boulder is trying to say is that we should lock the prisoners in a cage and forget about them."
Legolas didn't like the way the conversation was going so spoke up, "We should not make such a life or death decision on a short notice. However, for the night we should post a guard while we are here."
"Fine but if it's one of mine I have a feeling by morning they won't be needing guards for bodies." Xander remarked.
"Then we will have one of yours and one of mine together," decided Eomer.
Xander nodded in agreement.
"What about the bitch leader?" Erica asked
"Put her in a separate cell," answered Mike.
"Mike I think there should be at least four guarding with rotating shifts." David suggested
Haldir spoke up, "Your friend speaks wisely, Michael. I'll have two of mine also join in. We do not require as much sleep as men."
"Hey what if the bitch tries to seduce one?" Reggie questioned as she approached the group from behind and had been listening in on the conversation that had risen among the group.
Haldir looks at the girl as if she had no idea of what she was talking about. "You can rest assure that would never happen."
"Maybe for you honey, but what about the others?" Reggie says as she finished putting on a leather jacket.
"Young lady, my people would never disgrace our Lady with such behavior."
"Listen handsome, no offence but I think we should have all male human or non to keep their distance from her or at least leave a woman behind to guard her. Or I could just shoot her." Reggie offered.
Mike had been listening and turned to Eomer, "You know, she does have a point. It would be easier."
"I call dibbs on shooting her first." Reggie gleefully jeered.
"Can we let her? Please."
"We had a deal you promise to let me leave if I told you about your scouts." Rickie (the Bitch) pleaded with Xander.
"Guys I did agree to let her live I just didn't agree to what condition she'd be in." Xander answered with a evil grin.
Mike looked up at the setting sun, "Well guys, it will be dark in a couple of hours. Lets get this settled so we can be back at the ranch."
"Got a problem there Mike we should grab some stuff and I'll make one of my dinner." Erica remarked.
"With homemade ice cream?" Legolas asked. At which several stomachs could be heard."
"Well, there is that Krogers just south on 124 that should do. However, we'll have to stick to canned goods or anything sealed. Everything else will have gone bad since the power went off."
"I think me and Reggie can whip up some Goulash with that." Erica remarked as she started to estimate how much food they will need.
Then we should break into three groups," observed Haldir. ""The first, to lead the survivors to your ranch. The second to secure the prisoners, and the third to acquire supplies, "
"I'll go with the supply run. Reggie goes to the Ranch she can deactivate the security system." Erica suggested.
"My elves and myself will accompany the refugees to the ranch," added Haldir.
Eomer nodded in agreement, "Michael and David should also join the elves back at the ranch while Legolas and I accompany Lady Erica."
"Hold on a sec." Erica says as walks over to her cus and they each give each other a large heartfelt hug. Then Erica says with a laugh. "You better clean my room before I get back."
"Yeah, right, like that will happen!" Reggie remarked with a devilish smile.
David swiftly mounted his horse. Leaning over to Mike he quietly added, "Want to tape any interaction between Reggie and Haldir?"
"Naw, leave the good Marchwarden alone, "ordered Mike. "Besides, lets see if the security cameras were able to record anything that might have happened between Erica and Legolas."
"They've all been erased." Erica remarks as she scares the hell out of the two teens .
David snapped his fingers, "CRAP, should've known she would think of that."
Mike grinned and whispered, "There is that. However, there is also that little backup I installed linked to a separate hard drive that should provide more blackmail material."
"Nice try but it got dumped too." Erica snickers. "Gramps system doesn't like any new hard or software not installed by me or gramps."
Mike slowly turned back and gave Erica his most evil grin, "We shall see. We shall see" With that he rode off to rejoin the refugees.
+++
Western Elm Tree Ranch
Snellville, Georgia
1700 hours
August 9, 2000
It did not take long to get the refugees settled in the ranch house while they waited for Erica and company to come back with the supplies. Mike held up his rifle, making sure it was loaded and walked past the Marchwarden on his way to the front door. Noticing the teen's melancholy expression, Haldir decided to join the teen and find out what was the matter.
"Michel something seems to be troubling you may ask as to what it is?" The elf prompted
The teen continued out the door. Without looking back, he mentioned, "Just thought I'd go check out the perimeter. One can never be sure that we are alone out here."
"I shall accompany you." Haldir informed the teen with a certain cat following them.
The two moved to the edge of the property and walked alongside for about twenty minutes. Mike stopped and stared out in the darkness. Watching closely, the elf barely caught the look of pain come across the teen's face.
Placing a hand on the youth's shoulder he remarks. "Don't hold it in. Let it out or it will come out at the wrong time."
"What are you taking about?" asked the teen, not bothering to face the elder.
"Michael I can sense your pain." The elf told him.
The teen slowly turned to face the elf. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yes."
"And I suppose, you will not let it drop until I reveal what I am thinking?"
"Not what you are thinking, what you are feeling. It is never good to let it fester."
The teen sat down on a fallen log and motioned for the Marchwarden to pull up a stump. Silence reigned for what seemed like hours before he spoke, "I guess it has to so with finding Reggie alive and Gandalf looking like Gramp's twin in almost every aspect."
Mike didn't wait for the elf to answer before flinging away the branch he had been fiddling with in anger. "Who the hell decided that Erica could have TWO members of her family show up alive!"
Haldir continued to listen in confronting silence all the while longing for the right words to help ease the teen's pains. For he had grown to care and respect the child as if he was his own.
Mike got up an began pacing, "What have I done to deserve having my family dying in front of me. The only thing that kept me from joining them by my own hand was my duty to the little children as well as my friends. My house is but a few miles away and I cannot even think about coming closer, less I break down completely and I cannot afford that to happen!"
The elf stood up and placed one of his hands on each of the boy's shoulder, forcing the boy to look at him. "Michael no one should have to go what you and your friend went through but you did and live. The pain is still to fresh for you to face your home now but someday you will have overcome it. And when that day comes, I will be there with you too. Death is never the answer for it leads only to hurt but life leads to far great things. Do not be afraid of it."
The teen sat back down, "Don't worry, I have no intention of taking the easy way out. It would devastate Erica and there's too much left to do in Middle Earth. I gave King
Theoden my word that I would be there for the duration of this emergency and I will keep that word. Somehow, when I was younger I knew my was going to have a purpose this world, I knew I was going to be an Army officer and I imitated dad right down to being strong for everyone else. Duty, Honor, Country, those were the words to live by even back then. But, it feels as if God, the Valar, or whatever higher being there is playing with me. It's just so, so hard being left behind. Watching Erica around Gandalf and now Reggie makes me feel so very alone at times."
"You are not alone." Erica says from the darkness.
"How much did you hear?" asked the startled teen.
"All of it." Erica solemnly answers than says. "Mike we've been best friends since 4th grade. I am so sorry that having some of my family alive hurts you. But remember this Mike you were there for me when my dad went MIA not Reggie or Gramps it was you that kept me from killing myself. So you are more like a brother to me if I had had a real brother."
Mike smiled, "I couldn't let my best friend go through that alone. I am happy for you really, It's just so hard being this close and yet so far."
"Mike don't give up hope if Gramps and Reggie made it through maybe yours and the rest of everyone else's families made it through." Erica told the teen as she embraced him.
Returning the hug, Mike softly replied, "I haven't given up hope with friends like you and guys, not to mention the grown ups we have become attached to recently. I'm okay, really."
"Well I hope this helps." Erica says as she holds up a DVD. "I even got Xander to sign it just for you."
"Just promise not to tell Gandalf I gave it to you." Erica laughed
"Thanks, I'll watch it later. But there is still a war on back there and I'm ready to get back in the game."
"Haldir I hope everyone has their wills in order." Erica remarked to the elf.
"Why do you ask such a question?"
"Because Middle Earth in going to get the EXTREME version of Mike after he watches that tape." Erica laughed
"Actually, I prefer to think of myself as focused and dedicated towards defeating the forces of darkness by whatever means," countered Mike.
"And now we have the leader of the Earth Extreme Sports wanting to team up with you."
"Why is that I am suddenly afraid." Haldir teased the youth.
"Yeah just picture what him and Xander will do against a fellbeast?" Erica jeers
"Wait till you see my new toys in action," warned the teen. "Although, you should think more Earl and myself instead with bigger booms."
"OH SHIT! Mike you didn't get what I think you got?" Erica remarks with a smile
"Lets just say Lord Sauron will be introduced to Ma Deuce and Mr. Stinger, courtesy of Earl and myself," laughed the teen.
"You better have brought me some party favors too," Erica told him with glee
"Well, we will have lots of things that go boom," admitted Mike. "You think they will allow me to take flying lessons? I mean imagine zooming into Mordor doing 800 knots at tree top level to deliver a very special package to the dark lord himself!"
"Reggie could always borrow a jet. Remember her dad was Airforce and she got to go on a quite a few runs without brass permission." Erica remind him.
A look of deep concern followed by determination came over the Marchwarden as he sensed what the teens were talking about. Grabbing each by one ear, "I think it is time for two teens to eat dinner and go to bed and not speak of such nonsense again."
"Oh yeah that's why I am here. Dinner is almost done. Plus I got the video taping something very interest you might want to see Mike." Erica replied
"Reggie has got most of the elves making home made ice cream in tin cans." Erica laughed. "Don't worry Vidmor is making your favorite."
"Then lets go before Haldir tries to treat us like mischievous children," suggested Mike as he ran towards the house.
"Too late." Erica snickered as she chased after him
Haldir smiled as he took one last look around and swiftly pursued the children inside.
+++
The two teens raced up the steps to be met by Erica's cousin at the door. Mike's humor is quickly replaced by concern as he asks Reggie, "Why don't you get some sleep? We have a long day tomorrow."
"Dinner is ready you block head." Reggie laughs at him than she hugs him and says. "Thanks for assist Grunt boy."
"You didn't cook, did you?" asked Mike. "I really, don't want to explain to King Theoden why his people died suddenly."
"Whatever, talk to the wrist the hand is pissed." Reggie said while Mr. Cuddles started to hiss.
Erica just started laughing at the antics.
The teen grinned and ducked inside, yelling, "You get the cokes?"
"I swear, I used one wrong ingredient and he is never going to let me live it down." Reggie remarked to her cousin.
"I know I won't either." Erica said as she ran inside as she dodges a kick to ass from her cousin.
"Yeah, I love you too," retorted the teen.
Haldir merely smiled and followed the teens into the house.
The group entered to find most of the people in a line around the dining room table that had been set buffet style. They all seem to be waiting for the teens and the Marchwarden so they could say a prayer and eat.
Mike turned to address the diners, "It has been a tradition in this household for the oldest at the dining room table to bless the meal." Looking towards Haldir, he asked, "I have a feeling that you are the most experienced amongst us."
"I would be honored." Haldir answered than lowered his head and began speaking in Elvish.
After the prayer was done, the group gathered around the table to serve up the food that had been prepared. As the girls were getting their plates Reggie turns to Erica and whispers. "That was the longest prayer I ever heard."
"At least you didn't fall asleep like during Gramps'," Erica snickered back.
On the other hand, David had fallen asleep during the blessing. To top it off he was snoring very loudly. Mike elbowed the teen in the ribs, "David, wake up!"
"Huh. Whaa?" asked the groggy teen.
Mike pointed towards the adults who were staring in their direction with looks of amusement on their faces. "Your snoring was loud enough to wake the dead. I don't think it was very polite of you to subject our Lothlorien friends to such a racket," hissed the teen.
A very visibly embarrassed David looked over to Haldir and said, "Sorry."
As dinner progressed the only sounds that could be heard were that of people eating. Mike broke the silence and spoke up, "I think we should decide on what exactly we are going to do tomorrow."
"What are we going to do with the prisoners back at the jail?" Erica asked, getting right to the point at hand.
"Leave the Bitch there." Reggie sneered between bites of her food.
"What do you say, Xander?" asked Eomer in between bites.
"I said I wouldn't kill her but I didn't say I would let her go. So we leave them locked in jail with no hope of parole." Xander replied as he drank some water to wash down the food.
"But isn't that the same as killing her?" asked Haldir.
"Nope. They'll just need to find a way to live without our help." Xander explained
"Leaving her locked up with no way out is a death sentence but by starvation," countered the Marchwarden. "If that is your decision, then we might as well cut her throat. It would be more merciful in the end."
"Tempting thought," one of the freed prisoners remarked.
Mike nodded, "Its one thing to kill a foe in combat but it's quite another to have them starve to death in some jail with no hope. I could never be part of such a plan."
"No she has a hope but it will mean lowering her standards is all. She'll have to live on rats or what ever else she can find to eat. Plus she has fresh water and facilities. I think she has it better than what she gave them." Xander retorted as he pointed to the obviously malnutrition people they saved. "They we lucky if they could find a clean spot to piss in."
Mike watched the growing confrontation with concern. He definitely did not like the way it was heading. Finally, he suggested. "Why don't we bring her back with us blindfolded so she doesn't know where she was and have the king judge her?"
"Mike she isn't his responsibility. It just doesn't feel right to me. She is an American problem. My God, she didn't commit any wrong in their land only here. So I feel she should be dealt with here. But you are right that we don't have the right to judge her so I suggest the Boulder group take her there and put her in jail." Erica injected.
"Fine, I will go with Erica's suggestion but we will need some extra help in getting her there." Xander remarked knowing that he lacked the manpower to do everything at once. "We will let her live in Boulder but she'll be in jail and fed."
"Good, that I can live with," countered the teen.
Xander nodded in agreement then turned back to the matter of the prisoners. "First if I send her back to Bolder I would like some help in taking her back. There are only four of us and twelve of them to deal with." Xander explained. "I won't have the civilians who she had locked up with guns just yet. I suggest we leave the bitch with her group in jail with minimal guards split between yours and mine. So when I come back and head for Boulder I can pick them up." Xander suggested.
"I feel better with that option," stated Eomer. "Now, Master Xander are you sure you want to accompany us back to Rohan?"
"I just got to see for myself about what you said earlier." Xander explained.
"Master Michael now is there anything else that you require before we return to middle Earth." Haldir inquired.
"Yes, on our way back, I need to stop by McHales to pick a few things and it won't take long." Mike said
"Oh shit I forgot." Reggie exclaimed as she jumped up and ran up stairs.
"You have any idea?" Mike asked Erica.
"Nope."
"Happy Birthday too you." Reggie started singing as she came down the stairs with a large wrapped gift in her arms.
Eomer looked about in puzzlement, "Whose birthday is it?"
"I don't know?" Mike replied.
"Duh butt head I missed Erica's because of the Damn flu. So here's my present to her." Reggie remarked as she handed an oddly shape present to her cousin.
The others waited to see what it was. Finally, David urged, "Go on open it!"
With a tear in her eye Erica slowly but carefully started to unwrap the present.
"Damn it girl you're taking too long." Reggie jeered at her cousin.
"You realize that because your birthday was eight day ago so us saving your ass is your present." Erica jeered back.
"Just get on with it," yelled Mike.
"Oh shut up, Mike." Reggie jeered at him than heard Erica scream "OH BABY!!! YEAH now that's a weapon."
David stuck his head out from the refrigerator and asked, "What did she get?"
Erica stood up to reveal a crescent moon shaped four-foot weapons that look like it could kill someone on its own.
Mike shook his head and asked Reggie, "Where did you get that science fiction weapon like that made up?"
"First Vulcans now Klingons what next a Q?" David snickered as he recognized the weapon from Star Trek.
"Shut up David," hissed Mike. "No Vulcan remarks amongst certain friends."
"I had it specially made in Florida last year." Reggie explained. "Well it was either this or a Xena Chakram."
At her answer David went into laughing convolutions.
"Yeah I can just picture Erica squealing and throwing that souped up Frisbee," quipped Mike. He was about to say something else when he was slapped with six claws from a cat that had snuck up behind him. Instinctively, the teen tried to back handed the furball but missed since he had already jumped into Reggie's arms.
Erica looked at the weapon than walked over to where she laid her stuff and picked up the sword she had been carrying. She turned back and gave it to Reggie, saying. "I think this should work better for you than me."
"Are you sure?" Reggie asked knowing that the weapon had belonged to their grandfather.
"Yeah it's where it should be, in your hands." Erica replied with a knowing smile.
At this, the two girls embraced and tears fell for a moment before they regained the faculties
Mike spoke up in an effort to change the subject, "So who gets Gramp's 1875 Colt Peacemakers?"
"You'll have to wait on that Mike. It isn't your birthday yet." Erica snickered.
The hour was getting late when the girls decided to spend some time in the hot tub before going to bed. "Ok I don't know about you guys but I am heading for the hot tub." Reggie said to her cousin and the rest of gang as she headed up stairs to change.
When the other's finished off their desert and Eomer looked to Haldir. At the other's nod, the Rohirrim addressed the teens, "I think it's time for you young ones to go to bed. WE have a long ride ahead of us."
Mike leaned over to Reggie who had just gotten back, "Think he's trying to tell us something?"
"I don't think so boys, I am heading for the hot tub." Reggie answered as she went towards the backdoor to warm up the tub.
"Hot Tub, I am for that!" Xander piped in. "Where is it?"
"Not unless you got a swimsuit buddy." Erica remarked to man who was in his 30's.
"Never go anywhere without them," Xander replied with a sly grin.
"ewwwww, that's more information than necessary." Erica said with a slight tone of disgust.
Mike shook his head, "It's late and I am getting some shut eye."
"Oh shit." Erica muttered as she realized her cousin was going to find out she ate all her chocolates.
Mike walked over to Erica, "Night"
"Oh no you don't you have to stay up and protect me from her." Erica hissed as she grabbed his sleeve.
"I don't think so you're a big girl," Mike laughed
"Hey, I'll be out there to protect you." Xander interjected.
"And who is going to protect her from you." Karen remarked and added, "A hot soak sound so good, but I don't have swimsuit."
"Don't worry you can use my mother's suit, if you want," Erica said to the woman who was built with much more chest than the teen.
"Sure that would be wonderful." Karen said and than muttered under breath, "Oh great, an old ladies suit, it is probably soo out dated."
The two females went up stairs and changed into two pieces swimsuits and grabbed robes so not flaunt their goods in the direction of the men in the house.
As the two gals went upstairs, Xander was approached by Legolas, who than asked, "Do you think it is proper to be bathing with the ladies?"
"Someone has too!" Xander remarked as he headed outside.
Haldir proceeded towards Legolas and said. "Do not worry, we will watch from a distance, but I have a feeling that the Ladies of this world can take care of themselves."
"That is true, Lady Erica did kill six orcs with only the use of a rope and knife." Legolas replied with a slight smirk.
"When was this?" Eomer asked as he followed the two elves out.
"I have a feeling that we should worry more about master Xander than the young ladies. If he were to try anything I am sure Lady Erica's cousin, Reggie might harm him in more ways than one." Haldir remarks with a glance over his shoulder towards the girl.
At that the two elves and the horse master laughed and continued to their resting-places.
When Erica and Karen came back down they found Reggie in her two piece suit already in the tub with Xander in a very revealing speedo just about to get in. At seeing Xander in his speedo Reggie's cat hissed in disgust and quickly moved away bumping the CD player on and which started playing the song American Woman.
"The hot tub just lost it appeal. You know you should be scared when Mr. Cuddles runs off," Erica remarked.
"Be afraid, be very afraid" Karen said as she pointed to Xander who had look of some sort of devious plan on his face.
"What, can't I enjoy the company of three beautiful women in a hot tub without getting dirty looks." Xander remarked.
At that all three women started to laugh nonstop at him.
"You better get in here!" Reggie demanded out of her cousin. "Or you are going to get it later for eating all my chocolates. I leave for one day, get captured and you have eaten my whole stash of chocolate that I left at the house. Luckily, I still have a small stash that I had left in my backpack, and if you are nice and get in the tub, I'll share them with you."
"Fine, but I am not sitting next to him when he is wearing that thing!" Erica said nodding at Xander.
"It's okay, I'll sit on his other side, I am use to his bad fashion sense anyway." Karen remarked and smiled tauntingly at Xander.
At that the two join the Reggie and Xander in the tub.
Xander was surround by the three female and appeared to be heaven. "Now this is livin." Xander remarked as reached over to his bag to pull out a cigar.
"You are not going to light that thing." Erica remarked, "There is no smoking in this hot tub.
"What do you mean, I can't enjoy my two favorite things together." Xander questioned the girl.
"And just what are your two favorite things?" Reggie asked him.
"Beautiful women and cigars."
At that all three of the females said with a tone of in your dream "No fucking way!!!" and then Reggie at added what all the girls were thinking. " Only in your dreams baby."
"And what sweet dreams, they will be." Xander exclaimed as his female companions splashed water into his face.
+++
15 minutes passed as the four enjoyed the soothing comfort of the Hot tub and talked about random things/goals that they had pursued before the super flu hit.
"I was doing so many things before the Flu happen. I was starring in so many extreme sporting films that I can even count them all." Xander said.
"Oh that's why you look familiar, now I remember you, were you filming stunts two years ago in Florida on Miami Beach with motorboats." Reggie said as she remembered watching a man doing trick stunts.
"Yeah that was me. No one normally remembers me for those stunts I did in Florida, how did you know of them?" Xander inquired
"Well I was living Florida with my Mom and Dad then. We were vacationing there and I just happen to be on the beach that day." Reggie explained and continued on to what seem to be her whole life story. "I moved from Georgia with my family four years ago leaving behind my best friend/cousin, my aunt and uncle and of coarse my Gramps. My father worked for NASA and also was part of the Airforce working at the cape." Reggie said with tears in her eyes. "He was teaching me to fly his jet, secretly of course. I was a bad girl and I would sneak into his cockpit before he flew and hid until he would take off, only to be noticed half way into the flight when he would turn around to check his blind spots. Boy would he get mad, but then laugh, after a while I became his quote unquote co-pilot. Let just say 'Houston' wasn't very happy with me tagging along, but they got used to checking for me and I became an addition to their family of aviators."
"You were always getting into some form of trouble, weren't you cus." Erica interjected.
"Nothing like the trouble you were getting into. I believe that shit head in jail blamed you for ending his career, although, I most definitely believe he deserved it." Reggie retorted.
"I couldn't get into too much trouble, because Gramps always had an eye on me. He had spies everywhere." Erica said with a laugh and began to cry a little as she looked over her shoulder.
Immediately Reggie turned and put her arms around her cousin and hugged her tightly. "I should have been here sooner, but I couldn't, my parents were one the last ones to die and the National Guard wouldn't let me leave. I had to wait until they were too weak to stop me."
"Well, I haven't done anything like what guys have been doing. I merely went to college and tried not to flunk out while partying in the Frats on the Weekends." Karen said with a laugh trying to cheer up the two teenage girls.
As the girls calmed themselves and regained a cheery out look and glad to be together once again, Xander decided to ask if him and his crew could use the ranch as a resting point when they returned.
At that Both teen girls reply at the same time. "HELL NO!"
"Why not?" Asked Xander.
"Trust us, there are too many reason why you can't." Erica replied to his question. "Lets just say that our Gramps was paranoid and no one who doesn't belong to this family can stay here without problems. And to be honest, I don't think I want you to be bring any girl over and using our Hot tub." Erica said as she quivered at the bad mental image she got.
"I totally agree with my cousin." Reggie chimed into the conversation.
Noticing the time Erica decides that bed was calling. "It's late and we have a long day ahead of tomorrow so I am heading for bed."
+++
Upstairs the two teens quickly but not quietly changed out of their swim suites.
"So are you going to tell me the truth about the elves or not?" Reggie giggles out.
"We already told you the truth." Erica replies as she dries off her naked body with a towel.
"Well what or who ever they are they are HOT!" Reggie exclaims.
"SSSSSHHHHH…." Erica told her cousin.
"What?"
"The elves have really great hearing." Erica told her.
"OOOOHHHHH! Really just how do you know." Reggie remarks as she sees the crimson red on her cousin face.
"What the hell is the suppose to mean?" Erica demands quietly.
"I just happened to know that you and the elf by the name of Legolas stayed here by yourselves last night and the video records have mysteriously disappeared. Even the back up are gone." Reggie giggles as she finishes getting dressed for bed.
"I have NO idea what you're talking about." Erica says with her best innocent look.
"Don't be coy with me, I know the truth." Reggie remarks.
"Well excuse me MISS. WEEKLY PLAYER THING!" Erica remarks as she was referring to her cousin having a different guy week.
"Straight trippin Boo. Because that DAMN CAT didn't like them." Reggie remarks as she points at the sleeping cat on the window seat. Who opens it's eyes at her as if to say "What ever. They weren't good enough for you." Than he closed his eyes so that it calico Cheshire Cat grin could be clearly seen. The girl looked directly at her cousin and demanded. "So spill what happened!"
"Ok, fine cliff notes version is that when we got here I was in the shower and he decide to see how what magic caused the hot water." Erica started to explain.
"OH my god." Reggie started giggling.
"It wasn't that bad. I just end up in a freezing shower." Erica informed her cousin. "Than to get him back I almost choke him on Deep fried Breaded Jalopeno."
"What else?" Reggie inquired.
"Nothing." Erica replied with her back to her cousin try to hide the fact she was lying.
"Yeah right. That was a whole's day's worth of videotape. I know you better than that." Reggie retorted.
"So I got in the hot tub and electrical storm start and that's about it." Erica replies.
"Fine I'll drop it for now." Reggie remarks as she gets into the bed.
"Cus. I am glad you made it." Erica said as she turned off the light.
"I am happy you made it too." Reggie said with a yawn, as she turned and gave her cousin a hug that had just gotten into the bed.
Shortly into her sleep dwelling night visions surface in the forms of nightmares taking Erica at first to a beautiful city of white that started flaming. The she was next sent to a dark barren cave to face a creature of her worst fears. But she realized it wasn't her that was facing the creature it was a small being who was giving his all to fend off the creeping creature to protect another who had fallen victim to it. Erica was jolted awake when the small being was about to be stung like the first.
It took Erica few moments to realize she was in her bed and her cousin was there with her.
"Oh shit. Damn it." Erica hissed at the cat that watched her. "I need some air." She told the cat who just closed it eyes and went back to sleep on Reggie's chest.
Grabbing her robe Erica decided to check on the M.A.P. to see if Mike had plugged it in to charge while they slept. She carefully and quietly headed down stairs and out the door.
Once inside her Grandfather's work shop Erica examined the M.A.P to find that it hadn't been plugged in.
"Shit Mike." Erica cursed as she climbed under the M.A.P. to plug it in.
"Lady Erica?" A familiar voice asked.
"Ouch…Shit.." Erica yelled as she banged her head on the M.A.P's under panel.
"Erica are you alright?" Legolas heartfully asked.
"Damn it. What is it with you and scaring me?" Erica snapped back as she touched her head.
"I am sorry I saw you come outside and was wondering if you are alright." Legolas started to explain but stop when he saw blood on the hand that was holding her head.
"Well I was until... Shit I am bleeding." Erica remarks as she looks as her hand. She than walks over to the sink with the mirror to see if she could see how deep it was and to get some towels to try and stop the bleeding.
"Here let me." Legolas said as he walked next to her and got the towels than proceed to damping one and place it on her head.
For a few minutes they were both quiet while Legolas tended to her wound until Erica remarked as Legolas examined the wound once the blood let up. "Well am I going to need stitches or am I going to die?"
"You will live and no stitches are needed but some ointment is necessary." Legolas replies as he tried to hide his guilty feeling for hurting her.
"Hand me the white box with the Red Cross on it." Erica tells him as she leans towards him with her head bent.
Legolas hand her the box and she retrieves a white tube from it.
"This ointment should do, you only need a little." Erica says as she removes the lid and hands it to him.
"Erica I am sorry that I cause this, I will try to let you know before I come up behind you." Legolas apologized.
"Legolas, you don't need to be. I am sorry about snapping at you. I just didn't sleep to well." Erica tells him.
"More nightmares?" Legolas asks as he finishes rubbing the ointment on and held her face so she would look at him.
"Yeah but this was different. I was scared but not for myself, I was scared for a small being with golden brown hair. He was fighting the Biggest Fucking spider I'd ever seen. And I REALLY HATE SPIDERS! But he wasn't fighting for him self there was someone else on the ground." Erica said as she stared into his blue eyes as a tear started to form.
"They were only dreams, you need not fear them." Legolas tells her as he wipes away the tear on her cheek with his thumb.
"It felt so real." Erica says as she leans into his arms for support because she started to tremble.
" Earane Saralonde, sshhh." Legolas says as he starts to sing lightly as he held her tightly.
After a few minutes Erica's trembling stops and she comes to realize that if she were to stay where she was she would fall asleep even though her heart wanted to stay but she ultimately decided that she didn't belong there yet so she spoke up and said. "Huh, Legolas even though I think falling asleep in your arms would be nice I should go back now."
"I shall walk you back." Legolas tells her as he helps her up.
The two walk back the house in silence until they reach the front door than Erica turns to him and says with a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you and Goodnight." Than she goes back in and head upstairs for a few hours of rest.
"Good night, Earane Saralonde." Legolas says with a small smile to the closed door.
"My Lord and Cousin do you think that is wise?" Vidmor asks as Legolas comes down the front porch.
"What do you mean?" Legolas asks
"It is obvious the Lady is taken with you, but what of your feeling." Vidmor demands.
"She needs support, for she has gone through more pain and death in a short of amount of time than you or I or any elf has seen in all our years of life." Legolas rebukes and gives his cousin a look of displeasure.
"And why do you sing to her, a song of love?" Vidmor asked of his lord.
"She knows nothing of the meaning of the song, it is only to sooth her pain and help her to rest." Legolas says as he turns from his cousin.
"But you know the meaning, what are your intentions towards the Lady?" Vidmor questions.
"She is a" Legolas began to say but was interrupted by Haldir who had been listening from a far. "This is neither the time nor the place for this discussion. It is time for you both to rest." The Marchwarden informed the two young elves who hesitated to argue with their elder.
Haldir carefully watched as they separate as they headed for their rest areas. Than he thought to himself. "There is going to be tension, more than usual for those two."
Legolas enters the barn and climbed the ladder to the loft in which he had laid his bed; to do as the Marchwarden had suggested. Once Legolas was in bed, dreams of the wooded planes of Mirkwood, his home entered his mind but it was different. For in this vision someone was waiting for him. She was sitting on a bench swing reading a book at an edge of an enchanting pond. He approached her from the behind, as he approached he called her beloved in elfish and she respond the same to him with much love in her voice.
+++
Next morning Erica awoke from her peaceful rest by her cousin's snoring with rising sun. She rolled over to find her cousin dead to the world.
"Reggie waky waky." Erica told her cousin while she tried shaking the girl but her only replied with a deeper snore. Erica than thought to herself, "You asked for it." Then the teen proceeded to grab a pillow and slap her cousin in the face.
"What the fuck?" Reggie said as woke out her sound sleep. It was the best sleep she had since she left for Georgia. "What was that for?" Reggie said as she spit out feather from her mouth.
"Time to wake up and YOUR IT!" Erica yells as she nails her again with the pillow.
"Your evil." Reggie said as she grabbed her own pillow and started to chase her cousin around the room.
"And your point is?" Erica says as she hits her cousin again. "You are worse!"
"That is only because I am related to you." Reggie said as she nailed her cousin in the head and repeated to hit her with her pillow. "and this is for eating all my chocolates."
"I thought you were over that."
Reggie's cat just looked at the girls and dodged the pillow that Erica threw at Reggie and missed. The cat hissed and pawed at the door.
The ensuing fight drew the attention of everyone downstairs. As Mike in hailed the intoxicating smell of coffee, he merely glanced up and muttered to David. "They are at it again."
The girls squealing brought the Marchwarden and Leader of the Rohirrim upstairs. They knocked on the door but received no answer and only heard yelling and screaming intermixed with bits and pieces of laughter. The two adults came through the door when the girls were in the middle of their pillow fight. Haldir open door, Mr. Cuddles ran for his life. The elf came through the door only to duck when the pillow that Reggie had thrown hit Eomer in the face, which caused the pillow to exposed. The Horsemaster's beard and head were covered in feathers. The elf looked at his friend and tried not to laugh.
The girls looked at the stunned Eomer who blew the feathers out of his face. The girls laughed and said sarcastically. "Oopps, well you should have ducked like the elf did." At that girls started to giggle nonstop and even the elf cracked a smile at the predicament of the Rohirrim warrior.
"My Ladies, I believe it is time for you to get ready for day and stop this little battle, there are larger battles ahead. Haldir said as he began to notice that the girls were still in their pajamas and gave them a funny look.
Then both girls said, "Then out, this no peep show." throwing both of the warriors out of the bedroom.
"I don't believe I will ever understand American teenage girls." Eomer told his elven friend.
"One of the great mystery of life worth living." Haldir said in reply. The two adults proceeded downstairs until the party was ready to leave.
++++
Shiloh High School
Snellville, Georgia
0800 hours
August 10, 2000
Erica waited for the last rider to pass through the gates before locking them one final time. The column soon began its journey back to the other side of Metro Atlanta, where the portal was located. A few minutes after leaving the ranch. Eomer noticed Mike stop in front of a large brick building.
Legolas moved close to Erica and asked, "What is important about this building?"
Looking ahead the girls answers him. "It where we learned many lessons together."
"Hey Mike the Flag is at half mast I wonder who did that?" David pointed out.
"More than likely Mr. Hill the janitor. He was a jarhead with a heart." Erica inputs.
Eomer looked to the boy in puzzlement, "Why are you stopping? We should be riding to the portal."
Mike looked back to the Rohirrim and answered, "This is where my friends and I attended school. If you don't mind, there is something I need to get."
The teen guided his steed to the parking lot and dismounted. He took a long look at the flag, examining it's condition and answered David, "That flag has been up there for some time. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't raised when the plague first hit. It has certainly been out in the elements for some time."
David joined his friend, "Yeah you are right. That flag is pretty tattered and faded."
"Mike look who's over here." Erica remarks as she points to corpse on the other side of the cement wall. The name tag reveal it to be Mr. Hill
"I'm not sure I want to see," answered the teen. Finally, he walked over to the corpse. Recognizing the janitor, the teen knelt and said a prayer before standing at attention and giving the dead man a salute.
At that Reggie start to lightly sing Amazing Grace.
"Eomer, could you help me move him inside?" asked Mike.
The Rohirrim order a couple of his men to help them move the body.
"That was beautiful, My lady." Haldir tells Reggie when she finishes singing
Together, they moved the corpse into the school officer. Mike retrieved a blanket from his horse and covered up Mr. Hill and shut the officer door one last time. "If you guys want to wait here, I won't be long."
"David your never going to hear me ask this again but I would like for you to play Taps while Reggie and I lower the flag." Erica asks David.
David nodded and played out the last farewell to the veteran and followed hid friend into the hall way. "So Mike, what did you want to get?"
Mike pointed towards a hallway, "I thought it would be the right thing to take back the Stars and Stripes as well as our unit colors back to Edoras."
Mike led the small group into the heart of the building only to pause in front of the school library. The teen turned around to examine some pictures in the display case and yelled out, "HEY REGGIE! Take a look at this."
The Rohirrim and elves may have not known the full meaning behind the ceremony understood and respected it.
"What Mikey?" Reggie yelled back at Mike as she finished the raiding the candy machine
Mike grinned, "I found the pictures from last year's Antebellum Days festival we had for homecoming. And, you have got to see the getup Erica was wearing."
"OH FUCK!" Erica cursed.
Mike gave his friend an evil grin, "Consider this payback for the videos back at Helms Deep."
"Hey Eomer, Haldir you guys want to see some American style FULL MOONS?" Erica asks as she punches some buttons on the M.A.P.'s remote
With that, he took out a picture showing himself dressed as JEB Stuart, right down to the fake beard and black feather in his hat. Erica, on the other hand looked like Scarlett O'Hara in her yellow southern belle dress. "You know, we did win the award for the most authentic costume."
He turned back to Reggie, "You want it?"
"I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S ASS." Erica sneered. "IT's all Dena's fault. I lost the bet and had to wear that DAMN THING!"
"Nah I already got copies from Gramps." Reggie replied.
"I love it when you loose bets." Reggie jeers at her cus.
Mike walked over to Erica and held out his hand, "Okay pay up."
"OK, should we talk about a certain bet you lost before leaving for Florida?" Erica asks her cousin as she shoots up an evil glare her way.
"What?" Erica asks innocently
"Oh I believe there was certain wager concerning getting a rise out of you in front of out friends from Middle Earth. Didn't you say I bet you five dollars you can never embarrass me?"
"Oh really how about I show them The Halloween Stunt with the Full MOONS?" Erica replies has she holds up a DVD.
Mike shrugged, "Go ahead. It's probably nothing they haven't seen before."
"Oh really it also includes the little episode with that playboy Mag." Erica smiles knowingly
"Uh oh I am staying out of this one." Reggie remarks as she heads for the door.
"Go ahead," challenged Mike.
Haldir decide to take matters in to his own hands. "Lady Erica I don't think now is the best time wait till we return to Middle Earth for the King to see them."
"Yeah your right I did promise a FULL REPORT for him." Erica remarks as she lets her friend off the hook.
The adults looked to one another and chuckled at the exchange. Finally Haldir spoke up, "If we want to be back for the portal before nightfall, we should be leaving within a few minutes."
Taking the hint, Mike nodded and disappeared into the ROTC room. A few minutes later, he came out holding two flagpoles. The first held a slightly smaller version of the flag that had been hanging from the flagpole. This, the teen quietly handed to David. The second, held a slightly different design. Noticing the questioning looks, Mike explained, "This is the banner for my ROTC unit. Units within the American armed forces frequently have their own flag that is unique to that particular unit. Since my friends and I are the only survivors of this unit and we have fought as a unit at Helms Deep, I think it is appropriate to bring back the unit colors with us."
Eomer listened to the explanation and agreed totally with it, "Then by all means bring the flags. But lets be off. We have miles to go before the sun sets." That said, the Rohirrim led the out the front doors and to their waiting comrades.
+++
McHale's Saddlery
Douglasville, Georgia
1255 hours
August 10, 2000
It was well past noon when the supply column rode out of Metro Atlanta west on I-20. Reaching the Douglasville off ramp, Mike remembered the one final stop they had to make before returning to Middle Earth. Pointing off to his right, the teen told Eomer, "As long as we are in the area, I was wondering if we could make a quick stop by McHale's Saddlery."
Eomer pondered the boy's request and asked, "We need to be on our way to Edoras. Why do you want to visit this store?"
"Well, before the Superflu hit, I saw a mint condition McClellen Saddle. The McClellen was the standard issue saddle for the US Army from 1861 to 1943 when the last horse cavalry units were disbanded. I just wanted to see if it was still there."
The Rohirrim nodded, "Very well, get your saddle. However, you have but an hour before we drag you back here."
Haldir had no desire to see this store so he suggested, "Michael, I will wait here with the people guarding the supplies. Do not be long."
Mike nodded, "Don't worry, I won't." He turned back to the girls, "Erica, Reggie, you guys want to come along?"
"Sounds like a plan." Erica remarks
"Nah I like my spot." Reggie remarks as she hugs Haldir tighter
Mike grinned in Haldir's direction, "Think you can handle Reggie?"
"I believe I can manage." The elf replies with a slight smile and red tint.
Eomer shook his head and told the two teens, "Then lets get this over with. I'll come with you to make sure you don't get into any trouble."
Reggie looks at Erica looked at Reggie.. "It will never work." The girl both respond at which David began laughing his head off.
"What me keeping you or Michael out of trouble?" asked the Rohirrim.
"I can stay out of trouble it's Mike you need to worry about." Erica responded with a laugh
"Hey, I'm not that bad," protested the teen as he rode off in direction of the store. At that several of the group started laughing
Eomer chuckled as he followed after the boy. They had journey not quite a mile before reaching a strip mall. On the corner in big letters was a sign that said, "McHale's Sadlery." Mike tied his horse to a pillar and tried the door. "It's locked," called out the teen. "And, it looks like there's nobody inside."
"But, I'll fix that," he called out as he pulled out his pistol.
"Hold it boy. Unless you want another Wal-Mart scene," Erica laughed.
"'Gramps formula was used here?"
"Yeah think about Him, Uncle Bill and McHale were all vets." Erica laughs
Mike sighed, "Okay, work your magic."
"I don't have any with me but there is another way in. But I need a lift up." Erica marks as she gets off her horse and heads for the side.
Eomer dismounted and moved over to the teen. "What do you have in mind?"
"McHale had a habit of locking himself out and his grandson always had to let him in via the vent on the roof." Erica answered and said as she pointed up, "I am too short to reach it. So give me a boost."
The Rohirrim nodded and cupped his hands together. "Then you best be on your way. Give me your foot," directed Eomer as he lifted the teen up to the roof. " I'll be waiting with Mike at the door."
With the help of Eomer the teen quickly climbed up the wall and over on to the roof.
Mike looked at his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time, "Just like a woman to take her time," muttered the teen.
Once on top Erica notices that the vent had been used recently. "Mike I think Matt's alive." Erica keyed over the walkie-talkie. "Tap on the window in Morse code who's out here or we might get shot at."
Mike tapped on window, "ANYBODY IN THERE?"
"Morse Code you idiot or he'll shot." Erica remarks over the Walkie Talkie
"I know who's out there." A voice over the walkie talkie replied
Mike shook his head and tapped out in code on the window. The sound of the other voice caught his attention, "Who's there?"
"Duh, Mike. It's me Matt. I will be out in a minute." Matt sneered.
Eomer had been listening in. "Who is this Matt," asked the Rohirrim.
Mike answered, "That would be the shopkeeper's grandson. I seem to recall he was about 10 the last time I saw him."
"Erica get off the roof. You could never sneak in here without me knowing, plus I think you need to loose some weight." Matt jeered over the Radio.
Erica just shook her head and mumbled "I going to give him a serious wedgie when I see him."
Mike grinned and yelled, "I guess someone needs to go on a diet."
"Mike, be careful, you had three helpings of Reggie food last night." Erica remarked. "You know how fattening her cooking is."
"Yeah but you had four and I seem to recall your clothes appear to be a tad tighter today."
"No I didn't I only had two, David is the one who had four." Erica yelled loud enough for everyone to hear
Mike grinned and quietly told Eomer, "But they were huge servings."
"Yes they were but they were good." Eomer told him
Mike was about to respond when the sound of the lock being turned caught his attention. He turned around just as the door opened to reveal a small boy with long brown hair and thick geeky glasses. It was obvious he had not changed his clothes in a while. "Matt, what happened?"
"Grampa died. He told me to hold down the fort until help came." Matt cried as he ran out and embrace the teen . "You are the first people I dare to contact since this whole damn thing started."
Meanwhile Erica easily climbed down the wall and came around to see Mike hold Matt who had gone into a crying fit.
A tear came to Mike's eye as he pulled the sobbing child in close. "It's all right. We're here now." He looked up at Eomer, "Looks like we have another addition to our party."
The teen gestured for the adult to come over. "Can you help me out here?"
The Rohirrim just nodded.
"NOOOoooooooooooooooooo. I want to stay with you." The crying boy demanded.
Mike looked into the boy's eyes. "I'm not going anywhere and we'll take you with us. However, I need you to go to Eomer for a minute while I collect some things. Erica and I know Eomer, you can trust him."
"NO! This is my shop now, and if you want anything I am staying with you." Matt informed him
"Mike he hasn't seen anyone since this thing started. Let him stay with us." Erica tells him
The teen finally gave in. Turning to the adult he suggested, "Well, why don't we all go inside."
The adults nodded.
Mike led the child into the store. Looking down he asked, "Hey Matt, Is that McClellen still in stock?"
"Yeah."
"Bad moon raising." A voice squawked, "Bad moon rising." "Bad moon rising." "Bad moon rising."
"I see Mr. Cotton is alive." Erica remarks as she hears the all too familiar sound of McHale's old parrot.
"I suppose we'll be taking the bird as well?" asked an amused Eomer.
"Oh yeah it knows Mike really well." Erica snickers as she walks over to the bird.
"I hope Mr. Cuddles eats him" the teen mutters under his breath. Mike sighed, "Looks like it." He walked to the back of the store and stopped in front of a brown leather saddle. "It's still here," announced the teen. "I see the rifle scabbard is still attached."
Mike began carrying the saddle towards the front of the store when something else caught his eye. Turning back to the child, he asked, "When did your grandpa get those uniforms in?"
"They arrived shortly before the flu hit." the boy responded
"Mike that saddle will be 300 dollars," the boy said as he held out his hand. "And no credit allowed."
The teen began rummaging through the World War II vintage uniforms, checking for sizes. Ignoring the child for the moment, he called out, "Hey Eomer, I take it the king will have some sort of victory celebration."
"I would assume so considering that before we left I heard him telling Eowyn to organize a feast when they got back to Edoras," Eomer replied as he examined some of the clothes on the racks.
The teen looked back to the child, "I'll make a deal, you waive the cost of the supplies and I'll waive the cost of the ticket to come with us when we leave." With that, he turned back to the rack and selected a leather flight jacket, pants and shirts that were of dark green in color. He yelled out, "Erica, you remember Earl's size?"
"Before or after he was shot in the ASS," Erica laughed as she remembered Dena telling her how the boy had whined when she took out the arrow.
Mike sighed, "Before, and we probably want to get some uniforms for the others. For some reason battledress just doesn't go with celebrations or feasts."
"We should be going soon, Master Michael." Eomer reminded Mike of their time limit.
"Okay," answered Mike as he picked up some insignia and brasso from a nearby shelf.
Erica watched her friend for a moment then turned around as someone came running up behind her. It was the kid with a box of some kind.
"Erica. Here's the special delivery you paid for," Matt said as he handed her a box.
The teen thanked the little boy for the box as she looked at the packaged she exclaimed with glee, "Yes!" Erica turned and went to the door and yelled for Reggie. "REGGIE, I NEED YOU TO COME IN HERE RIGHT NOW."
"And here I was all comfortable and everything." Reggie says to Haldir
"Would you like me to escort you there my Lady." Haldir politely asked.
"Nah, I am fine handsome, but thanks." She said as she dismount the horse and ran to meet her cousin.
Reggie ran inside the store looking for Erica with her cat following behind her and as they entered, Reggie's cat eyed the out spoken parrot. She could hear her cousin calling her from the back of the store, "Reggie I got something for you."
"It's the eye of the Tiger." It's the eye of the Tiger." It's the eye of the Tiger." It's the eye of the Tiger." The bird squawked in a sing song voice at the sight of Reggie's cat.
As Reggie wandered towards the back of the store she stopped to look at some throwing stars. She thought to herself, "Theses will go well with my other throwing implements."
"Hey Reggie, you might want to stock up on some clothing while you have a chance." Erica snickered as she remembered the clothes her cousin had brought with them.
"Why?"
"Because the stuff you brought won't last long where we are going." Erica said but then thought. "If Gandalf is Gramps he sure won't like the clothing either."
"Okay, if you say so." Reggie started to peruse the clothing selection that really did not appeal to her fashion sense.
+++
The teens quickly picked up various pieces of clothing as a visibly amused Eomer looked on. With a raised eyebrow, he asked, "Do you really need all that clothing?"
Mike grinned and turned back, "Eomer, my good friend. In the US Army an officer will have a variety of uniforms ranging for battledress to be worn in the field and Mess dress uniforms for formal occasions."
"Oh?" The Rohirrim remarked.
"Yeah, for some reason battledress just will not do for formal occasions. Then add in the fact that there are a variety of battledress for operations in desert, snow, and jungle. It's all specific to the mission."
"I see," answered Eomer. 'However, I feel that there is yet another reason for your interest in the extra clothing."
A faint shade of red came over the teen's features as he replied, "You have me. The other reason is that in this worlds, some girls like a man in uniform. So, I thought I'd see if that was true in Middle Earth."
"Let me see if I get this right," surmised the Rohirrim. "You want this dress uniform to impress girls?"
Mike shrugged, "I'm a teenage boy filled with raging hormones. At this stage of life, girls are beginning to look pretty good to me."
+++
Back at the other end of the store, Erica motioned for her cousin to come over. In due course, Reggie walked over to her cousin who then handed her a box, "Happy birthday."
With Mike's curiosity aroused, he turned back and asked, "What's in the box?"
"You'll see." Erica snickered as she covered her ears and clearly heard her cousin scream with glee at the leather hand made laced up leather boots.
Mike just shook his head and began walking down the isles. As he turned the corner, something caught his eye. Walking over to the display case, he yelled out, "Hey Erica, come over here!"
"These will be great to hold my sighs in," Reggie remarked as she gave her cus a big bear hug.
"As.. soon.. as.. she.. lets... me ... breathe..." Erica answered. Finally catching her breath, she called out, "What is it?"
Mike hopped over the counter. Crouching down, he reached in and pulled out a square leather bound box. Opening it up, he let out a loud whistle of appreciation as he pulled out a Colt Model 1911A1 that had been modified into a presentation piece. The pistol had ivory grips and silver engraving all along the barrel. Holding it up, he asked, "What do you think about giving this to the king as a sign of appreciation for all the help he's given us?" Examining the weapon more closely, he observed, "The weapon is fully operational although I doubt anybody will want to fire it."
"You'll have to teach him how to use it." Erica replied than turns to Matt, who stood there wondering just what the other teen was talking about, "Matthew would you please go get all the ammo for it."
"The King? There are no kings here," Matt answered..
Mike grinned as he replaced the weapon in its velvet cradle. "You'll see." He continued looking at the weapons and pulled out yet another pistol. This one was of different design. It had a barrel of metallic blue and a cylinder above the trigger.
"Erica, you remember how I always wanted to try a little black powder shooting?"
Eomer turned up just as the teens closed the lid on the presentation pistol. Looking at the weapon Mike was holding he asked, "What do you have there?"
"Yeah I also remember how bad you are at targeting." Erica remarked but than turned to Matt, "Matt we have found a safe place but there is a king and I am sure he'll take you in."
"If my uncle is not I will take you in." Eomer answered from behind them, causing Matt to jump at the warrior.
For the first time, Matt got a really good look at the warrior and was amazed with how he looked, "Whoa that's an awesome costume."
Mike held up the pistol, "This is a Model 1860 Colt Army revolver in 44 caliber. This was one of the more common weapons carried by officers during the Civil War we had around hundred forty years ago. I always wanted to fire one of these cap and ball revolvers." It took a moment for Mike to register what the Rohirrim had just said, "You want to take Matt in? That's very generous of you."
Eomer walked over to the young boy and put his hand on the kid's shoulder. "Lets just say I am beginning the like the young man with each passing minute. I have this feeling that I would enjoy teaching him all I know and giving him a sanctuary would be my honor."
Mike smiled and told the boy, "Matt, I kinda envy you. It's not often that such an opportunity offers itself. Take it while you can."
Matt was about to answer when the Marchwarden of Lothlorien walked into the store. Spotting the teens, he reminded them, "Master Michael it is getting late we should be on our way."
The little boy just stood there watching the elf as he approached. He had never seen anything like this in his young life. In fact the only thing he could think of was the Star Trek series that used to come on TV. "Whoa that is so cool, a Vulcan," Matt finally said and was quickly slapped by Erica.
Erica leaned over and said, "Matt I thought you were smart enough to know the difference between Vulcans and Elves."
Mike nodded and grinned, "I guess it is." He quickly picked up the box for the pistol as well as a couple boxes of percussion caps and black powder. Coming out from behind the counter, he told the boy, "Matt this is Haldir, he's an Elf from Lothlorien. Then pointing back to Eomer, he continued, "And this is Lord Eomer from Rohan."
"You know I don't care who they are just as long as they aren't like that psycho lady taking slaves," Matt answered with a tear in his eye.
Erica slapped herself in the fore head as she remembered, "Shit that reminds me should let the guards know what were doing."
Haldir smiled and knelt in front of the child, "Matthew, I can assure you that the psycho lady that you speak of has been taken care of." Straightening up, he asked, "I can assume that we will be taking young Matthew with us?"
"Yup, but shouldn't someone let the guards know what we're doing?" Erica asked.
"Erica, you know we already let the guards know about leaving them in charge to watch over the prisoners until Xander gets back," reminded Mike. "Besides, we cleared that up before we left the ranch this morning."
"I wasn't there I was out side working on the M.A.P." Erica jeered back.
With that Mike placed the weapon back in the boxes on the floor and picked it up and gathered the McClellen Saddle. Walking outside, he immediately had the Rohirrim saddle removed from Nickie's back. He then put a new blue saddle blanket on the horse before putting on the saddle. As he tightened the strap, he could not help but mutter, "Now, that's what I call a true cavalry mount."
Reggie stood watching from the front door and jeered, "Mike shouldn't you check both straps."
The teen then walked back inside and dropped the Rohirrim saddle beside the door and picked up two Colt revolvers from the counter. "It's a good thing, there is a brace of saddle holsters near the pommel and yes, I did tighten both straps."
"Sorry but I still remember when you first learned how to ride from Van," Reggie giggled.
Mike just shook his head as he walked back outside to place the pistols in each holster, then his rifle went into the rifle scabbard hanging from the right side. Making one last trip in, he noticed the swords hanging on the wall. One particular weapon caught his eye and he reached out to pull it off the wall. Drawing the sabre from it's scabbard, he yelled back, "Well Erica, what do you think?"
At that the girl just laughed and responded, "I think you still need more lessons."
Mike smiled, "Laugh it up. However with all that's happened and what will be happening, I have a feeling that it might prove useful in the future. Besides, it's a link to the horse cavalry of the past. There's history in this blade and what it stands for. I don't know how to describe it but it feels just right."
Eomer and Matt walked up in time to hear that last part. The Rohirrim nodded in agreement, "Then by all means take that blade with you but as the good Marchwarden so thoughtfully reminded us, we do need to be going."
Mike finished rearranging the saddle bags, said, "then by all means, lets go."
"Sounds cool," added the girls.
+++++
Prior to leaving the ranch that morning, riding arrangements had been agreed upon. Reggie would ride with Haldir, due to the fact when Reggie tried to ride with anyone else they were almost attacked by her hissing feline. Karen and Xander shared a spare wagon that had been brought from Rohan. The trip to McHale's being completed; the party continued its trek to the portal with yet one more addition. Eomer had insisted that Matt ride with him. The young boy rode in front of the Rohirrim with a big old smile upon the child's face.
The portal was reached within the hour and the new additions stared at it in wonder. Mike noticed this and commented to the Boulder scouts, "I take it you didn't see this when you drove in?"
For once, even Xander was at a loss for words. Finally he got his mind working and replied, "I have never seen anything like this in my entire life."
Eomer leaned forward and told Matt, "There's nothing to be afraid of. We just ride into the portal and we are in Rohan within a minute."
The boy looked up at him, "Are you sure? I mean, there won't be any monsters in there waiting to suck my soul or anything?"
Haldir moved closer and answered for the Rohirrim, "You have my word of honor, if any such monster shows up, my elves as well as Lord Eomer's men will see that you will be safe."
"And if that doesn't work, Xander can just show them his speedo, and that should send them fleeing in terror." Erica snickers. Causing the extreme sportsman to give the girl an evil look and chuckle slightly at the amusing comment.
TBC
Author's Notes: Thus ends "Chapter 3: The Revielle". I wanted to add a couple explanations and answer why the Ranch has running water after so long. Gramps has installed a backup generator and solar panels to keep the power and water pumps running long after the metro area's power goes down. The water comes from a well located on the property itself.
The McClellan saddle described in this story was the standard saddle used by the US Army horse cavalry units. This saddle was named after General McClellan who designed it and later commanded the Army of the Potomic during the early part of the Civil War. Versions of this saddle were in used from the mid nineteenth century until the last cavalry units were disbanded in 1944.
The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was one of the most popular pistols in use during the American Civil War on both sides. The weapon was a single action six-shot revolver that required the firer to manually load each cylinder by hand. No metallic cartridges. The bullet was actually a lead ball that caused massive trauma upon impact. The user also had to place separate percussion caps on the back of the cylinder before firing. Thus, the weapon is often referred to as a cap and ball pistol. Replicas of this weapon are still being made in the 21st Century.
"Chapter Four, A Call To Arms" will follow the movie version of Return of the King, beginning with the victory celebration in Edoras. With the victory at Helms Deep, Theoden will want to keep the teenagers out of any future fighting. We'll have to see how Mike talks the king into letting the teens accompany the Rohirrim in aiding Gondor. But in any case, the action will pick with the battle. Think of the battle scene from the movie with 50 Caliber machine guns, 60mm mortars, and Surface to Air missiles added.
Finally, to the people who have thoughtfully reviewed the previous chapters, I offer my humble thank you. I can only hope this Chapter is as worthy. I will end this chapter with a small piece of military wisdom from Murphy's Laws of Combat. "Always remember your equipment was made by the lowest bidder to a government contract.
Merry Prankster out
by The Merry Prankster
Chapter 3: The Reveille
Murphy's Laws of Combat #3: Teamwork is essential, It gives the enemy other people to shoot at.
Brisco Park:
Snellville, Georgia
1630 hours
August 9, 2000
The Rohirrim and Elves spent the next hour helping the hostages get on their feet and ready to move. The hostage takers on the other hand, were the subject of yet a far different discussion.
Mike wandered over to Erica, "Hey Erica, you ready to get back to the ranch. It's getting dark."
Within the last few minutes, Haldir, Eomer, Xander, David, Erica, Legolas, and Reggie had come up and introductions were quickly made. That done, Mike announced, "Now that we have everybody here and the survivors have been looked after, what's next?"
"With as late as it is I suggest we make camp and get a fresh start in the morning." Erica injected.
"Back to the ranch?" asked David.
"HUH....is the base closer?" Erica questioned with a slightly red face.
Mike raised an eyebrow, "Why my dear Erica, did something happen between you and our good elven friend last night, hmmmmm?"
"Nope just don't relish the idea of anyone else seeing the room my cus trashed."
"HEY I DIDN'T TRASH IT, I IMPROVED IT!" Reggie's voice could be heard from the supply area where she was busy trying to find something decent to wear and looking for her backpack that she had traveled with from Florida.
"But you are more than likely right, the Ranch will be closer. But what about the those." Erica replied as pointed to the prisoners.
"Look Erica, GET OVER IT. The ranch is the most secure place for the survivors." answered Mike in a dead serious voice.
+++
Meanwhile Eomer and Haldir were deep in discussion over what to do with the prisoners. Eomer nodded and pointed towards Xander, "They were your captors, what do you want to do?"
+++
Mike looked back to Eomer and rubbed his chin, deep in thought. Finally he asked Erica, "Is there something you want to talk about?"
"Nope." Erica answered with a straight face that screamed. "I AM LYING."
"Are you sure" Mike asked
"Yup, there is nothing to talk about." Erica said as she coyly turned away from her friend.
"Okay, whatever" Mike said as he turned and moved over to speak with Eomer. "Eomer, lets take care of the prisoners and take the hostages back to the ranch. I'll show you the way."
"Jail with no hope of parole sounds good to me." Xander said with an evil smile.
David pointed to a point outside the park, "There is the Snellville police station. They should have a holding cell big enough for them and we can post guards."
"You can't just leave us there." One of baddies whined. "We will die of starvation. You are the good guys and you can't do that."
Haldir looked back with a dark look, "You are lucky you were no able to inflict any harm on these innocents. Otherwise I would have had no trouble with having your throats slit where you stand. After all, the dead can't betray us."
"Now that sounds like a real plan." Erica remarked, sending a cold stare towards the baddie who whined.
Eomer took one look at the teen before holding up an arm to calm her down, "However, David's plan is for the best. We shall hold them in this jail of his. Now Master Xander, would you have anybody willing to guard them with my people?"
"I said no hope of parole. I was meaning we would lock them up and throw away the key." Xander said as tried to get his point across the elf.
Mike explained, "What our good friend from Boulder is trying to say is that we should lock the prisoners in a cage and forget about them."
Legolas didn't like the way the conversation was going so spoke up, "We should not make such a life or death decision on a short notice. However, for the night we should post a guard while we are here."
"Fine but if it's one of mine I have a feeling by morning they won't be needing guards for bodies." Xander remarked.
"Then we will have one of yours and one of mine together," decided Eomer.
Xander nodded in agreement.
"What about the bitch leader?" Erica asked
"Put her in a separate cell," answered Mike.
"Mike I think there should be at least four guarding with rotating shifts." David suggested
Haldir spoke up, "Your friend speaks wisely, Michael. I'll have two of mine also join in. We do not require as much sleep as men."
"Hey what if the bitch tries to seduce one?" Reggie questioned as she approached the group from behind and had been listening in on the conversation that had risen among the group.
Haldir looks at the girl as if she had no idea of what she was talking about. "You can rest assure that would never happen."
"Maybe for you honey, but what about the others?" Reggie says as she finished putting on a leather jacket.
"Young lady, my people would never disgrace our Lady with such behavior."
"Listen handsome, no offence but I think we should have all male human or non to keep their distance from her or at least leave a woman behind to guard her. Or I could just shoot her." Reggie offered.
Mike had been listening and turned to Eomer, "You know, she does have a point. It would be easier."
"I call dibbs on shooting her first." Reggie gleefully jeered.
"Can we let her? Please."
"We had a deal you promise to let me leave if I told you about your scouts." Rickie (the Bitch) pleaded with Xander.
"Guys I did agree to let her live I just didn't agree to what condition she'd be in." Xander answered with a evil grin.
Mike looked up at the setting sun, "Well guys, it will be dark in a couple of hours. Lets get this settled so we can be back at the ranch."
"Got a problem there Mike we should grab some stuff and I'll make one of my dinner." Erica remarked.
"With homemade ice cream?" Legolas asked. At which several stomachs could be heard."
"Well, there is that Krogers just south on 124 that should do. However, we'll have to stick to canned goods or anything sealed. Everything else will have gone bad since the power went off."
"I think me and Reggie can whip up some Goulash with that." Erica remarked as she started to estimate how much food they will need.
Then we should break into three groups," observed Haldir. ""The first, to lead the survivors to your ranch. The second to secure the prisoners, and the third to acquire supplies, "
"I'll go with the supply run. Reggie goes to the Ranch she can deactivate the security system." Erica suggested.
"My elves and myself will accompany the refugees to the ranch," added Haldir.
Eomer nodded in agreement, "Michael and David should also join the elves back at the ranch while Legolas and I accompany Lady Erica."
"Hold on a sec." Erica says as walks over to her cus and they each give each other a large heartfelt hug. Then Erica says with a laugh. "You better clean my room before I get back."
"Yeah, right, like that will happen!" Reggie remarked with a devilish smile.
David swiftly mounted his horse. Leaning over to Mike he quietly added, "Want to tape any interaction between Reggie and Haldir?"
"Naw, leave the good Marchwarden alone, "ordered Mike. "Besides, lets see if the security cameras were able to record anything that might have happened between Erica and Legolas."
"They've all been erased." Erica remarks as she scares the hell out of the two teens .
David snapped his fingers, "CRAP, should've known she would think of that."
Mike grinned and whispered, "There is that. However, there is also that little backup I installed linked to a separate hard drive that should provide more blackmail material."
"Nice try but it got dumped too." Erica snickers. "Gramps system doesn't like any new hard or software not installed by me or gramps."
Mike slowly turned back and gave Erica his most evil grin, "We shall see. We shall see" With that he rode off to rejoin the refugees.
+++
Western Elm Tree Ranch
Snellville, Georgia
1700 hours
August 9, 2000
It did not take long to get the refugees settled in the ranch house while they waited for Erica and company to come back with the supplies. Mike held up his rifle, making sure it was loaded and walked past the Marchwarden on his way to the front door. Noticing the teen's melancholy expression, Haldir decided to join the teen and find out what was the matter.
"Michel something seems to be troubling you may ask as to what it is?" The elf prompted
The teen continued out the door. Without looking back, he mentioned, "Just thought I'd go check out the perimeter. One can never be sure that we are alone out here."
"I shall accompany you." Haldir informed the teen with a certain cat following them.
The two moved to the edge of the property and walked alongside for about twenty minutes. Mike stopped and stared out in the darkness. Watching closely, the elf barely caught the look of pain come across the teen's face.
Placing a hand on the youth's shoulder he remarks. "Don't hold it in. Let it out or it will come out at the wrong time."
"What are you taking about?" asked the teen, not bothering to face the elder.
"Michael I can sense your pain." The elf told him.
The teen slowly turned to face the elf. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yes."
"And I suppose, you will not let it drop until I reveal what I am thinking?"
"Not what you are thinking, what you are feeling. It is never good to let it fester."
The teen sat down on a fallen log and motioned for the Marchwarden to pull up a stump. Silence reigned for what seemed like hours before he spoke, "I guess it has to so with finding Reggie alive and Gandalf looking like Gramp's twin in almost every aspect."
Mike didn't wait for the elf to answer before flinging away the branch he had been fiddling with in anger. "Who the hell decided that Erica could have TWO members of her family show up alive!"
Haldir continued to listen in confronting silence all the while longing for the right words to help ease the teen's pains. For he had grown to care and respect the child as if he was his own.
Mike got up an began pacing, "What have I done to deserve having my family dying in front of me. The only thing that kept me from joining them by my own hand was my duty to the little children as well as my friends. My house is but a few miles away and I cannot even think about coming closer, less I break down completely and I cannot afford that to happen!"
The elf stood up and placed one of his hands on each of the boy's shoulder, forcing the boy to look at him. "Michael no one should have to go what you and your friend went through but you did and live. The pain is still to fresh for you to face your home now but someday you will have overcome it. And when that day comes, I will be there with you too. Death is never the answer for it leads only to hurt but life leads to far great things. Do not be afraid of it."
The teen sat back down, "Don't worry, I have no intention of taking the easy way out. It would devastate Erica and there's too much left to do in Middle Earth. I gave King
Theoden my word that I would be there for the duration of this emergency and I will keep that word. Somehow, when I was younger I knew my was going to have a purpose this world, I knew I was going to be an Army officer and I imitated dad right down to being strong for everyone else. Duty, Honor, Country, those were the words to live by even back then. But, it feels as if God, the Valar, or whatever higher being there is playing with me. It's just so, so hard being left behind. Watching Erica around Gandalf and now Reggie makes me feel so very alone at times."
"You are not alone." Erica says from the darkness.
"How much did you hear?" asked the startled teen.
"All of it." Erica solemnly answers than says. "Mike we've been best friends since 4th grade. I am so sorry that having some of my family alive hurts you. But remember this Mike you were there for me when my dad went MIA not Reggie or Gramps it was you that kept me from killing myself. So you are more like a brother to me if I had had a real brother."
Mike smiled, "I couldn't let my best friend go through that alone. I am happy for you really, It's just so hard being this close and yet so far."
"Mike don't give up hope if Gramps and Reggie made it through maybe yours and the rest of everyone else's families made it through." Erica told the teen as she embraced him.
Returning the hug, Mike softly replied, "I haven't given up hope with friends like you and guys, not to mention the grown ups we have become attached to recently. I'm okay, really."
"Well I hope this helps." Erica says as she holds up a DVD. "I even got Xander to sign it just for you."
"Just promise not to tell Gandalf I gave it to you." Erica laughed
"Thanks, I'll watch it later. But there is still a war on back there and I'm ready to get back in the game."
"Haldir I hope everyone has their wills in order." Erica remarked to the elf.
"Why do you ask such a question?"
"Because Middle Earth in going to get the EXTREME version of Mike after he watches that tape." Erica laughed
"Actually, I prefer to think of myself as focused and dedicated towards defeating the forces of darkness by whatever means," countered Mike.
"And now we have the leader of the Earth Extreme Sports wanting to team up with you."
"Why is that I am suddenly afraid." Haldir teased the youth.
"Yeah just picture what him and Xander will do against a fellbeast?" Erica jeers
"Wait till you see my new toys in action," warned the teen. "Although, you should think more Earl and myself instead with bigger booms."
"OH SHIT! Mike you didn't get what I think you got?" Erica remarks with a smile
"Lets just say Lord Sauron will be introduced to Ma Deuce and Mr. Stinger, courtesy of Earl and myself," laughed the teen.
"You better have brought me some party favors too," Erica told him with glee
"Well, we will have lots of things that go boom," admitted Mike. "You think they will allow me to take flying lessons? I mean imagine zooming into Mordor doing 800 knots at tree top level to deliver a very special package to the dark lord himself!"
"Reggie could always borrow a jet. Remember her dad was Airforce and she got to go on a quite a few runs without brass permission." Erica remind him.
A look of deep concern followed by determination came over the Marchwarden as he sensed what the teens were talking about. Grabbing each by one ear, "I think it is time for two teens to eat dinner and go to bed and not speak of such nonsense again."
"Oh yeah that's why I am here. Dinner is almost done. Plus I got the video taping something very interest you might want to see Mike." Erica replied
"Reggie has got most of the elves making home made ice cream in tin cans." Erica laughed. "Don't worry Vidmor is making your favorite."
"Then lets go before Haldir tries to treat us like mischievous children," suggested Mike as he ran towards the house.
"Too late." Erica snickered as she chased after him
Haldir smiled as he took one last look around and swiftly pursued the children inside.
+++
The two teens raced up the steps to be met by Erica's cousin at the door. Mike's humor is quickly replaced by concern as he asks Reggie, "Why don't you get some sleep? We have a long day tomorrow."
"Dinner is ready you block head." Reggie laughs at him than she hugs him and says. "Thanks for assist Grunt boy."
"You didn't cook, did you?" asked Mike. "I really, don't want to explain to King Theoden why his people died suddenly."
"Whatever, talk to the wrist the hand is pissed." Reggie said while Mr. Cuddles started to hiss.
Erica just started laughing at the antics.
The teen grinned and ducked inside, yelling, "You get the cokes?"
"I swear, I used one wrong ingredient and he is never going to let me live it down." Reggie remarked to her cousin.
"I know I won't either." Erica said as she ran inside as she dodges a kick to ass from her cousin.
"Yeah, I love you too," retorted the teen.
Haldir merely smiled and followed the teens into the house.
The group entered to find most of the people in a line around the dining room table that had been set buffet style. They all seem to be waiting for the teens and the Marchwarden so they could say a prayer and eat.
Mike turned to address the diners, "It has been a tradition in this household for the oldest at the dining room table to bless the meal." Looking towards Haldir, he asked, "I have a feeling that you are the most experienced amongst us."
"I would be honored." Haldir answered than lowered his head and began speaking in Elvish.
After the prayer was done, the group gathered around the table to serve up the food that had been prepared. As the girls were getting their plates Reggie turns to Erica and whispers. "That was the longest prayer I ever heard."
"At least you didn't fall asleep like during Gramps'," Erica snickered back.
On the other hand, David had fallen asleep during the blessing. To top it off he was snoring very loudly. Mike elbowed the teen in the ribs, "David, wake up!"
"Huh. Whaa?" asked the groggy teen.
Mike pointed towards the adults who were staring in their direction with looks of amusement on their faces. "Your snoring was loud enough to wake the dead. I don't think it was very polite of you to subject our Lothlorien friends to such a racket," hissed the teen.
A very visibly embarrassed David looked over to Haldir and said, "Sorry."
As dinner progressed the only sounds that could be heard were that of people eating. Mike broke the silence and spoke up, "I think we should decide on what exactly we are going to do tomorrow."
"What are we going to do with the prisoners back at the jail?" Erica asked, getting right to the point at hand.
"Leave the Bitch there." Reggie sneered between bites of her food.
"What do you say, Xander?" asked Eomer in between bites.
"I said I wouldn't kill her but I didn't say I would let her go. So we leave them locked in jail with no hope of parole." Xander replied as he drank some water to wash down the food.
"But isn't that the same as killing her?" asked Haldir.
"Nope. They'll just need to find a way to live without our help." Xander explained
"Leaving her locked up with no way out is a death sentence but by starvation," countered the Marchwarden. "If that is your decision, then we might as well cut her throat. It would be more merciful in the end."
"Tempting thought," one of the freed prisoners remarked.
Mike nodded, "Its one thing to kill a foe in combat but it's quite another to have them starve to death in some jail with no hope. I could never be part of such a plan."
"No she has a hope but it will mean lowering her standards is all. She'll have to live on rats or what ever else she can find to eat. Plus she has fresh water and facilities. I think she has it better than what she gave them." Xander retorted as he pointed to the obviously malnutrition people they saved. "They we lucky if they could find a clean spot to piss in."
Mike watched the growing confrontation with concern. He definitely did not like the way it was heading. Finally, he suggested. "Why don't we bring her back with us blindfolded so she doesn't know where she was and have the king judge her?"
"Mike she isn't his responsibility. It just doesn't feel right to me. She is an American problem. My God, she didn't commit any wrong in their land only here. So I feel she should be dealt with here. But you are right that we don't have the right to judge her so I suggest the Boulder group take her there and put her in jail." Erica injected.
"Fine, I will go with Erica's suggestion but we will need some extra help in getting her there." Xander remarked knowing that he lacked the manpower to do everything at once. "We will let her live in Boulder but she'll be in jail and fed."
"Good, that I can live with," countered the teen.
Xander nodded in agreement then turned back to the matter of the prisoners. "First if I send her back to Bolder I would like some help in taking her back. There are only four of us and twelve of them to deal with." Xander explained. "I won't have the civilians who she had locked up with guns just yet. I suggest we leave the bitch with her group in jail with minimal guards split between yours and mine. So when I come back and head for Boulder I can pick them up." Xander suggested.
"I feel better with that option," stated Eomer. "Now, Master Xander are you sure you want to accompany us back to Rohan?"
"I just got to see for myself about what you said earlier." Xander explained.
"Master Michael now is there anything else that you require before we return to middle Earth." Haldir inquired.
"Yes, on our way back, I need to stop by McHales to pick a few things and it won't take long." Mike said
"Oh shit I forgot." Reggie exclaimed as she jumped up and ran up stairs.
"You have any idea?" Mike asked Erica.
"Nope."
"Happy Birthday too you." Reggie started singing as she came down the stairs with a large wrapped gift in her arms.
Eomer looked about in puzzlement, "Whose birthday is it?"
"I don't know?" Mike replied.
"Duh butt head I missed Erica's because of the Damn flu. So here's my present to her." Reggie remarked as she handed an oddly shape present to her cousin.
The others waited to see what it was. Finally, David urged, "Go on open it!"
With a tear in her eye Erica slowly but carefully started to unwrap the present.
"Damn it girl you're taking too long." Reggie jeered at her cousin.
"You realize that because your birthday was eight day ago so us saving your ass is your present." Erica jeered back.
"Just get on with it," yelled Mike.
"Oh shut up, Mike." Reggie jeered at him than heard Erica scream "OH BABY!!! YEAH now that's a weapon."
David stuck his head out from the refrigerator and asked, "What did she get?"
Erica stood up to reveal a crescent moon shaped four-foot weapons that look like it could kill someone on its own.
Mike shook his head and asked Reggie, "Where did you get that science fiction weapon like that made up?"
"First Vulcans now Klingons what next a Q?" David snickered as he recognized the weapon from Star Trek.
"Shut up David," hissed Mike. "No Vulcan remarks amongst certain friends."
"I had it specially made in Florida last year." Reggie explained. "Well it was either this or a Xena Chakram."
At her answer David went into laughing convolutions.
"Yeah I can just picture Erica squealing and throwing that souped up Frisbee," quipped Mike. He was about to say something else when he was slapped with six claws from a cat that had snuck up behind him. Instinctively, the teen tried to back handed the furball but missed since he had already jumped into Reggie's arms.
Erica looked at the weapon than walked over to where she laid her stuff and picked up the sword she had been carrying. She turned back and gave it to Reggie, saying. "I think this should work better for you than me."
"Are you sure?" Reggie asked knowing that the weapon had belonged to their grandfather.
"Yeah it's where it should be, in your hands." Erica replied with a knowing smile.
At this, the two girls embraced and tears fell for a moment before they regained the faculties
Mike spoke up in an effort to change the subject, "So who gets Gramp's 1875 Colt Peacemakers?"
"You'll have to wait on that Mike. It isn't your birthday yet." Erica snickered.
The hour was getting late when the girls decided to spend some time in the hot tub before going to bed. "Ok I don't know about you guys but I am heading for the hot tub." Reggie said to her cousin and the rest of gang as she headed up stairs to change.
When the other's finished off their desert and Eomer looked to Haldir. At the other's nod, the Rohirrim addressed the teens, "I think it's time for you young ones to go to bed. WE have a long ride ahead of us."
Mike leaned over to Reggie who had just gotten back, "Think he's trying to tell us something?"
"I don't think so boys, I am heading for the hot tub." Reggie answered as she went towards the backdoor to warm up the tub.
"Hot Tub, I am for that!" Xander piped in. "Where is it?"
"Not unless you got a swimsuit buddy." Erica remarked to man who was in his 30's.
"Never go anywhere without them," Xander replied with a sly grin.
"ewwwww, that's more information than necessary." Erica said with a slight tone of disgust.
Mike shook his head, "It's late and I am getting some shut eye."
"Oh shit." Erica muttered as she realized her cousin was going to find out she ate all her chocolates.
Mike walked over to Erica, "Night"
"Oh no you don't you have to stay up and protect me from her." Erica hissed as she grabbed his sleeve.
"I don't think so you're a big girl," Mike laughed
"Hey, I'll be out there to protect you." Xander interjected.
"And who is going to protect her from you." Karen remarked and added, "A hot soak sound so good, but I don't have swimsuit."
"Don't worry you can use my mother's suit, if you want," Erica said to the woman who was built with much more chest than the teen.
"Sure that would be wonderful." Karen said and than muttered under breath, "Oh great, an old ladies suit, it is probably soo out dated."
The two females went up stairs and changed into two pieces swimsuits and grabbed robes so not flaunt their goods in the direction of the men in the house.
As the two gals went upstairs, Xander was approached by Legolas, who than asked, "Do you think it is proper to be bathing with the ladies?"
"Someone has too!" Xander remarked as he headed outside.
Haldir proceeded towards Legolas and said. "Do not worry, we will watch from a distance, but I have a feeling that the Ladies of this world can take care of themselves."
"That is true, Lady Erica did kill six orcs with only the use of a rope and knife." Legolas replied with a slight smirk.
"When was this?" Eomer asked as he followed the two elves out.
"I have a feeling that we should worry more about master Xander than the young ladies. If he were to try anything I am sure Lady Erica's cousin, Reggie might harm him in more ways than one." Haldir remarks with a glance over his shoulder towards the girl.
At that the two elves and the horse master laughed and continued to their resting-places.
When Erica and Karen came back down they found Reggie in her two piece suit already in the tub with Xander in a very revealing speedo just about to get in. At seeing Xander in his speedo Reggie's cat hissed in disgust and quickly moved away bumping the CD player on and which started playing the song American Woman.
"The hot tub just lost it appeal. You know you should be scared when Mr. Cuddles runs off," Erica remarked.
"Be afraid, be very afraid" Karen said as she pointed to Xander who had look of some sort of devious plan on his face.
"What, can't I enjoy the company of three beautiful women in a hot tub without getting dirty looks." Xander remarked.
At that all three women started to laugh nonstop at him.
"You better get in here!" Reggie demanded out of her cousin. "Or you are going to get it later for eating all my chocolates. I leave for one day, get captured and you have eaten my whole stash of chocolate that I left at the house. Luckily, I still have a small stash that I had left in my backpack, and if you are nice and get in the tub, I'll share them with you."
"Fine, but I am not sitting next to him when he is wearing that thing!" Erica said nodding at Xander.
"It's okay, I'll sit on his other side, I am use to his bad fashion sense anyway." Karen remarked and smiled tauntingly at Xander.
At that the two join the Reggie and Xander in the tub.
Xander was surround by the three female and appeared to be heaven. "Now this is livin." Xander remarked as reached over to his bag to pull out a cigar.
"You are not going to light that thing." Erica remarked, "There is no smoking in this hot tub.
"What do you mean, I can't enjoy my two favorite things together." Xander questioned the girl.
"And just what are your two favorite things?" Reggie asked him.
"Beautiful women and cigars."
At that all three of the females said with a tone of in your dream "No fucking way!!!" and then Reggie at added what all the girls were thinking. " Only in your dreams baby."
"And what sweet dreams, they will be." Xander exclaimed as his female companions splashed water into his face.
+++
15 minutes passed as the four enjoyed the soothing comfort of the Hot tub and talked about random things/goals that they had pursued before the super flu hit.
"I was doing so many things before the Flu happen. I was starring in so many extreme sporting films that I can even count them all." Xander said.
"Oh that's why you look familiar, now I remember you, were you filming stunts two years ago in Florida on Miami Beach with motorboats." Reggie said as she remembered watching a man doing trick stunts.
"Yeah that was me. No one normally remembers me for those stunts I did in Florida, how did you know of them?" Xander inquired
"Well I was living Florida with my Mom and Dad then. We were vacationing there and I just happen to be on the beach that day." Reggie explained and continued on to what seem to be her whole life story. "I moved from Georgia with my family four years ago leaving behind my best friend/cousin, my aunt and uncle and of coarse my Gramps. My father worked for NASA and also was part of the Airforce working at the cape." Reggie said with tears in her eyes. "He was teaching me to fly his jet, secretly of course. I was a bad girl and I would sneak into his cockpit before he flew and hid until he would take off, only to be noticed half way into the flight when he would turn around to check his blind spots. Boy would he get mad, but then laugh, after a while I became his quote unquote co-pilot. Let just say 'Houston' wasn't very happy with me tagging along, but they got used to checking for me and I became an addition to their family of aviators."
"You were always getting into some form of trouble, weren't you cus." Erica interjected.
"Nothing like the trouble you were getting into. I believe that shit head in jail blamed you for ending his career, although, I most definitely believe he deserved it." Reggie retorted.
"I couldn't get into too much trouble, because Gramps always had an eye on me. He had spies everywhere." Erica said with a laugh and began to cry a little as she looked over her shoulder.
Immediately Reggie turned and put her arms around her cousin and hugged her tightly. "I should have been here sooner, but I couldn't, my parents were one the last ones to die and the National Guard wouldn't let me leave. I had to wait until they were too weak to stop me."
"Well, I haven't done anything like what guys have been doing. I merely went to college and tried not to flunk out while partying in the Frats on the Weekends." Karen said with a laugh trying to cheer up the two teenage girls.
As the girls calmed themselves and regained a cheery out look and glad to be together once again, Xander decided to ask if him and his crew could use the ranch as a resting point when they returned.
At that Both teen girls reply at the same time. "HELL NO!"
"Why not?" Asked Xander.
"Trust us, there are too many reason why you can't." Erica replied to his question. "Lets just say that our Gramps was paranoid and no one who doesn't belong to this family can stay here without problems. And to be honest, I don't think I want you to be bring any girl over and using our Hot tub." Erica said as she quivered at the bad mental image she got.
"I totally agree with my cousin." Reggie chimed into the conversation.
Noticing the time Erica decides that bed was calling. "It's late and we have a long day ahead of tomorrow so I am heading for bed."
+++
Upstairs the two teens quickly but not quietly changed out of their swim suites.
"So are you going to tell me the truth about the elves or not?" Reggie giggles out.
"We already told you the truth." Erica replies as she dries off her naked body with a towel.
"Well what or who ever they are they are HOT!" Reggie exclaims.
"SSSSSHHHHH…." Erica told her cousin.
"What?"
"The elves have really great hearing." Erica told her.
"OOOOHHHHH! Really just how do you know." Reggie remarks as she sees the crimson red on her cousin face.
"What the hell is the suppose to mean?" Erica demands quietly.
"I just happened to know that you and the elf by the name of Legolas stayed here by yourselves last night and the video records have mysteriously disappeared. Even the back up are gone." Reggie giggles as she finishes getting dressed for bed.
"I have NO idea what you're talking about." Erica says with her best innocent look.
"Don't be coy with me, I know the truth." Reggie remarks.
"Well excuse me MISS. WEEKLY PLAYER THING!" Erica remarks as she was referring to her cousin having a different guy week.
"Straight trippin Boo. Because that DAMN CAT didn't like them." Reggie remarks as she points at the sleeping cat on the window seat. Who opens it's eyes at her as if to say "What ever. They weren't good enough for you." Than he closed his eyes so that it calico Cheshire Cat grin could be clearly seen. The girl looked directly at her cousin and demanded. "So spill what happened!"
"Ok, fine cliff notes version is that when we got here I was in the shower and he decide to see how what magic caused the hot water." Erica started to explain.
"OH my god." Reggie started giggling.
"It wasn't that bad. I just end up in a freezing shower." Erica informed her cousin. "Than to get him back I almost choke him on Deep fried Breaded Jalopeno."
"What else?" Reggie inquired.
"Nothing." Erica replied with her back to her cousin try to hide the fact she was lying.
"Yeah right. That was a whole's day's worth of videotape. I know you better than that." Reggie retorted.
"So I got in the hot tub and electrical storm start and that's about it." Erica replies.
"Fine I'll drop it for now." Reggie remarks as she gets into the bed.
"Cus. I am glad you made it." Erica said as she turned off the light.
"I am happy you made it too." Reggie said with a yawn, as she turned and gave her cousin a hug that had just gotten into the bed.
Shortly into her sleep dwelling night visions surface in the forms of nightmares taking Erica at first to a beautiful city of white that started flaming. The she was next sent to a dark barren cave to face a creature of her worst fears. But she realized it wasn't her that was facing the creature it was a small being who was giving his all to fend off the creeping creature to protect another who had fallen victim to it. Erica was jolted awake when the small being was about to be stung like the first.
It took Erica few moments to realize she was in her bed and her cousin was there with her.
"Oh shit. Damn it." Erica hissed at the cat that watched her. "I need some air." She told the cat who just closed it eyes and went back to sleep on Reggie's chest.
Grabbing her robe Erica decided to check on the M.A.P. to see if Mike had plugged it in to charge while they slept. She carefully and quietly headed down stairs and out the door.
Once inside her Grandfather's work shop Erica examined the M.A.P to find that it hadn't been plugged in.
"Shit Mike." Erica cursed as she climbed under the M.A.P. to plug it in.
"Lady Erica?" A familiar voice asked.
"Ouch…Shit.." Erica yelled as she banged her head on the M.A.P's under panel.
"Erica are you alright?" Legolas heartfully asked.
"Damn it. What is it with you and scaring me?" Erica snapped back as she touched her head.
"I am sorry I saw you come outside and was wondering if you are alright." Legolas started to explain but stop when he saw blood on the hand that was holding her head.
"Well I was until... Shit I am bleeding." Erica remarks as she looks as her hand. She than walks over to the sink with the mirror to see if she could see how deep it was and to get some towels to try and stop the bleeding.
"Here let me." Legolas said as he walked next to her and got the towels than proceed to damping one and place it on her head.
For a few minutes they were both quiet while Legolas tended to her wound until Erica remarked as Legolas examined the wound once the blood let up. "Well am I going to need stitches or am I going to die?"
"You will live and no stitches are needed but some ointment is necessary." Legolas replies as he tried to hide his guilty feeling for hurting her.
"Hand me the white box with the Red Cross on it." Erica tells him as she leans towards him with her head bent.
Legolas hand her the box and she retrieves a white tube from it.
"This ointment should do, you only need a little." Erica says as she removes the lid and hands it to him.
"Erica I am sorry that I cause this, I will try to let you know before I come up behind you." Legolas apologized.
"Legolas, you don't need to be. I am sorry about snapping at you. I just didn't sleep to well." Erica tells him.
"More nightmares?" Legolas asks as he finishes rubbing the ointment on and held her face so she would look at him.
"Yeah but this was different. I was scared but not for myself, I was scared for a small being with golden brown hair. He was fighting the Biggest Fucking spider I'd ever seen. And I REALLY HATE SPIDERS! But he wasn't fighting for him self there was someone else on the ground." Erica said as she stared into his blue eyes as a tear started to form.
"They were only dreams, you need not fear them." Legolas tells her as he wipes away the tear on her cheek with his thumb.
"It felt so real." Erica says as she leans into his arms for support because she started to tremble.
" Earane Saralonde, sshhh." Legolas says as he starts to sing lightly as he held her tightly.
After a few minutes Erica's trembling stops and she comes to realize that if she were to stay where she was she would fall asleep even though her heart wanted to stay but she ultimately decided that she didn't belong there yet so she spoke up and said. "Huh, Legolas even though I think falling asleep in your arms would be nice I should go back now."
"I shall walk you back." Legolas tells her as he helps her up.
The two walk back the house in silence until they reach the front door than Erica turns to him and says with a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you and Goodnight." Than she goes back in and head upstairs for a few hours of rest.
"Good night, Earane Saralonde." Legolas says with a small smile to the closed door.
"My Lord and Cousin do you think that is wise?" Vidmor asks as Legolas comes down the front porch.
"What do you mean?" Legolas asks
"It is obvious the Lady is taken with you, but what of your feeling." Vidmor demands.
"She needs support, for she has gone through more pain and death in a short of amount of time than you or I or any elf has seen in all our years of life." Legolas rebukes and gives his cousin a look of displeasure.
"And why do you sing to her, a song of love?" Vidmor asked of his lord.
"She knows nothing of the meaning of the song, it is only to sooth her pain and help her to rest." Legolas says as he turns from his cousin.
"But you know the meaning, what are your intentions towards the Lady?" Vidmor questions.
"She is a" Legolas began to say but was interrupted by Haldir who had been listening from a far. "This is neither the time nor the place for this discussion. It is time for you both to rest." The Marchwarden informed the two young elves who hesitated to argue with their elder.
Haldir carefully watched as they separate as they headed for their rest areas. Than he thought to himself. "There is going to be tension, more than usual for those two."
Legolas enters the barn and climbed the ladder to the loft in which he had laid his bed; to do as the Marchwarden had suggested. Once Legolas was in bed, dreams of the wooded planes of Mirkwood, his home entered his mind but it was different. For in this vision someone was waiting for him. She was sitting on a bench swing reading a book at an edge of an enchanting pond. He approached her from the behind, as he approached he called her beloved in elfish and she respond the same to him with much love in her voice.
+++
Next morning Erica awoke from her peaceful rest by her cousin's snoring with rising sun. She rolled over to find her cousin dead to the world.
"Reggie waky waky." Erica told her cousin while she tried shaking the girl but her only replied with a deeper snore. Erica than thought to herself, "You asked for it." Then the teen proceeded to grab a pillow and slap her cousin in the face.
"What the fuck?" Reggie said as woke out her sound sleep. It was the best sleep she had since she left for Georgia. "What was that for?" Reggie said as she spit out feather from her mouth.
"Time to wake up and YOUR IT!" Erica yells as she nails her again with the pillow.
"Your evil." Reggie said as she grabbed her own pillow and started to chase her cousin around the room.
"And your point is?" Erica says as she hits her cousin again. "You are worse!"
"That is only because I am related to you." Reggie said as she nailed her cousin in the head and repeated to hit her with her pillow. "and this is for eating all my chocolates."
"I thought you were over that."
Reggie's cat just looked at the girls and dodged the pillow that Erica threw at Reggie and missed. The cat hissed and pawed at the door.
The ensuing fight drew the attention of everyone downstairs. As Mike in hailed the intoxicating smell of coffee, he merely glanced up and muttered to David. "They are at it again."
The girls squealing brought the Marchwarden and Leader of the Rohirrim upstairs. They knocked on the door but received no answer and only heard yelling and screaming intermixed with bits and pieces of laughter. The two adults came through the door when the girls were in the middle of their pillow fight. Haldir open door, Mr. Cuddles ran for his life. The elf came through the door only to duck when the pillow that Reggie had thrown hit Eomer in the face, which caused the pillow to exposed. The Horsemaster's beard and head were covered in feathers. The elf looked at his friend and tried not to laugh.
The girls looked at the stunned Eomer who blew the feathers out of his face. The girls laughed and said sarcastically. "Oopps, well you should have ducked like the elf did." At that girls started to giggle nonstop and even the elf cracked a smile at the predicament of the Rohirrim warrior.
"My Ladies, I believe it is time for you to get ready for day and stop this little battle, there are larger battles ahead. Haldir said as he began to notice that the girls were still in their pajamas and gave them a funny look.
Then both girls said, "Then out, this no peep show." throwing both of the warriors out of the bedroom.
"I don't believe I will ever understand American teenage girls." Eomer told his elven friend.
"One of the great mystery of life worth living." Haldir said in reply. The two adults proceeded downstairs until the party was ready to leave.
++++
Shiloh High School
Snellville, Georgia
0800 hours
August 10, 2000
Erica waited for the last rider to pass through the gates before locking them one final time. The column soon began its journey back to the other side of Metro Atlanta, where the portal was located. A few minutes after leaving the ranch. Eomer noticed Mike stop in front of a large brick building.
Legolas moved close to Erica and asked, "What is important about this building?"
Looking ahead the girls answers him. "It where we learned many lessons together."
"Hey Mike the Flag is at half mast I wonder who did that?" David pointed out.
"More than likely Mr. Hill the janitor. He was a jarhead with a heart." Erica inputs.
Eomer looked to the boy in puzzlement, "Why are you stopping? We should be riding to the portal."
Mike looked back to the Rohirrim and answered, "This is where my friends and I attended school. If you don't mind, there is something I need to get."
The teen guided his steed to the parking lot and dismounted. He took a long look at the flag, examining it's condition and answered David, "That flag has been up there for some time. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't raised when the plague first hit. It has certainly been out in the elements for some time."
David joined his friend, "Yeah you are right. That flag is pretty tattered and faded."
"Mike look who's over here." Erica remarks as she points to corpse on the other side of the cement wall. The name tag reveal it to be Mr. Hill
"I'm not sure I want to see," answered the teen. Finally, he walked over to the corpse. Recognizing the janitor, the teen knelt and said a prayer before standing at attention and giving the dead man a salute.
At that Reggie start to lightly sing Amazing Grace.
"Eomer, could you help me move him inside?" asked Mike.
The Rohirrim order a couple of his men to help them move the body.
"That was beautiful, My lady." Haldir tells Reggie when she finishes singing
Together, they moved the corpse into the school officer. Mike retrieved a blanket from his horse and covered up Mr. Hill and shut the officer door one last time. "If you guys want to wait here, I won't be long."
"David your never going to hear me ask this again but I would like for you to play Taps while Reggie and I lower the flag." Erica asks David.
David nodded and played out the last farewell to the veteran and followed hid friend into the hall way. "So Mike, what did you want to get?"
Mike pointed towards a hallway, "I thought it would be the right thing to take back the Stars and Stripes as well as our unit colors back to Edoras."
Mike led the small group into the heart of the building only to pause in front of the school library. The teen turned around to examine some pictures in the display case and yelled out, "HEY REGGIE! Take a look at this."
The Rohirrim and elves may have not known the full meaning behind the ceremony understood and respected it.
"What Mikey?" Reggie yelled back at Mike as she finished the raiding the candy machine
Mike grinned, "I found the pictures from last year's Antebellum Days festival we had for homecoming. And, you have got to see the getup Erica was wearing."
"OH FUCK!" Erica cursed.
Mike gave his friend an evil grin, "Consider this payback for the videos back at Helms Deep."
"Hey Eomer, Haldir you guys want to see some American style FULL MOONS?" Erica asks as she punches some buttons on the M.A.P.'s remote
With that, he took out a picture showing himself dressed as JEB Stuart, right down to the fake beard and black feather in his hat. Erica, on the other hand looked like Scarlett O'Hara in her yellow southern belle dress. "You know, we did win the award for the most authentic costume."
He turned back to Reggie, "You want it?"
"I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S ASS." Erica sneered. "IT's all Dena's fault. I lost the bet and had to wear that DAMN THING!"
"Nah I already got copies from Gramps." Reggie replied.
"I love it when you loose bets." Reggie jeers at her cus.
Mike walked over to Erica and held out his hand, "Okay pay up."
"OK, should we talk about a certain bet you lost before leaving for Florida?" Erica asks her cousin as she shoots up an evil glare her way.
"What?" Erica asks innocently
"Oh I believe there was certain wager concerning getting a rise out of you in front of out friends from Middle Earth. Didn't you say I bet you five dollars you can never embarrass me?"
"Oh really how about I show them The Halloween Stunt with the Full MOONS?" Erica replies has she holds up a DVD.
Mike shrugged, "Go ahead. It's probably nothing they haven't seen before."
"Oh really it also includes the little episode with that playboy Mag." Erica smiles knowingly
"Uh oh I am staying out of this one." Reggie remarks as she heads for the door.
"Go ahead," challenged Mike.
Haldir decide to take matters in to his own hands. "Lady Erica I don't think now is the best time wait till we return to Middle Earth for the King to see them."
"Yeah your right I did promise a FULL REPORT for him." Erica remarks as she lets her friend off the hook.
The adults looked to one another and chuckled at the exchange. Finally Haldir spoke up, "If we want to be back for the portal before nightfall, we should be leaving within a few minutes."
Taking the hint, Mike nodded and disappeared into the ROTC room. A few minutes later, he came out holding two flagpoles. The first held a slightly smaller version of the flag that had been hanging from the flagpole. This, the teen quietly handed to David. The second, held a slightly different design. Noticing the questioning looks, Mike explained, "This is the banner for my ROTC unit. Units within the American armed forces frequently have their own flag that is unique to that particular unit. Since my friends and I are the only survivors of this unit and we have fought as a unit at Helms Deep, I think it is appropriate to bring back the unit colors with us."
Eomer listened to the explanation and agreed totally with it, "Then by all means bring the flags. But lets be off. We have miles to go before the sun sets." That said, the Rohirrim led the out the front doors and to their waiting comrades.
+++
McHale's Saddlery
Douglasville, Georgia
1255 hours
August 10, 2000
It was well past noon when the supply column rode out of Metro Atlanta west on I-20. Reaching the Douglasville off ramp, Mike remembered the one final stop they had to make before returning to Middle Earth. Pointing off to his right, the teen told Eomer, "As long as we are in the area, I was wondering if we could make a quick stop by McHale's Saddlery."
Eomer pondered the boy's request and asked, "We need to be on our way to Edoras. Why do you want to visit this store?"
"Well, before the Superflu hit, I saw a mint condition McClellen Saddle. The McClellen was the standard issue saddle for the US Army from 1861 to 1943 when the last horse cavalry units were disbanded. I just wanted to see if it was still there."
The Rohirrim nodded, "Very well, get your saddle. However, you have but an hour before we drag you back here."
Haldir had no desire to see this store so he suggested, "Michael, I will wait here with the people guarding the supplies. Do not be long."
Mike nodded, "Don't worry, I won't." He turned back to the girls, "Erica, Reggie, you guys want to come along?"
"Sounds like a plan." Erica remarks
"Nah I like my spot." Reggie remarks as she hugs Haldir tighter
Mike grinned in Haldir's direction, "Think you can handle Reggie?"
"I believe I can manage." The elf replies with a slight smile and red tint.
Eomer shook his head and told the two teens, "Then lets get this over with. I'll come with you to make sure you don't get into any trouble."
Reggie looks at Erica looked at Reggie.. "It will never work." The girl both respond at which David began laughing his head off.
"What me keeping you or Michael out of trouble?" asked the Rohirrim.
"I can stay out of trouble it's Mike you need to worry about." Erica responded with a laugh
"Hey, I'm not that bad," protested the teen as he rode off in direction of the store. At that several of the group started laughing
Eomer chuckled as he followed after the boy. They had journey not quite a mile before reaching a strip mall. On the corner in big letters was a sign that said, "McHale's Sadlery." Mike tied his horse to a pillar and tried the door. "It's locked," called out the teen. "And, it looks like there's nobody inside."
"But, I'll fix that," he called out as he pulled out his pistol.
"Hold it boy. Unless you want another Wal-Mart scene," Erica laughed.
"'Gramps formula was used here?"
"Yeah think about Him, Uncle Bill and McHale were all vets." Erica laughs
Mike sighed, "Okay, work your magic."
"I don't have any with me but there is another way in. But I need a lift up." Erica marks as she gets off her horse and heads for the side.
Eomer dismounted and moved over to the teen. "What do you have in mind?"
"McHale had a habit of locking himself out and his grandson always had to let him in via the vent on the roof." Erica answered and said as she pointed up, "I am too short to reach it. So give me a boost."
The Rohirrim nodded and cupped his hands together. "Then you best be on your way. Give me your foot," directed Eomer as he lifted the teen up to the roof. " I'll be waiting with Mike at the door."
With the help of Eomer the teen quickly climbed up the wall and over on to the roof.
Mike looked at his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time, "Just like a woman to take her time," muttered the teen.
Once on top Erica notices that the vent had been used recently. "Mike I think Matt's alive." Erica keyed over the walkie-talkie. "Tap on the window in Morse code who's out here or we might get shot at."
Mike tapped on window, "ANYBODY IN THERE?"
"Morse Code you idiot or he'll shot." Erica remarks over the Walkie Talkie
"I know who's out there." A voice over the walkie talkie replied
Mike shook his head and tapped out in code on the window. The sound of the other voice caught his attention, "Who's there?"
"Duh, Mike. It's me Matt. I will be out in a minute." Matt sneered.
Eomer had been listening in. "Who is this Matt," asked the Rohirrim.
Mike answered, "That would be the shopkeeper's grandson. I seem to recall he was about 10 the last time I saw him."
"Erica get off the roof. You could never sneak in here without me knowing, plus I think you need to loose some weight." Matt jeered over the Radio.
Erica just shook her head and mumbled "I going to give him a serious wedgie when I see him."
Mike grinned and yelled, "I guess someone needs to go on a diet."
"Mike, be careful, you had three helpings of Reggie food last night." Erica remarked. "You know how fattening her cooking is."
"Yeah but you had four and I seem to recall your clothes appear to be a tad tighter today."
"No I didn't I only had two, David is the one who had four." Erica yelled loud enough for everyone to hear
Mike grinned and quietly told Eomer, "But they were huge servings."
"Yes they were but they were good." Eomer told him
Mike was about to respond when the sound of the lock being turned caught his attention. He turned around just as the door opened to reveal a small boy with long brown hair and thick geeky glasses. It was obvious he had not changed his clothes in a while. "Matt, what happened?"
"Grampa died. He told me to hold down the fort until help came." Matt cried as he ran out and embrace the teen . "You are the first people I dare to contact since this whole damn thing started."
Meanwhile Erica easily climbed down the wall and came around to see Mike hold Matt who had gone into a crying fit.
A tear came to Mike's eye as he pulled the sobbing child in close. "It's all right. We're here now." He looked up at Eomer, "Looks like we have another addition to our party."
The teen gestured for the adult to come over. "Can you help me out here?"
The Rohirrim just nodded.
"NOOOoooooooooooooooooo. I want to stay with you." The crying boy demanded.
Mike looked into the boy's eyes. "I'm not going anywhere and we'll take you with us. However, I need you to go to Eomer for a minute while I collect some things. Erica and I know Eomer, you can trust him."
"NO! This is my shop now, and if you want anything I am staying with you." Matt informed him
"Mike he hasn't seen anyone since this thing started. Let him stay with us." Erica tells him
The teen finally gave in. Turning to the adult he suggested, "Well, why don't we all go inside."
The adults nodded.
Mike led the child into the store. Looking down he asked, "Hey Matt, Is that McClellen still in stock?"
"Yeah."
"Bad moon raising." A voice squawked, "Bad moon rising." "Bad moon rising." "Bad moon rising."
"I see Mr. Cotton is alive." Erica remarks as she hears the all too familiar sound of McHale's old parrot.
"I suppose we'll be taking the bird as well?" asked an amused Eomer.
"Oh yeah it knows Mike really well." Erica snickers as she walks over to the bird.
"I hope Mr. Cuddles eats him" the teen mutters under his breath. Mike sighed, "Looks like it." He walked to the back of the store and stopped in front of a brown leather saddle. "It's still here," announced the teen. "I see the rifle scabbard is still attached."
Mike began carrying the saddle towards the front of the store when something else caught his eye. Turning back to the child, he asked, "When did your grandpa get those uniforms in?"
"They arrived shortly before the flu hit." the boy responded
"Mike that saddle will be 300 dollars," the boy said as he held out his hand. "And no credit allowed."
The teen began rummaging through the World War II vintage uniforms, checking for sizes. Ignoring the child for the moment, he called out, "Hey Eomer, I take it the king will have some sort of victory celebration."
"I would assume so considering that before we left I heard him telling Eowyn to organize a feast when they got back to Edoras," Eomer replied as he examined some of the clothes on the racks.
The teen looked back to the child, "I'll make a deal, you waive the cost of the supplies and I'll waive the cost of the ticket to come with us when we leave." With that, he turned back to the rack and selected a leather flight jacket, pants and shirts that were of dark green in color. He yelled out, "Erica, you remember Earl's size?"
"Before or after he was shot in the ASS," Erica laughed as she remembered Dena telling her how the boy had whined when she took out the arrow.
Mike sighed, "Before, and we probably want to get some uniforms for the others. For some reason battledress just doesn't go with celebrations or feasts."
"We should be going soon, Master Michael." Eomer reminded Mike of their time limit.
"Okay," answered Mike as he picked up some insignia and brasso from a nearby shelf.
Erica watched her friend for a moment then turned around as someone came running up behind her. It was the kid with a box of some kind.
"Erica. Here's the special delivery you paid for," Matt said as he handed her a box.
The teen thanked the little boy for the box as she looked at the packaged she exclaimed with glee, "Yes!" Erica turned and went to the door and yelled for Reggie. "REGGIE, I NEED YOU TO COME IN HERE RIGHT NOW."
"And here I was all comfortable and everything." Reggie says to Haldir
"Would you like me to escort you there my Lady." Haldir politely asked.
"Nah, I am fine handsome, but thanks." She said as she dismount the horse and ran to meet her cousin.
Reggie ran inside the store looking for Erica with her cat following behind her and as they entered, Reggie's cat eyed the out spoken parrot. She could hear her cousin calling her from the back of the store, "Reggie I got something for you."
"It's the eye of the Tiger." It's the eye of the Tiger." It's the eye of the Tiger." It's the eye of the Tiger." The bird squawked in a sing song voice at the sight of Reggie's cat.
As Reggie wandered towards the back of the store she stopped to look at some throwing stars. She thought to herself, "Theses will go well with my other throwing implements."
"Hey Reggie, you might want to stock up on some clothing while you have a chance." Erica snickered as she remembered the clothes her cousin had brought with them.
"Why?"
"Because the stuff you brought won't last long where we are going." Erica said but then thought. "If Gandalf is Gramps he sure won't like the clothing either."
"Okay, if you say so." Reggie started to peruse the clothing selection that really did not appeal to her fashion sense.
+++
The teens quickly picked up various pieces of clothing as a visibly amused Eomer looked on. With a raised eyebrow, he asked, "Do you really need all that clothing?"
Mike grinned and turned back, "Eomer, my good friend. In the US Army an officer will have a variety of uniforms ranging for battledress to be worn in the field and Mess dress uniforms for formal occasions."
"Oh?" The Rohirrim remarked.
"Yeah, for some reason battledress just will not do for formal occasions. Then add in the fact that there are a variety of battledress for operations in desert, snow, and jungle. It's all specific to the mission."
"I see," answered Eomer. 'However, I feel that there is yet another reason for your interest in the extra clothing."
A faint shade of red came over the teen's features as he replied, "You have me. The other reason is that in this worlds, some girls like a man in uniform. So, I thought I'd see if that was true in Middle Earth."
"Let me see if I get this right," surmised the Rohirrim. "You want this dress uniform to impress girls?"
Mike shrugged, "I'm a teenage boy filled with raging hormones. At this stage of life, girls are beginning to look pretty good to me."
+++
Back at the other end of the store, Erica motioned for her cousin to come over. In due course, Reggie walked over to her cousin who then handed her a box, "Happy birthday."
With Mike's curiosity aroused, he turned back and asked, "What's in the box?"
"You'll see." Erica snickered as she covered her ears and clearly heard her cousin scream with glee at the leather hand made laced up leather boots.
Mike just shook his head and began walking down the isles. As he turned the corner, something caught his eye. Walking over to the display case, he yelled out, "Hey Erica, come over here!"
"These will be great to hold my sighs in," Reggie remarked as she gave her cus a big bear hug.
"As.. soon.. as.. she.. lets... me ... breathe..." Erica answered. Finally catching her breath, she called out, "What is it?"
Mike hopped over the counter. Crouching down, he reached in and pulled out a square leather bound box. Opening it up, he let out a loud whistle of appreciation as he pulled out a Colt Model 1911A1 that had been modified into a presentation piece. The pistol had ivory grips and silver engraving all along the barrel. Holding it up, he asked, "What do you think about giving this to the king as a sign of appreciation for all the help he's given us?" Examining the weapon more closely, he observed, "The weapon is fully operational although I doubt anybody will want to fire it."
"You'll have to teach him how to use it." Erica replied than turns to Matt, who stood there wondering just what the other teen was talking about, "Matthew would you please go get all the ammo for it."
"The King? There are no kings here," Matt answered..
Mike grinned as he replaced the weapon in its velvet cradle. "You'll see." He continued looking at the weapons and pulled out yet another pistol. This one was of different design. It had a barrel of metallic blue and a cylinder above the trigger.
"Erica, you remember how I always wanted to try a little black powder shooting?"
Eomer turned up just as the teens closed the lid on the presentation pistol. Looking at the weapon Mike was holding he asked, "What do you have there?"
"Yeah I also remember how bad you are at targeting." Erica remarked but than turned to Matt, "Matt we have found a safe place but there is a king and I am sure he'll take you in."
"If my uncle is not I will take you in." Eomer answered from behind them, causing Matt to jump at the warrior.
For the first time, Matt got a really good look at the warrior and was amazed with how he looked, "Whoa that's an awesome costume."
Mike held up the pistol, "This is a Model 1860 Colt Army revolver in 44 caliber. This was one of the more common weapons carried by officers during the Civil War we had around hundred forty years ago. I always wanted to fire one of these cap and ball revolvers." It took a moment for Mike to register what the Rohirrim had just said, "You want to take Matt in? That's very generous of you."
Eomer walked over to the young boy and put his hand on the kid's shoulder. "Lets just say I am beginning the like the young man with each passing minute. I have this feeling that I would enjoy teaching him all I know and giving him a sanctuary would be my honor."
Mike smiled and told the boy, "Matt, I kinda envy you. It's not often that such an opportunity offers itself. Take it while you can."
Matt was about to answer when the Marchwarden of Lothlorien walked into the store. Spotting the teens, he reminded them, "Master Michael it is getting late we should be on our way."
The little boy just stood there watching the elf as he approached. He had never seen anything like this in his young life. In fact the only thing he could think of was the Star Trek series that used to come on TV. "Whoa that is so cool, a Vulcan," Matt finally said and was quickly slapped by Erica.
Erica leaned over and said, "Matt I thought you were smart enough to know the difference between Vulcans and Elves."
Mike nodded and grinned, "I guess it is." He quickly picked up the box for the pistol as well as a couple boxes of percussion caps and black powder. Coming out from behind the counter, he told the boy, "Matt this is Haldir, he's an Elf from Lothlorien. Then pointing back to Eomer, he continued, "And this is Lord Eomer from Rohan."
"You know I don't care who they are just as long as they aren't like that psycho lady taking slaves," Matt answered with a tear in his eye.
Erica slapped herself in the fore head as she remembered, "Shit that reminds me should let the guards know what were doing."
Haldir smiled and knelt in front of the child, "Matthew, I can assure you that the psycho lady that you speak of has been taken care of." Straightening up, he asked, "I can assume that we will be taking young Matthew with us?"
"Yup, but shouldn't someone let the guards know what we're doing?" Erica asked.
"Erica, you know we already let the guards know about leaving them in charge to watch over the prisoners until Xander gets back," reminded Mike. "Besides, we cleared that up before we left the ranch this morning."
"I wasn't there I was out side working on the M.A.P." Erica jeered back.
With that Mike placed the weapon back in the boxes on the floor and picked it up and gathered the McClellen Saddle. Walking outside, he immediately had the Rohirrim saddle removed from Nickie's back. He then put a new blue saddle blanket on the horse before putting on the saddle. As he tightened the strap, he could not help but mutter, "Now, that's what I call a true cavalry mount."
Reggie stood watching from the front door and jeered, "Mike shouldn't you check both straps."
The teen then walked back inside and dropped the Rohirrim saddle beside the door and picked up two Colt revolvers from the counter. "It's a good thing, there is a brace of saddle holsters near the pommel and yes, I did tighten both straps."
"Sorry but I still remember when you first learned how to ride from Van," Reggie giggled.
Mike just shook his head as he walked back outside to place the pistols in each holster, then his rifle went into the rifle scabbard hanging from the right side. Making one last trip in, he noticed the swords hanging on the wall. One particular weapon caught his eye and he reached out to pull it off the wall. Drawing the sabre from it's scabbard, he yelled back, "Well Erica, what do you think?"
At that the girl just laughed and responded, "I think you still need more lessons."
Mike smiled, "Laugh it up. However with all that's happened and what will be happening, I have a feeling that it might prove useful in the future. Besides, it's a link to the horse cavalry of the past. There's history in this blade and what it stands for. I don't know how to describe it but it feels just right."
Eomer and Matt walked up in time to hear that last part. The Rohirrim nodded in agreement, "Then by all means take that blade with you but as the good Marchwarden so thoughtfully reminded us, we do need to be going."
Mike finished rearranging the saddle bags, said, "then by all means, lets go."
"Sounds cool," added the girls.
+++++
Prior to leaving the ranch that morning, riding arrangements had been agreed upon. Reggie would ride with Haldir, due to the fact when Reggie tried to ride with anyone else they were almost attacked by her hissing feline. Karen and Xander shared a spare wagon that had been brought from Rohan. The trip to McHale's being completed; the party continued its trek to the portal with yet one more addition. Eomer had insisted that Matt ride with him. The young boy rode in front of the Rohirrim with a big old smile upon the child's face.
The portal was reached within the hour and the new additions stared at it in wonder. Mike noticed this and commented to the Boulder scouts, "I take it you didn't see this when you drove in?"
For once, even Xander was at a loss for words. Finally he got his mind working and replied, "I have never seen anything like this in my entire life."
Eomer leaned forward and told Matt, "There's nothing to be afraid of. We just ride into the portal and we are in Rohan within a minute."
The boy looked up at him, "Are you sure? I mean, there won't be any monsters in there waiting to suck my soul or anything?"
Haldir moved closer and answered for the Rohirrim, "You have my word of honor, if any such monster shows up, my elves as well as Lord Eomer's men will see that you will be safe."
"And if that doesn't work, Xander can just show them his speedo, and that should send them fleeing in terror." Erica snickers. Causing the extreme sportsman to give the girl an evil look and chuckle slightly at the amusing comment.
TBC
Author's Notes: Thus ends "Chapter 3: The Revielle". I wanted to add a couple explanations and answer why the Ranch has running water after so long. Gramps has installed a backup generator and solar panels to keep the power and water pumps running long after the metro area's power goes down. The water comes from a well located on the property itself.
The McClellan saddle described in this story was the standard saddle used by the US Army horse cavalry units. This saddle was named after General McClellan who designed it and later commanded the Army of the Potomic during the early part of the Civil War. Versions of this saddle were in used from the mid nineteenth century until the last cavalry units were disbanded in 1944.
The Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was one of the most popular pistols in use during the American Civil War on both sides. The weapon was a single action six-shot revolver that required the firer to manually load each cylinder by hand. No metallic cartridges. The bullet was actually a lead ball that caused massive trauma upon impact. The user also had to place separate percussion caps on the back of the cylinder before firing. Thus, the weapon is often referred to as a cap and ball pistol. Replicas of this weapon are still being made in the 21st Century.
"Chapter Four, A Call To Arms" will follow the movie version of Return of the King, beginning with the victory celebration in Edoras. With the victory at Helms Deep, Theoden will want to keep the teenagers out of any future fighting. We'll have to see how Mike talks the king into letting the teens accompany the Rohirrim in aiding Gondor. But in any case, the action will pick with the battle. Think of the battle scene from the movie with 50 Caliber machine guns, 60mm mortars, and Surface to Air missiles added.
Finally, to the people who have thoughtfully reviewed the previous chapters, I offer my humble thank you. I can only hope this Chapter is as worthy. I will end this chapter with a small piece of military wisdom from Murphy's Laws of Combat. "Always remember your equipment was made by the lowest bidder to a government contract.
Merry Prankster out
