Our Future is in Our Past

Chapter 13

October 2rd, 1781

Yorktown, VA

Garrison of British Army

Shego tried to maintain her composure as she stalked across the room. A soldier had informed her that Tarleton had just returned to the city a little worse for the wear. He had returned alone and only a few of his command that had left with him had also returned later. One of his own troopers was resting in a room downstairs. Shego had made sure he was comfortable and had plenty of rum in him when she plied her charms. Is was not long before the trooper had given her the full story.

Kim had almost messed up the whole deal with her hardheaded ways. If it had not be for the cook who clocked her on the head with a hamhock, which she thought that was the best use she had ever thought of a ham short of eating it, that Kim would have gotten away. The buffoon was easier to fool. However the men sent to bring in the buffoon were not able to handle him. The trooper had told her the story of the men coming into the camp unconscious and tied to their horses. Then somehow the girl had gotten loose and escaped on a horse. Tarleton and his men had tried to give chase but something happened

.

The trooper had paused for a moment before he continued. "Lady Go, don't think of me as crazy but there was something out there protecting that girl. I mean there was no way she could have gotten loose but she did. Then as we hunted her through the trees something started to hunt us."

The trooper shuddered for a moment. Shego poured him another tankard of rum. He took a large swallow and shuddered again.

"I was just behind the Colonel as we chased the brat through the trees. I thought at first that there was someone else on her horse with her, but then when I looked again there was only her. We had a merry chase through the wood until when I passed under a tree. Something dropped out of the tree onto me horse. I got only a glance at it but what I saw chilled me to the bone. It was covered in black from head to foot. I could really only see the eyes. I would swear on me mother's grave that its eyes were glowing blue. The thing tossed me from my horse like I was nothing. Then it took me horse and chased after the rest of the lads."

Shego set the pitcher of rum to the side. She had already spoken to the other soldiers. The black figure had gone through them like a hot knife through butter. There was a large assortment of bruises and a few broken bones among the trooper that has survived the encounter. She knew that the so-called buffoon had done his thing again. These soldiers were used to a stand up fight. There was no way they were prepared for what they got in Ron. She turned to soldier and fluffed his blankets.

"Tis no matter now. You get some rest. I'll talk with the Colonel and let him know that you need the extra rest."

The old soldier smiled at her.

"Thank you Lady Go. I am but a soldier in his Majesty's service."

Shego shook her head to clear the memory from her head. That little interview had been a about a week ago. During that time the American and French armies had surrounded Yorktown and things had turned for the bad. One, there was little way they could get out of town. Two, Tarleton, their main friend, had been sent across the water to Gloucester Point and in no position to assist them. Three, Lord Cornwallis was more concerned about his army than entertaining British subjects and the last point was that the strong box of gold holding the pay for the army was now even more heavily guarded. Their target was out of their reach and they were stuck behind the line in a city that was about to bombed to smithereens. Shego flopped down into a chair as Drakken came into the room. She snarled at him.

"Well?"

Drakken walked across the room like he was walking on eggshells. He could tell that Shego was in a foul mood and he knew better to say or do something that would cause that mood to be directed at him. He knew from past experience that that was a painful thing. Slowly he took a seat and relaxed.

"I spent sometime with his Lordship. I am afraid all that we have heard is true. The gold is quite out of our reach for the moment. I was not able to convince his Lordship to transfer his men across to Gloucester Point or fight his way out as that would change history. He is quite sure Clinton will send reinforcements."

Shego laughed.

"Yeah right, we happen to know what happens. What do we do now?"

Drakken looked around the room.

"Well, we know from history that the people will soon move down to the river and burrow into the side of the cliffs to escape the shell fire. We might as well start before the others and find a good spot."

Shego jumped to her feet and snarled at him.

"You mean hide in the dirt like some animal? I say bring them on!"

Drakken thought for a moment and decided something quickly.

"Shego, remember what a cannonball can do. Remember what happens to a human body when a cannonball hits? Remember what happened on that ship against Blackbeard. Do you really think that we could stand up here?"

Shego thought for a moment and remember the sight of the deck of Maynard's ship after the battle with Blackbeard. Bodies and pieces of bodies littered the deck. They had to help clean up the dead and it was something she wished she could forget. Then she thought about being on the receiving end of more cannonballs. Bigger cannonballs than last time.

She nodded after awhile.

"Let's go find a cave. It we can't we'll dig one."

October 3, 1781

Williamsburg, VA

Kim held on to Ron's arm as they walked up the street from Weatherburn's Tavern where they were staying. They had been able to shop at Tarpley's store and Nicholson's store across from where they were staying to get at least a few sets of clothing that they could wear. While they were not considered to be gentry they were given some respect by the upper and middle class of the town. It was hard for Kim to understand the class societies that were so prevalent in Williamsburg at that time. At the top were the gentry. These were the land owners, wealthy merchants or financiers. The men were the leaders of the area and the only ones allowed to hold political office. Their wives and daughters were of course the top of the social and fashion class. The middleclass or middling classes were your skilled craftsmen such as blacksmiths and such. This group also included the store owners, lawyers and doctors. The next group down were the farmers and common laborers. At the bottom were the slaves. While Kim and Ron knew that slaves were common at this point in time it still took a little getting used to. Their experience in time in the Civil War era helped them deal with it.

The street was full of residents and soldiers going about their daily business. The two of them passed by the Raleigh Tavern and into the open area where the Courthouse and town Magazine was. This area was also where their was an open air market. Most of the other open area was being used by the troops in the area. Being early October there was a certain crispness to the air. Leading Kim off the main street Ron led Kim over to a tent where a lady was displaying some woven hats. He picked out one that was decorated with a green ribbon.

"Do you like this one KP?"

Kim smiled.

"Yes Ron I do but I don't need it right now. You know that the general is expecting us in the next day or so. I will take some warm cider."

Nodding to her right the hat lady motioned toward another stall next to hers.

"My man has some fresh warm cider of the lady if you wish sir. I am sure he would be happy to serve two fine people as you."

Smiling Kim picked up the hat.

"On second thought, I'll go ahead and take the hat and the cider."

Opening the small purse he carried, Ron paid for the hat and two mugs of warm cider. They continued up the street onto the Palace Green in front of the former Governor's Palace and to the front of the Wythe house where they saw General Washington and Colonel Possible sitting on their horses. Smiling as she performed a curtsey, Kim looked up at the General.

"Good morning General Washington. How are you today?"

General Washington nodded down to Kim and Ron.

"Mr. and Mrs. Stoppable, good to see you on such a fine morning. Col. Possible and I are on the way to our new headquarters in the field. I need you to join me as part of my staff. My other officers will help arrange for your transport to the field. I expect to see you by the morning. Do follow instructions for once and not go off on some adventure."

Kim and Ron blushed a little bit and smiled at the same time.

"Yes Sir. We will see you at your headquarters."

Kim and Ron were mounting a pair of horses behind the Wythe House when an French officer and two hussiers of French Calvary rode up to them. Out in the road a group of more cavalry soldiers waited for them. The officer bowed and flourished his hat.

"Madame and Messieur Stoppable, I am Leut. Leon DeMarque, Marquis de Choisy of Legion has requested us to escort the two of you to the General's headquarters. The General left orders saying that he would feel better if we accompanied you."

Kim rolled her eyes as Ron smiled.

"We would appreciate the escort Lieutenant as we are not sure exactly where his headquarters is and we would not want to get lost."

The officer smiled as he replaced his hat.

"Oui, it is a fine day for a ride. Let us go. Our unit is on patrol in the area where we shall be riding. It should be an easy safe ride."

The sun shone brightly as they road out into the country toward Yorktown. Kim and Ron both noticed a number of large cannon being pulled along the road in the direction they were heading. Along with the cannon were wagons filled with barrels. DeMarque waved toward a side road.

"Let us take this road. While it is closer to the British lines it will not be as crowded. Besides, another of our squadrons is between us and the British lines. We shall be quite safe."

The group moved onto the another road and away from the noise, dust and bustle of the main road. They had been on the road from a few minutes when there were shouts and gunshots to the east of them. Kim jerked her head to the left to see a number of calvary wearing green uniforms and tall shakos burst from a treeline 200 yards away. One soldier in the midst of the group was very recognizable. It was Tarleton! The officer shouted orders and the soldiers drew swords and pistols. DeMarque shouted to Kim and Ron.

"Ride for your lives to the west. Two of my men will accompany you. Now GO!"

More shots rang out and two nearby soldiers reeled in their saddles. Kim grabbed a pistol and a saber from one as Ron took the other's saber. At that moment Tarleton's trooper slammed into the group. Sabers clang against each other as ragged shots rang out. More French troopers appeared from two directions and charged toward the battling group. Kim parried a blow from one trooper. Leaning nearly backward in her saddle she avoided another's pistol shot. Ron charged toward the center of the group knocking troopers from from their saddles. Tarleton spun in his saddle to see two of his gravest enemies in the midst of the battle. Before he could order his men to concentrate on Kim and Ron the other French troopers arrived into the fray. More British troopers fell from their saddles. With a roar of anger Tarleton ordered a retreat and the British troopers fled the battle. The majority of the group chased Tarleton from the area as DeMarque's troop blocked Kim and Ron and herded them toward the west. DeMarque's uniform was bloody and he had lost his hat.

"Please Madame, Messier, please allow us to leave the field of battle. It would look poorly on our command if we allowed the your loss to the enemy. Let us continue to the Headquarters."

Kim and Ron handed their weapons to the remaining soldiers and heading in the direction DeMarque indicated. It was not too long a ride among the trees and side roads until they arrived at Washington's Headquarters. He stood in front of his tent with his arms crossed and a severe scowl across his face. Kim and Ron dismounted as soldiers held their mounts. Washington waved them over and stood before him as he towered over them scowling.

"You two seem to be magnets for trouble do you not?"

He waited for a moment before he smiled.

"It is well that you have arrived. I am in need of your services. I shall be hosting a dinner tomorrow for my officers to plan the coming battle. I would also appreciate if you would prepare something for a luncheon this afternoon. I leave you to your duties."

He turned and entered his tent. Col. Possible appeared with a smile on his face.

"The General is quite upset with you but that is no matter. We have a tent for you behind his headquarters tent here and have arranged for all that you will need. Mr. Stoppable will you come with me and we will get your kitchen set up. Young lady, you will need to go into the headquarters tent as soon as you place your cloak in your tent. I am sure the General has need of your services."

Kim and Ron walked around to the rear of the tent. There were several more tents in neat rows. Col. Possible escorted them to one near the cooking area. Looking inside Kim and Ron noticed inside there was a folding table and two folding cots. There were blankets on the cots as well as a couple of boxes and a barrel turned on end. The floor was covered in straw. Kim went in and laid her cloak on one cot while Ron laid his on the other. She turned to him with a slight smile.

"Well, back to work I guess. I'll head back to the headquarters tent while you meet with the cooks. I'll see you later."

Getting up on her tiptoes she gave him a quick kiss. Ron smiled as she walked from the tent and headed back to the headquarters tent. Walking out of their tent he headed for the cooking area where all the food was being prepared.

October 9

Outside of Yorktown, VA.

Kim cleared the dishes from the table in the main tent at Washington's headquarters. He occupied two tents. The first was a large tent were he held meeting and dinners for his officers. The second smaller tent was where he slept. Only a few people and officers were allowed back there. She and Ron were some of the few that were. Washington and several of his officers had left earlier. She knew from the conversation and talk around the camp that today was to be a special day. The army engineers French and American had completed the siege line and had mounted all the cannon.

Ron had ridden off with the General and his staff leaving her to clean up the dishes. Normally this would have left her in a little tiff but this was going to be an important day in history and she was going to miss it because SHE had to do the dishes. Ron had better grovel expertly if he even dared hoped for a good night kiss. She grumbled as she picked up a stack of plates and placed them on a tray.

"Don't be too angry with your man Mrs. Possible."

Kim turned to face Nathan, one of the slaves helping at the headquarters. He reached over to take the tray. Kim scowled a little.

"What makes you think that I am angry with Ron?"

Nathan smiled.

"Well, the way you stacked those plates for one thing. Belle sent me over here before you broke one."

Kim cringed. She had been stacking them a little hard and they were very breakable.

"Well, he could have turned down the invitation."

Nathan turned with the tray and headed for the area where they washed the dishes. Kim followed him with another tray of serving dishes. Nathan carried the dishes to a wooden bench next of a half barrel of sudsy water. Kim followed and placed the tray she was carrying next to his. Picking up the first of the dishes she started to scrape the scraps into another barrel that had been sawn in half. She handed the plate to Nathan so that he could start to wash it. The sound of a horse riding up caused her to look up. There was Ron.

"Hey KP. Come on. I talked the General into letting you come."

A huge smile split Kim's face as she gathered up her dress and ran over to him. He reached down and pulled her up behind him. She gathered him into a fierce hug and settled behind. He turned with a Ron-smile and whispered.

"I actually begged him to let you come. When I told him what might happen he laughed and told me to go get you. He said that he will not separate a man from his wife's affection. He said he had been in "the doghouse" with his wife too."

Kim snorted a laugh as Ron turned the horse back in the direction he had come. He guided the horse through the thongs of troops until he arrived at the rear of a line of cannon. Washington stood with a number of other officers by a cannon. The crew of the gun were loading it when they dismounted. Another soldier came over to hold their horse. Nodding his head toward where Washington was standing he spoke quickly.

"The General has asked that you stand over here with the other officers. They are about to start the bombardment."

Kim and Ron moved to the area where the officer had indicated and stood quietly. Washington turned and saw they standing there and waved. They waved back as he turned back to the group he was standing with. There were a number of French officers as well as some American. LaFayette was there along with a man that Kim and Ron knew to be the French commander, General Rochambeau. The men talked for a few moments as they watched the crews load all of the cannon with sight. When all seemed to be ready an officer nodded to Washington. A Sargent handed a long rod with a piece of smoldering rope attached to the end. Washington walked over to the cannon and with a flourish reached over with the pole and touched the smoldering rope to the touchhole of the cannon. Kim jumped when the cannon roared out. They could see the cannonball sail over the open area between the two armies and disappear into the town. They heard several loud smashing sounds as the cannonball hit several things. All around the rest of the cannon fired sending their missiles into the town and the earthern battleworks of the trapped British army.

Kim turned to Ron and gathered him into a hug. They had seen a lot of history in their travels through time. But to be here, at this moment, was special. This was the battle would be the birth of the nation that they would call home. The cannon continued to fire all along the line as they and the officers watched.

October 9

British Officer Quarters

Yorktown, VA.

Shego sat with several officers on Cornwallis' staff enjoying a good dinner. It had taken a little work with a lot of rum, batting of her eyelashes and a little charm to be invited to the dinner. The men here at the table knew where the paychest full of gold was. If she could charm the information from them then she and Drakken could make their move. Tarleton had been sent across the river to help man another fort. This one was supposed to be a fall-back position in case things didn't work out in Yorktown. She knew that Conrwallis had sent a letter to Clinton in New York asking for help and that the help was expected. If they could just last another day or so they would have the gold.

Shego had just lifted her goblet of wine to toast the King when there was the sound of a single cannon firing. The far wall exploded in a shower of brick and plaster. The cannonball went the length of the table smashing everything, throwing food and drink all over the room. The officer at the head of the table was thrown against one of the walls as the ball continued to fly through the room and out the other wall. She could hear it smash into another home across the street with a bang of smashed brick and tinkle of broken glass.

She stumbled against the wall as a number of the officer went to check on the one thrown across the room. The others ran to the wall where the cannonball had come through. They looked through the hole in the wall and out the windows. Soon the sound of more cannon being came to their ears. The shell started to sail into town smashing everything in their paths. Shego knew that their time was up. Stumbling through the debris, she quickly left the room to grab Drakken and head back to where they had set up a place dug into the side of the cliff overlooking the river. At least here they would be safe from the shellfire.

Mid-evening

October 16, 1781

Outside of Yorktown, VA

Kim set a platter of food on the table in Washington's main tent. It was raining outside of the tent as she pulled the cover off of the food and then removed her cloak. Washington was there with Rochambeau and some of the other generals including LaFayette and a few others. Only days before there had been two separate attacks by the French and American forces. These attacks, one led by Alexander Hamilton captured two of the main redoubts of the British forces. This enabled the combined forces to get even closer to Yorktown. Earlier that morning, the British had actually come out from behind the lines and made an attempt to breakout. The attack failed. Now they were discussing what to do. LaFayette stepped over to Kim.

"Madame Stoppable, it is so good to see you well. Please tell your husband that if he ever wishes to cook in France to please come see me. I would be honored to petition to get him a job at any of the fine restaurant in Paris."

Kim curtsied to the general.

"Thank you General LaFayette, I will be sure to mention it to him. However, I believe we would rather stay here and help the General with the future of this land."

LaFaytte smiled as he took her hand and kissed it.

"Then I know that the future of this land is in the best hands."

Washington stepped over and picked up a piece of ham.

"Good evening Kimberly, I hope you are doing well this evening. You and Ron have certainly made this place a little more bearable with your food and services."

Kim curtsied again.

"It is an honor to serve our country."

Washington nodded and was turning back to his officers when an officer rode up on a horse. He jumped from the horse and ran up to the tent. Quickly saluting he handed Washington a piece of paper.

"Sir, the British are attempting to ferry over the river. However, the storm seems to have stopped them."

Washington saluted the soldier and took the paper. He quickly scanned it and dismissed the officer.

"Thank you sir. Return to your unit. Let me know of any other movements."

The officer saluted, mounted his horse and rode off into the rain. Washington turned to his men.

"This is good news, with the failed attack this morning and this desperate movement tonight means that Cornwallis is desperate. We need to continue the bombardment. Notify all commands to keep up the pressure."

The officers saluted and turned to send out the proper orders. Washington turned to Kim.

"Well Kimberly, it looks like things are looking up. You may go. We will not need you anymore tonight. Get some rest. I believe I will need you and Ron's services more in the next few days. Good night."

Kim curtsied again and picked up her cloak and stepped out into the wind and rain. She made her way to the tent she shared with Ron. She would pass the news on to him and get some sleep. She knew what was coming and wanted to be fully awake for it. They would soon see the country that had been their home come into being in the next few days.

Morning

October 17, 1781

Outside of Yorktown

Ron was finishing up breakfast for the officers and General Washington. He picked up a couple of eggs and got ready to crack them open when one of the siege cannon nearby fired. He screamed and jumped tossing the two eggs in the air. They came down with a crunch. He looked around and didn't see them on the ground around him.

"Ron? Are you missing something?"

Ron swallowed and turned around to see a rather ticked off Kim standing behind him. The two eggs had landed on her head. The glare from her eyes could have cooked the pot roast on the table behind him. He picked up a towel and stepped toward her.

"Uh sorry about that KP."

She snatched the towel away and began to wipe the egg from her hair.

"You are so lucky you are so cute. Ron, we have been here over a week and heard the cannon. Why get startled now?"

He gave a short laugh.

"You know me KP, easily startled."

Kim was about to reply when she looked over his shoulder toward Yorktown.

"Ron, there is someone on the ramparts over there and they are showing a white flag."

Ron turned around to see what looked like a small boy beating on a drum and an officer with a white flag. There were shouts all along the line of cannon to cease firing. As the cannon stopped firing the officer and the drummer boy walked toward the American battle lines.

Morning

October 17, 1781

Yorktown

Drakken fiddled with what was called food for the inhabitants of Yorktown. He didn't even want to know what the meat was. There had been a dog running around but had mysteriously disappeared. Most of the meat was half rotten and about all they had to eat otherwise was the heavy crackers they used for bread and most of those were old and full of worms.

They had tried to get on the boats last night with the soldiers but had been turned away. That was their last chance to get away. They made their way back to their cave soaking wet from the storm that seemed to have appeared from out of nowhere. The troops had just started to getting into the boats to row across to Gloucester Point where Tarleton and some of the other troops were stationed. Then the storm had blown up capsizing several of the boats. It was a miracle that no one had drowned.

Now they just had to wait. Hopefully they would be able to sneak out with the residents of the town with the surrender. He had already mentioned that to Shego but she had told him something else. Shego had been trained as a teacher and had even taught for a little while when the machine had turned her good. Her specialty had been history and she was fully aware of what was coming. She had told him of the times coming and it chilled him more than the cold damp air. When Cornwallis set down terms under which he would surrender one of the terms was that the Tory residents would be allowed to leave with the troops. This Washington would turn down under no uncertain terms. When the army left, the Tory residents would be left to the mercy of their countrymen. That was not a prospect that he looked forward to. Especially since they had worked so hard to take out Kim and Ron.

Shego was working on something to get them out of town. He could only hope that it would work. Otherwise they could expect little mercy from the men who would be coming into town. Then he heard the sounds of silence. The cannons had stopped firing. That could mean only one thing.

October 18, 1781

Washington's Headquarters Tent

Bustling around the headquarters tent, Kim and Ron worked to bring food and drink to the occupants. There was a British officer as well as Washington and a number of other of his officers. There was a lot of talking going on and voices were raised at times. This meeting had been going on for the second day. Kim had taken the young drummer boy aside to give him something to eat and drink. He was about 10 years old and very thin. His description of the conditions in town made her shudder. She wondered what Shego and Drakken were doing and if they were still alive. Washington signaled Kim to come over. She quickly wiped her hands on her apron and walked quickly over to him and bent down to listen. He tilted his head toward her.

"Kim, please bring a tray of glasses with wine. We are to toast to the surrender."

Kim nodded.

"Yes sir, I'll be right back."

She trotted out of the tent and back to the serving area. Ron was there cleaning up. She picked up a tray and started to set up a number of glasses.

"Ron, get some of the General's wine. I'm to take a tray of glasses of wine in to the meeting. They have reached the agreement."

Ron nodded and pulled a bottle of wine from it's case and started to fill the glasses as she set them up. After filling all of the glasses she laid a towel over all of them and carried them back to the tent. All the men stood and took up a glass as she served them from the tray. Washington raised his glass and spoke.

"To peace."

All the men repeated his words as they raised their glasses then drank. Kim took the glasses as they placed them back on the tray. She smiled as she took each of them. Here she was again at an important point in history. She would remember this for a long time.

October 18, 1781

Yorktown

Shego came into the cave from the darkness outside.

"You know what had happened?"

Drakken nodded.

Shego shook her head.

"No since hanging around let's get out of here."

Drakken drew the tunnel control from a stack of clothes and turned it on.

"When and where?"

Shego ran a hand through her hair.

"Home and hometime. This time travels stinks."

Drakken fiddled with the device from a moment then pressed a button. They disappeared from the cave in glowing light.

October 19, 1781

Yorktown

Kim sat beside Ron on their horses. They were on a hill overlooking the town as the soldiers of the British Army marched out of Yorktown. Their flags were furled and their guns were reversed and hanging down. The fifes and drums were playing some music that they didn't know. The American and French armies were lined up on both sides of the road leading to the field where the surrender would take place. They could see Washington and all the officers waiting to accept the surrender. Ron turned and took her hand.

"Come on KP. We know Drakken and Shego are gone and there is nothing we can do except get out of the way. Now would be a good time with all this going on."

Kim gave his hand a squeeze.

"Yeah, I know. Wade sent a message on the Kimmunicator that Drakken and Shego have returned to our time. I guess we need to get back too."

They turned back toward Williamsburg and headed back to the Sloth.

Just some notes.

I really didn't realize how long this story has been lying untouched. Two years. Wow. I didn't mean to let it sit so long but I guess life just got in the way. I hope that all of you enjoy this segment of the story.

Just a few points of history here. All the names of stores and shops are real places that were there and still are there in Williamsburg and Yorktown. I have attempted to give descriptions of these places as best I could. I have walked the streets of Williamsburg and Yorktown. I hope that some of you may have the chance to visit these historic places.

The class society was strictly upheld at this time in history. Women were not high on the overall social scale. The men had and held all the power. The women themselves had their own order sometimes as hard or harder to climb than that of the men.

The little action between Tarleton's men and the French Calvary unit, actually happened. Tarleton and his men were looking to loot supplies and ran into the French unit. The action actually happened on the other side of the river but I used a little artistic license to have it so Kim and Ron would be mixed up in it.

The artillery barrage did start on the 9th with Washington firing the first shot. Legend has it that the shot hit a house where a group of officers were at dinner. Needless to say the shell passing through the room disturbed the dinner and did injure one officer which was a miracle in itself. The cannonball then passed through the other wall and hit the house next door passing through that home too.