CH29
It is now about a month later and is late June:
Kate and Natalie are now easily 6 months along in their pregnancies. Kate and the boys are out of school for the summer and Kate couldn't be happier about that part. While she can still get around easily, her back is starting to hurt a little. Natalie and Kate find out that they are each carrying only one child. Kate cries foul while Jim starts breathing again.
They all decide that since these are unexpected pregnancies that they might as well not find out the sex early this time and be surprised. The nurseries for both of them are being created little by little and set up with a gender neutral color pallet.
All of the girls get together to go shopping for baby clothes, Jenn for Alex, L for Allie, and a few gender neutral things for Natalie and Kate. Since Jim and Natalie now have a house in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, it just seems natural that they go shopping there.
The guys, well mostly Rick, talk them all into going to the house in Montana for the 4th of July. That way they could buy their own fireworks and shoot them off on their own property. The girls gave in when they were assured that with 4 men shooting off fireworks they would still get a really good display. And that they could use the stereo system in the house to add music to their display. Plus when Kate or Natalie get tired they could sit somewhere comfortably instead of standing the entire time.
Rick and Jim (Kate was persuaded not to come due to her pregnancy) take more MRE's and bottles of water to the people they are still holding thanks to one Michael Thornton who had been strangely quiet concerning them lately.
Lucile notes that he attempted to contact Alan and his other brother in the NSA several times but never got a hold of them. Then he starts making trips between Ohio and Hong Kong. Rick and Kate assume it is for business since he seems to do it weekly for a month.
The first prototype fighter and bomber look to be due roughly the same time as Natalie and Kate are due to give birth. The first satellite is going to be shot up into orbit roughly the same time. It has been decided to do the 12 satellites in Earth orbit first then start putting them out in the asteroid belt. There is going to be a launch roughly every 2 – 3 weeks. It is going to take about 6 months to get all 12 in orbit. Then roughly 1-1/2 years to get all 36 satellites out in the asteroid belt.
Everyone prayed they had the time for this. Or that they got lucky if the Honji Sinhindrea showed up before that.
Thanks to the time it takes to ship Amanda's car to Barbados where their new apartment is located, their official move in day is today. The car is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. To facilitate this they both had already accomplished two things.
First staying longer than a month: Extension of stay.
Visitors wishing to extend their stay in Barbados should apply to:
The Chief Immigration Officer
Immigration Department
Careenage House, The Wharf
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Tel: (246) 426-1011
Permanent Residence
Persons who wish to take up permanent residence in Barbados must provide tangible evidence that they are not likely to become a charge on the nation. Applications should be made to the Immigration Department.
Second: Obtaining a Driver's License:
Visitors and Temporary Residents
A visitor or temporary resident of Barbados may obtain a temporary driving permit by applying to:
The Licensing Authority offices at The Pine, St. Michael, Oistins in Christ Church and Holetown in St. James
At any approved hired car agency.
The applicant must be in possession of a valid driving license issued by the traffic authorities in his/her country of normal residence. There is a fee for the permit, which will be valid for one year or until the expiry of the applicant's driving lenience, whichever is the shorter time.
Driving License And Permit Fees
Theory Test - $30.00
First issue of permit (valid for six months) - $80.00
Renewal of permit for three months - $35.00
Visitors permit - $10.00 for less than two months
Visitors Permit - $100.00 for two months and over and up to a maximum of one year.
Driving License Renewal for one year - $50
Driving License Renewal for three years - $125.00
Driving License Renewal for five years - $200.00
With effect from January 2010 persons 65 years and over will pay $25 per year for renewal of driving licenses.
There is a fee of $50.00 for vehicle investigations (when vehicles are off the road).
With Lucile's help they pass both of these with flying colors. No hacking is necessary since Alexis and Amanda take the tests in person with paper hard copies that are only then added to the computer. With their communications disks they both knew just what to write in. Fortunately they only tell a few white lies.
They both do have jobs and have proof of this. They are just altered a little to show that their jobs are all done using a computer so they can actually work from anywhere. (Transportation to their jobs require the use of a transmat wall that they couldn't tell them about.) They already have a permanent address that has been purchased with cash. They also have their own car registered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, that is being shipped out and will be inspected and registered in Barbados.
They fill out countless other forms asking things such as how long they have had their jobs, what the salaries are, previous job histories as well as previous resident histories, what their passport numbers are and numerous other questions that Lucile gave them answers for in a heartbeat.
With Lucile on their side it had almost been too easy. When the last paper was signed Alexis and Amanda went out to celebrate locally.
Lucile sets them both up with free for a lifetime 'Dining with Us' Membership cards. The cards provide them with complimentary drinks when dine in for lunch or dinner, earn rewards for frequent visits and points, preferred table seating (you get the best available table in the restaurant), complimentary anniversary perks, complimentary birthday perks, customized discounts and offers. Participating restaurants are Fusion restaurant & lounge, Il Tempio, Tapas, Luigi's, The Beach House restaurant.
However due to its location to their apartment they chose Mullins Restaurant, Highway 1B
Mullins, Barbados. They will get around to the others in the future. It helped that it is located right on the beach. It allows them to go 'Home' (Barbados) first, change into a swimsuit with a cover wrap and enjoy the beach after eating. Then they go back to New York.
Finally the 4th of July comes around and everyone meets at the house in Montana early in the morning. Rick, Kate, the boys, along with Alexis and Amanda arrive the day before and stay the night. It gives them a chance to go shopping for food for the holiday.
While the girls are cooking breakfast the guys go fireworks shopping.
Extreme Pyro $235 (purchase just one)
Take it to the limit with our Extreme Pyro assortment of fireworks, a set of reloadable shells that will make you look like a seasoned pro. Loaded with everything you need for your aerial show, this package only to be missing the pyrotechnician and his audience. In the reloadable shell assortment you'll find, single break shells, double break shells, triple break shells and quad break reloadable shells. Also packed with eight 12-inch launch tubes to provide for 80 shots producing a total of 176 spectacular & exciting breaks. And, this product is made right here in the USA!
One Bad Mother $44.99 (each) (purchase twelve)
Huge sixteen shot gold willow multi-blooming crackling flowers with a quickened huge 3 shot finale make this America's number one selling 500 gm cake. Each shot goes up approximately 150-200 feet and breaks 100-150 feet wide. This cake has one of the most recognizable labels in the industry. This cake will continue to be the best in its class based on performance, quality and label.
One Bad Mother in Law $51.00 (each) (purchase twelve)
She's a force to be reckoned with; she's One Bad Mother In Law – our mostly tongue-in-cheek nod to that annoying lady who seems to know your wife so well. Packing a powerful punch, this 500 gram cake seems to take her own advice – go big or go home! Effects include thundering bursts of colorful peonies, chrysanthemums and brocades. Unlike a real mother-in-law, you'll be willing to visit with this awesome firework every day of the year. Manufactured by World Class Fireworks, a respected brand in consumer fireworks circles.
Absolute Pyro 156's $69.99 (each) (purchase twelve)
Let loose with your inner pyro in a big, big way with our Absolute Pyro 156's,a seemingly never-ending display of overhead fireworks that will unleash a spectacle of sparks in the sky. This 500 gram cake is prepared with the maximum allowable load by law and blasts out 150 shots of gold willow with tail and 6 shots of gold willow breaks. Firework fans, we're talking 156 sequential shots of absolute pleasure here! When you're looking to live large, this impressive firework is just the pyrotechnic product for your grand finale.
Gatlin' Pack Roman Candle $21.99 (purchased two for the boys)
The Gatlin' Pack Roman Candle will keep you and your buds busy 'playing with fire.' This cool set ofRoman candles features eight pieces, 2 each of 4 different effects/colors. Each 18-inch long candle shoots out 5 shots and gives the user a maximum impact experience. For safety, a launch tube is included for setting these fun fireworks off. Made by World Class Fireworks, a leader and innovator on the consumer firework market, these fireworks are sure to become one of your all-time favorites.
Morning Glory 15/24/6 $.60 each (purchase one box of 24, mostly for the boys)
If the dark night needs some light, our Morning Glory sparkler makes a sensational statement that only Mother Nature can rival. This awesome sparkler by Black Cat features three amazing changing colors - beginning with red, changing to a special effect silver strobe and ends with a silver sparkler. Sixteen inches long and created with a safe, non-metal core, this sparkler has a burn time of approximately 30 seconds. Wrapped colorfully as a hint of the beautiful effects to come, this sparkler will become a favorite. Despite the name, these fireworks are best for night use.
They also purchase 4 propane torches with which to light them off.
The guys catch on fast that they could get the fuses close together and light two or three items at one time. With one of the 156's firing its shells they can light all of the artillery shells at the same time, then do the same with one of the Mother-in-law's. If they are careful there will always be something going off in the sky.
It is a win win for everyone. The girls get the display they are promised and the guys get to shoot off fireworks. When all of the big fireworks are gone it is the boys turn with the Roman Candles and the sparklers. The dogs hid inside during the entire thing. Then Lucile interrupted everything. "Richard, Kate I need you back at the house immediately!"
Asking the others to watch the boys Rick and Kate run for the closest door and open a transmat wall for home. Since the front foyer is actually pretty large, they come through the front door. "What's up Lucile?" Rick asks.
Lucile shows herself. "I'm monitoring a hacker who is trying to alter the computerized deeds to the 500 acres of ocean front property you own in St. Lucia." Lucile tells them.
"WHAT! Has he succeeded?" Kate asks.
"No, so far I have prevented him gaining access to the system where your records are stored. I can keep him out permanently, however he is good enough that he would have gained entry without my intervention." Lucile informs them.
"Which will, unfortunately, make him suspicious eventually. Do we know what he is trying to alter it to, or to who?" Kate comments.
"Not unless I allow him access to complete his task." Lucile informs them.
"Can you allow him access just long enough to find out what he is trying to change it to and then lock him out and change it back?" Rick asks.
"Yes, easily." Lucile confirms.
Kate looks to Rick for some verbal clue and believing she got one. "Do it and then tell us what or who."
"Allowing access now. ...He is starting to alter the records. He is changing the date of the sale. Now he is changing the amount of money it was purchased for. A bank account for where the money came from is being entered. ...Scans indicate the bank in question is located in the Caymans.
He is now entering the name of the purchaser. It is a dummy company owned by a company that is owned by Thornton Enterprises. Scan of the bank in the Caymans is an account under the name of Michael Thornton.
I'm ending the access the hacker has and am altering the deeds back to the original sale." Lucile tells them. "Scanning the location the hacking attempt is taking place. ...It has originated from Hong Kong. He is using a free Wifi access location to gain access to the internet. ...Scanning location for any security cameras in the area.
I have a camera two blocks away. I will monitor to see who leaves the area in an attempt to identify the person." Lucile finishes.
"Michael Thornton!" Kate growls out his name as if his name was related to the Black Plague.
"KATE?" Rick calls out in a tone that sounds pleading.
"Burn him Lucile. Burn him, his wife, his son, his brothers and the asshole in Hong Kong." Kate says thru gritted teeth.
Lucile immediately does a number of karate kicks trying to take out the stairs, fireman's pole and the closest wall in her version of a victory dance right in front of Rick and Kate.
About a minute later Lucile pumps her hands up into the air. "DONE! …Just waiting for someone to leave the site in Hong Kong." Lucile tells them. "Wait I can turn on his built-in cam if his laptop has one. ….. Gotcha! Searching facial recognition. …Found him. …He is now, as you say, BURNT!" Lucile finishes.
"Why is it I get the feeling she has been waiting for you to say that for a while now?" Rick whispers to Kate. Kate just grins and gives Rick a quick kiss.
"Keep us up to date Lucile. Let's head back to the party." Kate suggests. Rick agrees and opens a transmat wall for the house in Montana.
Once they are back all the adults gather round them; the boys are still playing with their sparklers. "What was the fire mom?" L asks.
"Lucile noticed that Ray's father hired a hacker to alter the deeds to our property in St. Lucia to the name of his company thru a dummy corporation." Kate tells them.
"He tried to steal your property?" Jenn is shocked.
"He tried to ruin my life so he could get his hands on some beach front property?" Alexis is more than shocked as tears start.
Kate does her best to wrap her arms around her but her pregnancy is making it difficult. Kate motions for Amanda to join them and make it a triangle hug. "Sweetie I know what Ray did and it might be because of his father and that it hurts. But you have Amanda now and she is nothing like Ray or his father. And we ALL know that she loves you and you love her."
"Walk past it sweetie. You have a new life now. A much better one surrounded by people who we all know care about you and love you." Kate tells her with her own tears starting.
"I'm here Alexis and I'm not going anywhere." Amanda tries to reassure her. Amanda tugs Alexis over, wrapping her arms around Alexis with her own tears starting. Amanda whispers in her ear just loud enough that Kate is the only other one close enough to hear. " Marry me Alexis."
Kate slaps her hands over her mouth and the tears start coming faster and this gets the attention of all the others.
Amanda leans back and kisses Alexis soundly in front of everyone including the boys since their sparklers have gone out. Breaking from the kiss Amanda whispers into Alexis's lips. "Marry me."
Everyone has heard this one since everyone is paying attention only to them now and everyone has stopped breathing.
As Alexis starts crying. "Canada has allowed same sex marriages since July 2005. We can marry in Montreal." Amanda whispers into her lips which are still only a fraction of an inch away from hers.
Alexis' answer is to kiss Amanda and deepen the kiss by having her tongue ask for entrance. This gets everyone to erupt into applause. Jenn and L grab each other and start to cry, while Don and Tom wrap their arms around their respective wives. Natalie comes up behind Kate and does her best to wrap her arms around Kate despite her own baby bump. "Our family is getting bigger and bigger all the time." Natalie comments in her ear.
When Alexis and Amanda break from the kiss Rick comes up and puts an arm around both of them. "We are all behind you 100% every day all the time, no questions asked." Rick kisses both of them on the side of the head.
Jim steps up and takes hold of Amanda. "I know your parents are gone but I'm sure they would be happy for you and if you'll let me, it would be an honor to walk you down the aisle. Or whatever it is that we do."
Now it's Amanda's turn to cry as she hugs Jim.
After the fireworks are over everyone gathers around the fire pit to talk and tell stories and roast marshmallows over the open fire.
Long after everyone has gone to bed and the last clouds of smoke escape the fire pit, two large wisps of smoke escape up into the heavens one last time with huge smiles hidden in the smoke.